Detroit's Tiger Stadium

Word comes that Tiger Stadium in Detroit is due to meet the wrecking ball. There have been efforts to preserve the old ballpark, or at least to keep some portion of the hallowed grounds as a monument to all the famous ballplayers who strolled the outfield, roamed the infield, and valiantly threw from Detroit's pitcher's mound. Yet, the park is destined for demolition.

It does not take much thought for a city to preserve their historical parks, if not just for the past memories, but for the future of the game itself. With emphasis on Reviving Baseball in the Inner City (RBI) programs, don't those kids need a place to play? And wouldn't a historical site be just the ticket? If there was ever a reason to keep the park in some form, that sure seems to be logical.

Perhaps it is unreasonable to expect the towering grandstands to be kept, but the field itself would be a proud testament to past generations, and a practical place to play for future ones.

Much has been said about Birmingham and its old ballpark, Rickwood Field. Lots of games are played there each year, and the city takes great care of it. Many youngsters must enjoy playing on dirt and grass that Willie Mays and other ballplayers did, too.

We keep taking thrills away from our kids, don't we?