The Detroit Tigers kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month and paid tribute to the contributions of Latino players and coaches to the game of baseball by hosting Hispanic Heritage Night on Friday, Sept. 13, the 19th annual ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration on Saturday, Sept. 14 and Roberto Clemente Day on Sunday, Sept. 15.
The Tigers took two out of three games from their American League rival Baltimore Orioles over the weekend series including a pitching gem that came within one out of a combined no hitter by four pitchers on Friday night!
“We are excited to celebrate ¡Fiesta Tigres! with our passionate fans, players and coaches of Latin American descent, as well as the vibrant city of Detroit,” said Tigers Vice President of Marketing Asia Gholston. “It’s a special day to honor the rich cultural contributions and baseball legacies of our Latin American community.”
Throughout the Baltimore series, the Tigers distributed more than 1,500 tickets to local Hispanic organizations as part of the ¡Fiesta Tigres! celebration. All three games were broadcast in Spanish presented by Priority. Notably, Taqueria El Rey Mexican fare was featured for fans’ culinary delights.
Friday, Sept. 13: Game Changers Awards
The Tigers and Comerica Bank hosted a private pregame reception honoring four metro Detroit community members as 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month Game Changers, including Dr. Jorge Chinea, Frank Venegas, Joann Chavez and Ray Lozano. Each honoree received $1,000 to donate to the organization of their choice along with tickets to Friday’s game for their guests. Mexican American singer Frankie J performed a postgame concert prior to the Friday Night Fireworks and he threw out the ceremonial first pitch. Final Score: Tigers 1, Orioles.
Saturday, Sept. 14: Fiesta Tigres Fan Giveaways
The first 15,000 fans ages 21 and older received a “Tigres” soccer jersey giveaway, courtesy of Miller Lite and multiple Latin American bands and a roaming mariachi band performed throughout the Comerica Park concourse. Former Tigers All-Star catcher and broadcaster Alex Avila was recognized as 2024 ¡Fiesta Tigres! honoree in pregame ceremony. Final Score: Orioles 4, Tigers 2.
Sunday, Sept. 15: Salute to Tiger pitcher Tarik Skubal, 2024 Roberto Clemente Award Nominee in a pregame, on-field ceremony. Skubal and his wife, Jessica, have been incredibly active off the field throughout Tarik’s career in Detroit, highlighted by their support for Alternatives for Girls, an organization that seeks to empower homeless and at-risk young women by providing critical interventions and support. Final Score: Tigers 4, Orioles 2.
Detroit Tigers Game Changers for 2024
The Detroit Tigers honored four Hispanic Heritage Month Game Changers before Friday night’s game at Comerica Park. From left, Tiffany Harrington, VP of Corporate Partnership Activations for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, awardees Dr. Jorge Chinea, Frank Venegas, Joann Chavez and Ray Lozano, and on far right, Sineria Ordóñez, Vice President, External Affairs, National Hispanic Business Development Manager for Comerica Bank. Photo credit: Ilitch Sports + Entertainment.
