Ilitch Could Be a Champion at Michigan and Trumbull
By DAVE MESREY

Everyone knows about the great things the Ilitch family has done for Detroit — how they restored the Fox and how they helped the Wings win three Stanley Cups. But not everyone knows about the great work of Ilitch Charities for Children. These are all admirable achievements for which they deserve major-league kudos.

But what about the current state of Tiger Stadium and Mike Ilitch’s role in its future?

Since 1999, the ballpark, which is owned by the City of Detroit, has sat mostly vacant — its girders growing rustier by the day. Yes, perhaps the stadium must go — at least the majority of it. But what’s stopping Ilitch from saving at least part of it? Perhaps this is an opportunity for him to preserve what’s arguably the most significant piece of history in Michigan.

What does Ilitch want his great-grandchildren to see when they visit the corner of Michigan and Trumbull? The hulking eyesore that sits there today? 

Ilitch should instead think of his roots — of the day the Tigers drafted him as a sure-handed young shortstop — and lead the effort to save the structure. He should think of Ty Cobb and Willie Horton and Al Kaline and Mark "The Bird" Fidrych. Of 1968 and 1984 and of all the sights and sounds and smells from that historic intersection.

And then he should think of the mourning and melancholy of Sept. 27, 1999 — the day it all came to an end.

He should think, too, of Ebbets Field and how Brooklynites wept when their beloved ballpark crumbled under the wrecking ball.

It doesn’t have to end like that here.

For inspiration, Ilitch need only look to the old Hudson’s warehouse. Part of it was demolished, yes, but the remainder serves today — not as a black mark on our history — but as the cornerstone of Ford Field.

Ilitch should seek advice from his "special advisers" — Horton and Kaline. Ask them what they’d like to see. He should talk to Kirk Gibson and Jeff Daniels and all the movers and shakers in Michigan who can make things happen.

What harm could it do Ilitch to host a private symposium on the future of this beloved American ballpark? He can still save a small part of it — and a big part of his legacy. How about the Mike Ilitch Museum of Detroit Baseball History — at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull? 

There, he can display his tremendous collection of baseball memorabilia — and even charge an admission fee. The museum could re-create what it was like to see the Tigers throughout history. Fans both young and old could see films of all the great Tigers and their historic rivals like Babe Ruth and Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio.

Fans from near and far could hear Harry Heilmann on the radio once again. They could experience Ernie Harwell and George Kell and Paul Carey, and relive our tremendous baseball tradition. And when they’re done, they could hop on a shuttle to Comerica Park and see today’s Tigers in action.

Ilitch would get what he wants, the fans would get what they want, and perhaps we’d all win in the end.