Calendar

Most Read

Print Email

Opening Day Issue

Inge Season

The Tigers third baseman, Detroit and Opening Day

Photo: Cover illustration: Justin Rose, License: N/A

Cover illustration: Justin Rose


2011 Opening Day Issue

By Sandra Svoboda

Published: April 6, 2011

MT: So you're not worried about how the team started?

Inge: Nope. I'm not worried about that. I don't hold much to the beginning of the season. It's not how you start, it's how you finish.

MT: What did you do this last off-season to be ready for 2011? Was there any special conditioning for your knees after the surgeries in 2009-2010?

Inge: I feel great. I stayed in Saline. I played a lot of hockey and kept my legs in shape. I'm enjoying that.

MT: Hockey?

Inge: Yeah, I've never played hockey before. Never. My kids got into it a little bit so I had to learn it. It's great for your legs, great for conditioning. It's something I enjoy doing, and I got to spend time with my boys.

MT: Speaking of other sports, your alma mater, Virginia Commonwealth University, made it to the Final Four but got knocked out Saturday while you were on the field in New York. Did you get to catch any of that game?

Inge: No, it was done by the time we got back to the hotel. I'm proud of them though.

MT: What are your expectations for the Tigers this year?

Inge: We kind of have a good mind-set, kind of like we did in '06; we're trying to take one game at a time and play as hard as we can for that particular game. All those other silly goals will take care of themselves. Some people try and put numbers on things; it doesn't work that way. You play for your city and you play for your team. That's what will win ball games. You don't ever give up. We're not setting goals and putting numbers on things.

MT: You as a player are considered the most versatile, but has that been a blessing and a curse for you?

Inge: You have to adapt in this game to any situation that comes up. I was fortunate in that my parents let me play a lot of different sports when I was growing up. I think that helped. But, yeah, when we sign a Pudge Rodriguez [who replaced Inge at catcher in 2004] or a Miguel Cabrera [who originally replaced Inge at third base before moving to first], I have to go where I can go to survive. I've always been a team player and wherever I can help out the ball club, that's what's OK by me.

MT: And really? No special superstitions or rituals, even for Opening Day?

Inge: Nope. I just make sure I enjoy every second of the home opener. It's fun to get out there in front of our city and our fans.

Previous Page 1 2
We welcome user discussion on our site, under the following guidelines:

To comment you must first create a profile and sign-in with a verified DISQUS account or social network ID. Sign up here.

Comments in violation of the rules will be denied, and repeat violators will be banned. Please help police the community by flagging offensive comments for our moderators to review. By posting a comment, you agree to our full terms and conditions. Click here to read terms and conditions.
comments powered by Disqus