Over the past 30 years, the most beloved sports teams in Detroit, are the underdog team that has a blue collar work ethic.  The 1984 Tigers, 1989 and 90 Pistons “Bad Boys”, 2003 Pistons, and  the Red Wing’s just about every year.  These teams were our teams.  They came to work everyday, did not have any problem getting dirty. Their leaders are legends in Detroit lore, Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Lambeer, Steve Yzerman, Kirk Gibson, Alan Trammel, Chauncey Billups, and Ben Wallace.  Detroit embraces the teams were they can see themselves being just like the guys on the team out there.  Last year during the 2009 Final Four in Detroit there was a lot of talk about how Michigan State Universities Men’s Basketball team was helping the city of Detroit.  Even if it was for a few days, they were up lifting the city.  It was a great event, and downtown Detroit, never looked better in my lifetime.  The city was alive.  I am still a believer that sports are a great escape from life for a few hours, but they are just entertainment.  But maybe there are lessons to be learned from sports that can effect a city. 

Last night again Michigan State’s Men’s Basketball team made it to the Final Four, this year in Indianapolis.  Out of the 6 Final Fours that they have made in the past 12 years, this may have been the toughest, and the most rewarding.  MSU started the year as the number 2 team in the country, and had a very up and down year.  Sometimes looking really good, while other times looking like a mediocre team.  Then in the second game of the tournament, their best player had a season ending injury.  The team rallied around each other to play as a team again, and began winning games that most thought were not winnable.  They worked together, picked each other up when needed, and as time ran down in the games they stuck together through the tough times.  If they do not win the NCAA National Championship on Monday April 5, they still deserve a standing ovation, and they leave the college basketball world excited for next year to see what this team can really accomplish.

Can the people of Detroit learn something from the 2009-10 Spartans.  I think that it only takes a few to start a trend.  Neighbors shoule work together to help improve their block.  The metro Detroit area can help pick up Detroit while it is down.  Make an extra trip to Detroit to go shopping, eat dinner, see a show.  Try to purchase products that are made in Detroit.  Work on not talking bad about Detroit, instead try to tell something nice about Detroit to everyone you meet.  Nobody else is going to help Detroit make a comeback, it is up to us, team Metro Detroit.  We all know there is a lot to offer in this area, lets just spread the word.

Dear Lions;

I am a big believer in tradition and for the past 50+ years my family has been season ticket holder for your football team.  We have had seats on the 40 yard line behind the your bench since you played in Briggs stadium.  (I think it was Briggs at the time)  I am the third generation of my family to have these tickets.  My grandfather took my dad and uncle to the games, to sit in below freezing weather to support you.  Granted that back in those days the product on the field was worth sitting in the cold weather to watch.  Then later when I was born my grandfather and father would take my brother and I to games.  Three years ago I got the honor of taking over the tickets, and going to games with my dad.  I have to admit every season has been harder and harder to be excited for.  My ticket price has rose 33% over the time that I started to own the tickets.  The team also went from 7-9 to 2-14, not to mention the 0 for that happened in 2008.  Last year it was very hard to get up on Sunday and go to your games.  The best part was having brunch with my father before the games.  I have come to the realization that I do not need a football game to have brunch with my dad.  So I am no longer a season tickets holder of your franchise.  I am going to have to start a new tradition.

Sincerely

A true born and bred Detroit Sports Fan

Sports for me, are a way to release stress from my life, I love the high I get when playing them, and even get a great buzz, from watching them on TV.  Just as sporting events are a way for me to escape my life for a few hours, they also are a great avenue for the State of Michigan to show the world exactly who we are.  Michigan has hosted some of the most elite sporting events in the world.  US Open, World Cup, Super Bowl,  All-Star Games, NBA Finals, World Series, NHL Stanely Cup finals, Rider Cup,  NCAA Final Fours, plus many many more.  We are home to  four major sports teams, two high profile college programs, eight mid-major college programs, and three minor league baseball franchises.  All these different sporting events give us a chance to show the world what Michigan is all about.  They bring people here from around the world, and gives us the chance to change our reputation.  Michigan is not taking advantage of our chance.  Let’s use this platform to show the world that we are a great State, and let them see all the Wonders of Michigan.