Fans flock to Comerica Park to watch the Tigers

Anticipation is building in the Motor City as the Detroit Tigers inch ever closer to a spot in the American League Division Series and a chance to win the American League pennant.

Standing in their way is Game 4 against the Cleveland Guardians at 6:08 p.m. at Comerica Park. If the Tigers win, they're in. If not, the series will be a matter of life and death in Game 5 in Cleveland on Saturday.

More: Jason Benetti of the Detroit Tigers explains the nickname “Gritty Tigs.”

Tigers fans turned out in full force for Game 3 on Wednesday, setting a Comerica Park record for postseason attendance (44,885). If that's any indication, Game 4 will be loud and busy downtown.

We're following all the fan action in downtown Detroit for Game 4.

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Mianna Loude, 16, of Detroit, is a member of the Detroit Youth Choir. She and her choir mates were on the field before the game to sing the national anthem. And many of them, including Mianne, stayed to watch the game.

“I’m pretty sure we’re going to win,” she said.

She admitted she wasn't a die-hard fan, but said she enjoyed the thrill of the playoff run.

“I represent my city. I’m here to support good,” she said.

–John Wisely

Shawn Hillard, 48, of Livonia, wanted tickets to Game 3. But he waited too long. Then, when he looked for the best available seats for Game 4 for three people, they were in Section 345, Row 20 – upper level, last row, back corner; This is how far up and way over at Comerica Park you can walk down the third base line.

Hillard's wife had other plans with friends, so Hillard's college friend Neil Cassabon, 47, of Utica, accompanied him and his 13-year-old son, Brennan.

The action on the pitch was far below them, but the quality of the view from up there might surprise fans.

“It’s about the experience, not necessarily the proximity,” Shawn Hillard said.

“The only thing is that you can’t see the huge scoreboard from here.”

– Keith Matheny

Mark Wise, 61, of Westlake, Ohio, is a Guardians season ticket holder.

He is a sales representative for golf ball manufacturer Titleist and was working in Toledo when he spontaneously decided to drive to Detroit for the game.

“When I got to the gate, I pulled up the MLB app and found a general admission ticket,” he said. “I made it, but my credit card wasn’t accepted because I’m not from Michigan.”

He asked a supervisor for help.

“He said, 'Come with me,' and took me to a scalper,” he remembers. “I gave the guy $150 and he walked me straight to the gate, scanned the thing and I went straight in. It was cheaper than the app.”

He said Detroit fans were friendly despite his loyalty and he would definitely come back.

He expects a Game 5 in Cleveland.

–John Wisely

Kyle and Erin Flood, both 39, of Mason, are Red Wings season ticket holders.

They planned pucks in the Red Wings' season opener tonight at Little Caesars Arena.

“But then my colleague had tickets to the Tigers playoff game tonight and couldn’t go,” she said.

“We couldn’t turn it down,” Kyle said.

With the Wings pushing their start time to 8 p.m., the pair is hoping for a Tigers-Red Wings double-dip.

But when they have to choose?

“I’m a die-hard Red Wings fan, but it has to be this way,” Kyle said, pointing to the field at Comerica Park.

“We’re not leaving until this is done.”

– Keith Matheny

Scott Brozowski, 53, a Warren resident and originally from Imlay City, started going to Tigers games in 1978 as a 7-year-old.

“In my first game, Ron LeFlore hit a bases-loaded walk-off single in the 10th inning to beat the White Sox,” he said. “I was addicted for life.”

At some point, Brozowski combined his love for the Tigers with his love for the color orange.

“There came a time when I said, 'I'm going to the ballpark in all orange, baby. I don't care what people think,'” he said. “But people loved it.”

This is how Tigers superfan Orange Flair was born.

Wearing an orange suit, an orange brimmed hat, orange glasses, an orange bow tie and, well, everything orange, Brozowski is well-loved by his fans.

“In real life, I’m an introvert,” he said. “But this will be like my alter ego.”

Brozowski estimates that at least 40 fans took photos with him at Comerica during the Sept. 27 game, when the Tigers entered the playoffs with a win against the Chicago White Sox.

“They are memories I would never have had otherwise,” he said.

— Keith Matheny

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