WATCH: Detroit Tigers honor superfan on field with unforgettable moment to celebrate playoff qualification
The Detroit Tigers sealed their maiden postseason appearance in a decade with the 4-1 home win over their division rivals the Chicago White Sox at Comerica Park on Friday. Expectedly, the team celebrated the accomplishment, but the Tigers made it a memorable occasion by asking one of their hardcore fans to join the team for the celebrations.
The Foul Territory podcast uploaded a short video of the incident on X. Here's the video:
Several Detorit Tigers players had requested the ballpark security to bring Josh Tebeau onto the field to celebrate with the team after they had secured an unlikely berth in the playoffs.
Tebeau had regularly held out a sign reading 'Don't let the Tigers stay hot' inside Comerica Park as the team launched an outstanding run to the postseason during the second half of the season.
“It’s the coolest thing that’s ever happened to me. I’m the luckiest, most grateful person in the world,” Tebeau said in an interview with Bally Sports Detroit the next day.
“You know what though? This isn’t about me. It’s about the team, and we ain’t done.”
This is the first time the Detroit Tigers will play a postseason game since 2014. Although they aren't perceived to be a genuine contender for the World Series, they have one of the best records heading into the playoffs.
Detroit Tigers' remarkable run to the playoffs
Despite starting the season with high hopes, the Detroit Tigers seemed well out of playoff contention after languishing in fourth place in the American League Central with a 47-50 record at the All-Star break. However, they have been among the best teams in the MLB since then, posting a .600 winning percentage in the later part of the campaign.
As per Fangraphs, the Tigers only had a 0.2% chance of reaching the playoffs at the start of August. Nevertheless, they went on a 34-19 run over the last couple of months, including a .680 winning percentage in September.
However, the Tigers lost their final two games of the regular season, which means they are seeded sixth in the playoff standings. As a result, they will take on AL West winners the Houston Astros in a three-game Wild Card later this week.