| By Jason Beck- MLB.com Welcome to the Tigers Beat newsletter! This edition features a lead item from Melanie Martinez-Lopez, an MLB Digital Content Diversity Fellow, who covered the Tigers’ win over the Yankees at Sunday’s Little League Classic: WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Yosmin Funtes Chavez was starstruck as he sat on the Williamsport City Bus. It was no ordinary bus ride. Cuba’s Little League right fielder sat at arm’s length behind Tigers shortstop Javier Baéz. “It’s very exciting, because I met Javy Báez, the best player in MLB,” the 12-year-old said in Spanish. It was an unforgettable experience for both Little League and Major League players as they rode the bus to the Little League International Complex on Sunday ahead of the Tigers’ 3-2 walk-off win over the Yankees at the 2024 Little League Classic. Chavez, along with his teammates and the Southwest Region players, sat with Báez and Andy Ibañez — a Cuba native — and other Tigers players. They asked the shortstop questions about baseball and got autographs. The 12-year-old and his teammate, Brett Cabrera, both got their cellphones signed by Báez. “It’s really special. It’s the second time I’ve done this, I came with the team I was with before,” Báez said in Spanish. “It was a different experience. It’s a dream [of the kids] to see us in person and ask questions and talk with us.”Cuba’s players listened carefully, hanging onto every word the Puerto Rico native said. They also bonded over their shared Caribbean culture and style of play. “Caribbean baseball is a little more aggressive I would say, with more mischief, with more ‘Caribbean flavor’ as we like to call it,” Báez said. “El Mago” previously participated in the 2019 Little League Classic with the Cubs — who played against the Pirates. He was voted the Little Leaguers’ favorite MLB player in his first appearance. Báez continued to be a fan favorite in ‘24 and he knew what to do. As he explored the complex, kids would flock to him to catch a glimpse of the two-time All-Star. He often stopped to sign autographs, take photos and answer questions. “It makes me happy to see the happiness on their faces and excitement when they see ballplayers like us,” the 31-year-old Báez said. “It’s their dream to be in our place. So, we encourage them to stay on the right path and to continue working hard to get there.” |
| As a child, Báez did not play in the Little League World Series. Even though he never got the opportunity, he is excited for the next generation of Caribbean ballplayers to play in Williamsport. “It’s something different,” Báez said. “When I was a kid, I did not have this opportunity, so hopefully, they take full advantage and enjoy it.” Cuba’s Little League team has done just that. Chavez said they worked hard in Cuba to get to Williamsport and compete in the Little League World Series. Interacting with the Major League players, watching a game with them, and picking their brains made the reward even sweeter, regardless of the tournament’s results. Spending time with the big leaguers and interacting with them has left an impression on Chavez that has only motivated them more for the future. “It inspires you to keep playing ball,” he said. MLB MORNING LINEUP PODCAST |
| GOTTA BE THE SHOES More than a half-dozen Tigers had custom-designed cleats for Players’ Weekend highlighting interests and causes close to their heart, from Tarik Skubal’s Scooby Doo themed cleats to Justyn-Henry Malloy’s tribute to Hank Aaron and Jackie Robinson. The best arguably belonged to reliever Shelby Miller, who used the opportunity to raise awareness for STXBP1, a genetic condition that impacts his four-year-old son Kyler. “I think this is a good way to [raise awareness],” Miller said. “They turned out great.”  Miller’s cleats, designed by artist Sydney James, included a portrait of Kyler in a baseball cap along with his favorite objects, his French bulldog, genetic symbols and a message: Science + Love = CURE. “I really didn’t even want to pitch in them at first,” Miller said. “But then, what’s the point if you’re not getting them out there? These are the coolest cleats I’ve ever had.” For more information, visit the STXBP1 Foundation at stxbp1disorders.org. MINOR LEAGUE UPDATE Triple-A Toledo The Mud Hens are slated to host the Iowa Cubs for six games beginning on Tuesday night at Fifth Third Field after splitting a six-game series at Charlotte. No. 16 prospect Ty Madden struck out eight Knights over six quality innings on Wednesday, giving him 28 strikeouts over 17 2/3 innings in his last three starts. Andrew Navigato went 5-for-21 with three home runs, including two solo homers on Friday.Double-A Erie The SeaWolves visit Bowie this week for a matchup with the Orioles-affiliated BaySox after splitting a six-game homestand against Akron. Jackson Jobe, MLB’s top pitching prospect per MLB Pipeline, fanned nine batters over 11 1/3 innings of two-run ball across two starts, including six scoreless innings on Tuesday and seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 innings on Sunday. Reliever RJ Petit fanned four batters over three scoreless innings across two appearances, stretching his scoreless streak to 16 1/3 innings since July 6.High-A West Michigan The Whitecaps host No. 1 overall Draft pick Travis Bazzana and Lake County for six games beginning Tuesday night after splitting a six-game series at Lansing. No. 6 prospect Thayron Liranzo earned Midwest League Player of the Week honors by going 11-for-18 with three doubles, three home runs, eight RBIs, nine walks and just two strikeouts. Top prospect Max Clark hit his first High-A home run as part of a 6-for-19, three-RBI week that included a double and a triple. Single-A LakelandThe Flying Tigers host Bradenton for six games beginning Tuesday night after going 2-4 at Fort Myers. Hayden Minton struck out six Mighty Mussels over six scoreless innings for his fourth win of the season. |
