The Detroit Tigers proudly hosted the 22nd annual Negro Leagues Weekend, presented by Comerica Bank, when the Los Angeles Dodgers visited Comerica Park this past weekend, and the fun and festive activities did not disappoint on or off the field.
As the Tigers held this annual tradition that marks the longest-running weekend celebration of its kind in Major League Baseball, they also won the three-game series, 2-1, over the NL West-leading Dodgers.
Their 11-9 walk-off win on Saturday, July 13, which was the Tigers 28th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game, was one of the most dramatic regular games at Comerica Park when they scored five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to tie the game.
Then Gio Urshela, who entered the game to play first base in the top of the 10th inning, hit the dramatic 2-run game-winning home run in the bottom of the 10th to send the crowd of 40,000 into a frenzy.
Prior to the game, the Tigers recognized former Negro Leagues players on the field with a special ceremony.
On Sunday, July 13, former Tigers outfielder and member of the 2012 American League Championship team, Austin Jackson, who returned to Detroit for Negro Leagues Weekend, received the Willie Horton African American Legacy Award.
Jackson made his MLB debut for the Tigers in April 2010 and played for Detroit from 2010-14, appearing in 670 games and batting .277/.342/.412 with 140 doubles, 43 triples, 46 home runs and 234 RBI. He was a member of the Tigers’ postseason teams in 2011, 2012 and 2013 and led the American League in triples in 2010 and 2011. Jackson won the Fielding Bible Award as the league’s best centerfielder in 2011.
The Tigers distributed complimentary game tickets to local organizations as part of the Negro Leagues Weekend celebration, and 50/50 Raffle proceeds benefited The Black Sports Business Academy. Comerica Bank matched those proceeds.
“As a proud Detroiter, member of the Divine 9 and member of the Tigers family, I am deeply honored to celebrate the rich history and lasting legacy of the Negro Leagues,” said Asia Gholston, Vice President of Marketing for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “This weekend is about more than just baseball; it’s about acknowledging the trailblazing athletes who paved the way and bringing together fans of all backgrounds to celebrate our shared history.”
For Gholston and the Tigers, the weekend was about inviting everyone to Comerica Park to honor incredible players and to experience the vibrant community spirit that makes Detroit so special.
“We are thankful to Comerica Bank for their unwavering support in making this important event a reality,” Gholston continued.
During the pre-game ceremony on Saturday, Comerica Bank also recognized one of its community partners by presenting a donation of $15,000 to the Dr. Ossian H. Sweet Foundation, which uses history and preservation as a roadmap to a brighter future.
The foundation partners with neighboring schools to support academic excellence through scholarship and mentoring, in addition to strengthening the community through programs such as mental health and wellness and financial literacy.
Negro Leagues Weekends is truly a celebration of the past, present and future.
“Each year, Negro Leagues Weekend delivers special moments to reflect on the impact and legacy paved by our beloved African American baseball trailblazers and pioneers,” said Kevin Watkins, Comerica Bank Vice President-External Affairs Market Manager and National African American Business Development Manager. “As we partner with the Detroit Tigers on a weekend-long celebration that spans more than two decades, we do so with honor and excitement to pay homage to the legends of the past and celebrate the greats of today and future generations creating new legacies that inspire the game and their communities.”
Fans arrived at Comerica Park and enjoyed many activities throughout Negro Leagues Weekend.
DJ Mo Beatz – Big Sean’s official DJ – entertained on the Comerica Landing all weekend long. The “Walk of Stars,” similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, highlighted the historic achievements of former Detroit Stars players. A True Black History Museum exhibit highlighted the history of the Negro Leagues and the Detroit Stars. Several Negro Leagues and Detroit Stars-themed photo opportunities were available throughout the Comerica Park concourse.
Negro Leagues Weekend led off with the seventh annual Negro Leagues Legacy Luncheon, presented by Comerica Bank, on Friday, July 11. The private event welcomed former Negro Leagues players back to Detroit and honored Austin Jackson.
Prior to Friday’s series opener, the annual “Passing of the Bat” ceremony celebrated African American baseball players and their contributions to baseball. The ceremony featured a symbolic “torch passing” from a former Negro Leagues player to several generations of former and current African American Tigers players. The bat was then presented to two local youth players, U of D Jesuit 2024 graduate Dylan Larkins and Edison 2024 graduate Marwynn Matthews.
Larkins is committed to play college baseball at Georgetown, while Matthews will play at Western Michigan.
On Saturday, the first 15,000 fans in attendance received a retro Detroit Stars hat, presented by Comerica Bank. Fans participated in a pregame Q&A with former Negro Leagues players and influencers. Negro Leagues historian Larry Lester moderated the panel, and joining him on state included Johnny Walker, Minnie Forbes, Ron Teasley, Charles Willis, Clinton Forge, Tommy Hayes, Reginald Howard, Bill Hill and Dr. D’Wayne Edwards.
Saturday’s pregame on-field ceremony honoring former Negro Leaguers also included a performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Rosilyn Stearnes-Brown and Joyce Stearnes Thompson, daughters of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes.
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