Former Detroit Tigers outfielder Curtis Granderson is making a return to Comerica Park, but this time as a broadcaster for TBS during the Tigers’ matchup with the Boston Red Sox.
Before the game, Granderson reflected on coming back to the ballpark where his MLB journey started and offered his insights on the current state of the Tigers.
Revisiting Comerica Park
Granderson shared his enthusiasm about calling a game at Comerica Park, describing it as a surreal moment to be back in the same ballpark—but this time as a broadcaster rather than a player.
He recalled his first taste of broadcasting with TBS after the 2007 season, which planted the seed for a post-playing career in media.
“I think it was after the ’07 season—we didn’t make the playoffs—and I got asked to come to TBS to do a couple games and some pre and post, and I enjoyed it,” Granderson said.
“I thought, ‘You know what, this might be something cool to do once my playing days are over.’
“And here we are—I’ve had the chance to stick with TBS, and my first game this year is at Comerica. It’s just such a cool full-circle moment.”
Memories of Center Field
Reflecting on his early days with the Detroit Tigers, Curtis Granderson recalled a pivotal moment when then-general manager Dave Dombrowski asked if he could handle playing center field at Comerica Park—then known for its daunting 438-foot center field.
“I remember Dave Dombrowski coming up to me and he said, ‘Hey, do you think you can play center field here?’ And I’m scared to death,” Granderson admitted.
He noted how overwhelming the sheer size of the outfield initially felt, but credited outfield coach Andy Van Slyke for the demanding training that helped him adapt to the vast terrain.
“You don’t really get a grasp of how much ground there is, but now utilizing your analytics team for your organization hopefully helps you be more strategically placed on where you think the ball might be hit,” Granderson added.
During his time with the Tigers from 2004 to 2009, Granderson emerged as a dynamic and well-rounded player, combining speed, power, and defensive prowess. In 2007, he joined a select group of players in MLB history to achieve at least 20 doubles, 20 triples, 20 home runs, and 20 stolen bases in a single season—a testament to his elite athleticism.
Granderson finished his Tigers career with a .272 batting average, 102 home runs, 299 RBIs, and 67 stolen bases. His exciting style of play and contributions on both sides of the ball made him a fan favorite and a central figure in the Tigers’ resurgence, including their run to the 2006 World Series.
Observations on the 2025 Tigers
Curtis Granderson drew comparisons between the current Tigers squad and the 2006 team he helped lead to the World Series, noting similar trajectories in terms of a strong start followed by a tough stretch of games.
“They’re going to play them—Cleveland, St. Louis, Toronto, Kansas City—all teams at or above .500,” Granderson said. “And it’s gonna finally test them, which is exactly where we were almost at the same time in 2006. So I think the cool thing about that is it’s a chance to see: Are we legit?”
He emphasized that the upcoming schedule would be a crucial benchmark for determining whether this year’s team is a serious contender.
Granderson also praised the Tigers’ more complete and balanced approach in 2025, highlighting improvements in both pitching and power hitting that set them apart from recent seasons.
“This 2025 [team], this is a different squad,” he said. “This team not only pitches, but they’re gonna hit, and they’re going to hit the ball out of the ballpark.”
Speaking with the Detroit Free Press‘ Evan Petzold, Granderson also commended manager A.J. Hinch for his leadership and ability to keep the team focused and grounded.
“We can’t worry about what everyone else is doing. We can’t worry about what Cleveland just did if we’re not playing Cleveland,” Granderson said. “Being able to relax and control the things you can control is one of the things A.J. Hinch is doing a great job of.”
Perspective on Javy Báez
Commenting on Javy Báez’s recent shift to center field, Curtis Granderson acknowledged the difficulty of transitioning from the infield to the outfield but praised Báez’s athleticism and ability to adapt.
“I think one of the things that people forget—his athletic skill set on the infield and what he’s been able to do as a Cub, as a Met, as a Tiger—that can translate,” Granderson said.
He suggested the position change could benefit Báez overall, allowing him to play with more freedom and potentially reigniting his offensive production.
“It gives him an opportunity to go back out there and just have fun, and I think you’re seeing it also translate offensively for him,” Granderson added.
As he returns to Comerica Park in a broadcasting role, Granderson brings both nostalgia and insight—offering Tigers fans a unique perspective that connects the team’s past to its present and future.
