The Kalamazoo Growlers, a proud charter franchise of the Northwoods League, recently announced a special promotion for Brandon Inge Night on Thursday, July 10 at Homer Stryker Field.
Inge, an All‑Star, fan‑favorite former Detroit Tiger, will wear many hats that night, including setting the Growlers’ lineup, coaching first base, and prepping the team for a showdown with regional rival Battle Creek Battle Jacks.
This one-day coaching contract is more than just a novelty. It’s a spirited nod to Inge’s long baseball career and his connection to Michigan. It aims to deepen local ties, reignite regional rivalries, and bring some “’06 Tigers magic” to Kalamazoo, per Growlers owner Brian Colopy.
Inge was one of the top requested Tigers players by fans.
“[I’m] absolutely flattered. And, honestly, I’m totally floored by it. I really appreciate that,” Inge said. “Kalamazoo, [I] can’t wait to coach your Growlers. See you at the game.”
The Legacy of Brandon Inge
Inge’s name resonates strongly among Detroit sports fans. Over his 13-year MLB career, he became known for his versatility, playing every position except pitcher, and for his commitment and passion on the field.
Although he began his professional journey as a catcher, Inge quickly transitioned into one of the most reliable third basemen in the league, combining sharp defensive skills with occasional power at the plate.
Highlights from Inge’s career include being selected for the 2009 MLB All-Star Game and participating in that year’s Home Run Derby, as well as his significant role in the Tigers’ 2006 run to the World Series, which marked one of the franchise’s most celebrated seasons since the 1984 championship. Inge finished his career with over 1,500 games played and more than 1,100 hits.
Detroit fans fondly remember Inge’s blue-collar attitude, his workmanlike approach, and his love for the game. Now, Kalamazoo fans will get the chance to reconnect with him on a more personal level, as he steps onto the field not as a player, but as a coach guiding young collegiate talent.
Adding another layer of interest to Inge’s story is the fact that his passion for baseball clearly runs in the family. His son, Tyler, has been following in his father’s footsteps on the diamond.
Tyler is an infielder for the University of Michigan, having made his collegiate debut on February 16, 2025. Honoring his father’s legacy, he proudly wears number 15 on his jersey, the same number Brandon wore during his time with the Tigers.
Tyler’s skills and steady progress have started to catch the eyes of scouts and generate buzz in college baseball circles, fueling speculation among Michigan fans about whether he might one day follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a professional career.
A Community Affair
Leading up to the event, the Growlers will host an online auction featuring signed memorabilia like bats, jerseys, hats, and baseballs.
The proceeds from these sales will benefit the Jr. Growlers Baseball Academy, a developmental program designed for players aged 8 through 18. This academy aims to elevate baseball skills and knowledge for young athletes, reinforcing the Growlers’ commitment to growing the game at the grassroots level.
Fans attending the game on July 10 will enjoy several unique opportunities to interact with Inge. He is slated to participate in a pre-game autograph session, share insights from his career, and remain accessible throughout the evening for photos and conversations.
After the game, a special meet-and-greet session will allow fans to hear stories directly from Inge and celebrate the memorable evening together.
A Polarizing Figure in Tigers History
Among Tigers fans, opinions about Inge often split down the middle. For many, he symbolizes the scrappy underdog spirit of the early 2000s Tigers, a player who played through injuries and offered dependable defense when the team was clawing its way back to respectability. His hustle, willingness to do the dirty work, and visible passion for Detroit endeared him to countless fans, especially during the Tigers’ 2006 World Series run.
However, another sizable segment of the fan base grew frustrated with Inge, particularly in his later seasons. Critics pointed to his streaky offensive production, his tendency to struggle at the plate during key stretches, and what some perceived as complaints about shifting roles as the Tigers added bigger bats to their lineup.
To those fans, Inge sometimes represented the frustration of a team on the brink of greatness, but unable to get over the final hurdle. His release in 2012 was, for many, the closing of a chapter that had worn thin.
This dual legacy makes his return to Michigan baseball all the more compelling. For some, Brandon Inge Night will be a nostalgic trip back to a beloved era. For others, it may be a chance to see a player who once sparked fierce debates about his role and worth to the team.
Regardless of which side fans fall on, there’s no denying that Inge left a significant imprint on Tigers history, and that he remains a name people still talk about more than a decade after his departure.
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