iFolloSports.com Interview: Lou Whitaker

Early in the baseball season, I sat down with legendary Detroit Tigers 2B Lou Whitaker for an exclusive interview. The conversation took place at Taylor Town Trade Center, in the Detroit suburb of Taylor, Michigan. Whitaker was in attendance for an autograph signing event.

Lance: Last season, the Tigers held the 30th Anniversary of the 1984 World Series Championship team. What was it like reuniting with your teammates?

Lou: Great. Not only was the '84 guys there, but you had some players from the '68 team. Always good to see (Chet) Lemon, (Larry) Herndon, (Alan Trammell) Tram. Good to see guys you work, played with. You know, it was our job. Always good to think back on those days, talk, reminisce, you know, it was 30 years ago. Always fun.

Lance: What are your expectations for this team (2015 Detroit Tigers)?

Lou: I'm not there every day. I make it out to about 3-4 games during spring training with my friends. I like their center fielder (Rajai Davis), shortstop (Jose Iglesias), Ian Kinsler is steady, a rock. J.D. (Martinez) is going to show he has game. Their third baseman (Nick Castellanos) is coming along. Starting pitching is steady. I expect them to compete for their division. 

Lance: What would a World Series win mean to Detroit?

Lou: It's always good when you can compete year after year. You know, (Magglio) Ordonez, Polly (Placido Polanco), those other guys were some of the best teams on paper. I really thought they'd win. Right now, they have some of the best players in the league. Winning a World Series is special, but they're close. They just have to gel together and stay healthy.

You can check out my history with Whitaker, via an article posted on iFolloSports.com last summer.

The five-time All-Star was back in Detroit, on April 26, where he threw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Tigers game versus the Cleveland Indians. The now 58-years-old was honored upon accepting the African American Legacy Award, in conjunction with the 13th annual Negro Leagues Weekend.