GrayRobinson's recent Lakeland Community Leader Forum featured Bill Tinsley, liaison to the Detroit Tigers and Manager of Community Resource Development for the City of Lakeland, and a special appearance by 1980 Baseball Hall of Famer, Al Kaline.
Held Tuesday, March 24, 2015 at the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club before a crowded room, Tinsley spoke of the expansion of Tiger Town, the Detroit Tigers Spring Training facility in Lakeland. Tinsley explained the complete overhaul of Tiger Town, which is set to include a wrap-around concourse view of the field, renovation of the player facilities, a new multi-story clubhouse, rebuilding of the batting cages, and a switch out of the practice field from grass to turf, which will allow for live workouts in the winter months. These improvements are set to be completed by 2016. The three goals of the renovation are to improve the fan experience, to transform Tiger Town into a highly functional year-round training and rehab facility, and to entice the Tigers to sign a long-term lease to stay in Tiger Town. Beginning in 1934, 2015 marks the 79th season the Detroit Tigers have been in Lakeland for Spring Training, solidifying the longest relationship between a major league baseball team and a Spring Training host city.
Special guest and 1980 Hall of Famer Al Kaline spoke briefly on the highlights of his career. Kaline was signed to major league baseball directly from high school and played with the Detroit Tigers all 22 years of his career. After retiring from major league baseball, Al remained active with the Tigers organization and served as one of the play-by-play announcers for the team from 1975-2002. Kaline continues to serve as a special assistant to the Tigers and his duties include coaching and mentoring outfielders during Spring Training season.
Through its Community Leader Forums, GrayRobinson brings together clients, attorneys and friends of the firm to hear high-profile business and community leaders and elected officials discuss issues of importance to the state of Florida.
(Left - Bill Tinsley, Middle - Al Kaline, Right - Lakeland Managing Shareholder David Hallock)
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