I thought long and hard this year about what would be an appropriate project to honor Mr. Wagner's memory. Anyone who knew Mike Wagner, knew he was an avid sports fan and above all, loved baseball and The Detroit Tigers!
I was fortunate enough to have attended several games with Mike, each one has a long list of fun and incredible memories. So, after talking with the staff, the 5th grade students and the Wagner family, we made the decision to re-furbish the ball field area on the playground at Lincoln.
Once the decision was made, I reached out to area field experts to help guide the work that would need to occur. I was overwhelmed by the response! Equipment for the project and a crew of workers to complete the majority of the work will be donated. The district has started the process to upgrade the fencing behind home plate along with adding fencing to other areas around the school.
It was also brought to my attention that Lincoln School has an alumni who recently went to work for the Tigers Organization! Contact with this individual has led to the Tigers donating 2 autographed baseballs for us to auction off. Funds raised will help pay for signage and benches for the field area. Here are pictures of the 2 baseballs available.
The first is signed by Al Kaline! Albert William Kaline, nicknamed "Mr. Tiger", is an American former Major League Baseball right fielder. He is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Kaline played his entire 22-year baseball career with the Detroit Tigers.
The second is signed by Miguel Cabrera! José Miguel Cabrera Torres, commonly known as Miguel Cabrera and nicknamed "Miggy", is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. He is currently the first baseman for the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball.
These baseballs will be on display Wednesday evening during the picnic. On Thursday, I will send out a link that will allow people to bid on these baseball treasures.
By the end of the summer, we hope to have a field that kids and adults will enjoy for years to come.
