Among the ranks of its staff, Bronner’s boasts some of best Detroit Tigers’ fans across the entire Michigan mitten! Deb Shimer, a member of our visual team, is one of them. We talked to Deb recently about her favorite team in Detroit, the boys of summer.
Bronner’s: When and how did you become a Detroit Tigers’ fan?
Deb : I grew up listening to the Tigers’ games at home with my dad on the radio. Ernie Harwell and Paul Carey announced the games then.
Bronner’s: What is your favorite way to follow a Tigers’ game? Live, television or radio?
Deb : All three. But I especially liked listening to the games on WSGW when Ernie and Paul were announcing.
(Above) Wally Bronner and Ernie Harwell pose for a photo during Harwell’s 2003 visit to Bronner’s for a book signing amid Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Festival. (Below) Members of the Bronner family and staff gathered to welcome Ernie and wife Lulu Harwell to Bronner’s.
Bronner’s: Who do you like to watch a Tigers’ game with?
Deb: My family.
Bronner’s: Who is your all-time favorite Tiger?
Deb: I have two: Lou Whitaker and Willie Horton. (Nicknamed “Sweet Lou,” Whitaker played second base for the Tigers from 1977-1995. Willie Horton played left field and was a designated hitter for the Tigers from 1963-1977.)
Bronner’s: Who is your current Tiger favorite?
Deb: J.D Martinez, right fielder
Bronner’s: What is your most memorable Tiger moment or memory?
Deb: The 1984 World Series with Tigers’ pitcher Jack Morris. (Morris pitched two complete-game victories in the World Series against the San Diego Padres and received the Babe Ruth Award for the most outstanding performance in the 1984 postseason. He pitched for the Tigers from 1977-1990.)
Love baseball, too? Read Five Things Baseball Teaches Us About Life.