OT: Tigers fan with terminal cancer takes in one last baseball game

Submitted by pasadenablue on

Tigers fan, Tim Simpson, former writer for the Windsor Star and Montreal Gazette, has terminal cancer.  In late June, he took one last trip to Comerica Park to watch his Tigers play.  What the organization did for him that day is absolutely heart warming.

 

http://www.montrealgazette.com/sports/baseball/Dying+Tigers+visits+Field+Dreams/8732567/story.html

 

Being a fan of Tim, his fight, and his story don't require you to be a Tigers fan, a baseball fan, or a sports fan.  Just read it already.

ppudge

August 2nd, 2013 at 2:57 PM ^

This is awesome. I love hearing stories like this. Part of the reason baseball is so special. People complain about outrageous salaries, PEDs, all the things wrong with the game. But when you're at the ballpark and you're just watching "a game" - well, it doesn't get much better than that.

And kudos to the Tigers. First class all the way.

G. Gulo of the Dale

August 2nd, 2013 at 3:05 PM ^

Thanks so much for posting this.  For some reason these stories seem even more special when baseball is involved.  It's a welcome alternative to reading the fiftieth article on PED use.

It's also nice to see Miggy contribute to this man's day.  I remain cautiously optimistic about his commitment to being a model teammate and representative of the organization.  Stories like this sure help.  

LSAClassOf2000

August 2nd, 2013 at 3:05 PM ^

"For a few hours, my cancer wasn’t there. Nothing bad was there. I was at a Tigers game. All was right with the world." - from the letter

I was fine until here, then the sting of those Vidalias being diced in the cubicle next to mine hit my eyes. 

Wonderful gesture by the Tigers and the Tigers' organization. It is awesome to hear when teams do something like this.

Soulfire21

August 2nd, 2013 at 4:23 PM ^

For a few hours, my cancer wasn’t there. Nothing bad was there. I was at a Tigers game. All was right with the world.

It was this, this got me.  I can't imagine how each and every day the thoughts must weigh on you:  I'm going to die or my days are numbered.  To be removed from the gravity of such heavy thoughts must have been the ultimate reprieve.  I'm so happy to hear he got to meet some of the Tigers, watch the practice, and of course see the game.  Absolutely spectacular.

j.o.s.e maizenblue

August 2nd, 2013 at 7:08 PM ^

After a long/crazy week, this story really turned things around... makes you really appreciate the small things in life. My thoughts are with Tim, his family and all others who are fighting a hard battle.

SoCarBlue

August 2nd, 2013 at 7:20 PM ^

Class organization. Although I couldnt follow through, they offered the same thing to me and my family last year during spring training. My Mom and Dad, who has since passed, met my family and I last year in Lakeland to catch a Tigers spring training home stand. Before the last game I approached the events team and asked about doing "something extra special" for my Dad who was battling Terminal Cancer. Although they werent equipt personnel-wise they worked hard to do just that. Unfortuantely my father got sick the night before that game with the Phillies and rushed home to NC for treatment (he always had a thing about being seen by his doctors). Even though my Dad couldnt attend they allowed me to come in at the tail end of BP to get autographs and pix. Miggy was VERY accomodating, I later claim this meeting as the reason for his triple crown that year..lol, so was Rob Brantly who, although a Marlin now, will always be a favorite. It was my Dads last Tigers experience and a memory my family and I will hold forever.

bronxblue

August 2nd, 2013 at 9:42 PM ^

I really need to get someone in this room to clean up; the dust is everywhere.

Great story, tough situation.  Good to see the organization take care of him.

Rico616

August 3rd, 2013 at 12:47 AM ^

That's awesome. The Tigers are a classy organization and I know Mr. Illitch is an owner that reminds his employees to treat the guests with class. I love the Tigers. Great story. I'm glad he enjoyed his day.