A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
Curtis Granderson seemed to be disappointed as he rode up to the corner of 10th and French on Wednesday afternoon in his return to Erie, PA.
Granderson was not disappointed in the city, fans, weather, or the ballpark. He was disappointed that Two Friends Italian Market looked as if it was out of business. He was quickly reassured by SeaWolves Radio Broadcaster Greg Gania that the restaurant was still around, it had just moved onto State Street. Granderson smiled and was relieved that he could still get the same pizza sub he remembered so vividly from his playing days in Erie.
Granderson, who roamed centerfield at Jerry Uht Park in 2004, was back in his old stomping grounds to speak to eager fans at the SeaWolves annual Hot Stove Dinner. More than 100 fans attended the event held at the Avalon Hotel and were treated to an evening of good food and great entertainment. It’s not everyday where fans can meet and talk to a big league star and who better than a player that helped lead the Detroit Tigers to their first American League Pennant since the 1984 season.
Local sports personality, Jim LeCorchick, hosted the event and gave fans a few laughs while speaking of his own baseball stories.
The first feature speaker was SeaWolves General Manager John Frey. Frey let fans get a taste of what was to come during the 2007 season, from a bobblehead series featuring Granderson, Joel Zumaya, Justin Verlander and Kurt Airoso, to the return of “Buck Nights” on Monday’s and the New Tuesday Night “Family Buck Nights.” Frey, who spoke to Director of Player Development Glenn Ezell, even let fans in on some of the names that will be on the field this season.
Jon Matlack, Detroit Tigers Minor League Pitching Coordinator, spoke to fans and gave some insight on some of the pitchers who will toe the rubber at the Uht in ’07. Matlack, who spent 13 seasons in the bigs with the Mets and Rangers, has been a part of the great success of a stacked Tigers pitching core over the past few seasons. Under his watch, arms like Verlander, Zumaya, Fernando Rodney, and more have made their way to the majors.
When it was time for the featured speaker of the night, Granderson did not disappoint. The humbled star raved about his great time in Erie and the memories he has cherished since that time. He spoke of the 2004 Erie squad (Last SeaWolves team to make the playoffs) and the success of the Tigers in 2006. He offered further insight about hitting a homerun in Yankee Stadium in the ALCS and how he came about getting the homerun ball returned. He loves the new addition being built at Jerry Uht Park, giving the Park it's own unique appeal to SeaWolves players. Then to the delight of fans, Granderson opened up the floor for questions and a chance to pick the brain of the centerfielder.
Later that night Granderson gathered with SeaWolves front office members watching the evening news. As the sports segment came on the room quieted. During the taped interview, Granderson said it best as he spoke of the great success of the players that have come through Erie…”It All Starts Here!”
