On the road again

Tigers pack hat-stretcher, head for Lakeland

Story by Tom Gage The Detroit News Photos by John T. Greilick The Detroit News

DETROIT -- Including the antique hat-stretcher, the Tigers loaded their equipment truck for spring training Wednesday.

"I'd say it's the oldest thing we pack," clubhouse manager Jim Schmakel said. "It probably goes back to the 1940s, maybe even the 1930s. Either way, of everything that goes on the truck, it's made the most trips to Florida."

Most years, the Tigers load with the lack of fanfare that such a process warrants. When a team wins, however, the routine changes.

This time, there were reporters on hand, a television crew, a radio station and several photographers. This time, the loading of the truck became the first ritual of the new season.

It turns out the Tigers pack two trucks for spring training. The second one, more office-oriented, leaves Friday.

The first one, loaded Wednesday, is the equipment truck -- bats, uniforms, video equipment and the antique, but better-than-ever, hat-stretcher.

"It still works great," Schmakel said.

So, off to Florida it goes -- along with the rest of what the Tigers send. On one truck alone, they send 28,000 pounds of equipment. Furnishings of a large house, said the movers, usually weigh in at 20,000 pounds.

"We don't have to send as much for the weight room as we used to," Schmakel said. "Because there's a year-round facility now at the clubhouse in Lakeland, it's already well-equipped."

But because the Tigers invite more non-roster players than usual, more uniforms -- and bats -- are packed.

Only one hat-stretcher, though.

The oldest, but best darn hat-stretcher in the majors.