Whether it’s a byproduct of Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell using the word “grit” or just the reputation Metro Detroit has, that word could be applied to the Erie SeaWolves. The similarities between Detroit and the city of Erie are tied by baseball and the Great Lakes. Last night’s win for the Erie SeaWolves was a true definition of grit. Not only did they claim their second straight Eastern League crown, they did it without having Hao-Yu Lee, who was one of the biggest catalyst for the offense this season and Jake Holton, who was leading the team in home runs before he broke his wrist.
Much like Detroit, Erie was built on the backbone of manufacturing and shipping. The factories and mills that once dominated the Erie landscape played a pivotal role in the nation’s growth, just as the automotive industry made Detroit the Motor City. As both cities have evolved, so to have their teams, proving that whether it’s rebuilding an economy or a baseball franchise, patience, loyalty, and community are the keys to success that continues to happen for Erie and now, Detroit.
The Motor City powers the Gem City
The connection between the two cities is not just logistical; it’s emotional. Erie fans get a front-row seat to the future of the Tigers. Instead of Ty Madden, Brant Hurter and Tyler Mattison this postseason, it was guys like Austin Bergner, Tyler Owens and Garrett Burhenn getting it done on the pitching staff.
It’s not just one or two prospects that are contributing from minor leagues like in years past, they are coming up in larger groups to Detroit. Manager Gabe Alvarez has made three straight trips to the postseason and has now two championships to show for it. Doesn’t matter the roster, Alvarez has been able to push the right buttons, like leaving Owens in for the six-out save on Tuesday.
Gabe Alvarez is special. Since he took over the @tigers Double-A club, the @erie_seawolves:
2022: 80-58 | SW Division Champs | Lost ELCS in 3 games
2023: 75-62 | SW Division Champs | EL Champs | EL Manager of the Year
2024: 77-58 | SW Division Champs | EL Champs #RepDetroit pic.twitter.com/cAhJqrtcom— Greg Gania (@Greg_Gania) September 25, 2024
Owens and Liam Hicks, who the Tigers acquired in Carson Kelly deal at the trade deadline, both played key roles in this championship run. Hicks went 7-for-15 in the postseason (.467/.579/.667), with three hits in last night’s clincher. Chris Meyers, who has been in either in left, DH or playing first all season, showed his versatility with some of the biggest defensive gems of the season.
There’s punching your ticket to the Eastern League Finals … and then there’s doing it like this 🤯
The @erie_seawolves are headed to the Championship Series for a third straight year after Chris Meyers LAYS OUT to help seal the deal! pic.twitter.com/OI1qdhguP7
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) September 21, 2024
The @erie_seawolves lost their first two games with Liam Hicks behind the plate post-trade.
After that, the team record with him catching was 18-3 including the playoffs. Very impressive run for Liam behind the dish. #RepDetroit https://t.co/mPezniofJd
— Greg Gania (@Greg_Gania) September 25, 2024
Manager A.J. Hinch has been using his whole entire roster to get results, like Alvarez, and getting defensive gems like what Tigers fans have seen with Trey Sweeney and Parker Meadows over the last few weeks. Doesn’t matter who, the next player steps in and plays their role.
Possible three-peat?
Now it is way too early to use that phrase but judging what the Tigers have coming in Max Clark, Kevin McGonigle, Josue Briceno, and Jaden Hamm, the SeaWolves roster in 2025 should be as interesting and filled with prospects who can continue to contribute if health and progression among the prospects continue.
There is a lot to be optimistic for in Detroit, but the same can be said for the Gem City.
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Chris Brown 
Jerry McKennan