It's October... show me the magic, please.

The last year it happened was 1984.

Gibson and Morris, Alan and Lou. All the great players that Tiger baseball legend is made.

Unfortunately in 1984 is about 18 months old and was probably more familiar with a hospital than most people 60 years my senior. The 80's are notorious for the era before the double "S" plagued baseball. Strike and Steroids. Although I was not alive for the strike of '81, it's impact seemed to be far less than the strike of 1994 when a whole season was lost. Within ten years steroids talk and implications of player's juicing was bigger news than who had a legitimate shot of winning the series.

The 2006 season had the making of a memorable year for Tiger's fans. I didn't have the opportunity to enjoy it like I should have. Between coaching, a crazy work schedule, trying to finish college, it was a baseball season that was more of a blur than a memory. In fact in game five when the Cardinal's wrapped up the series I distinctly remember sitting in the Metrodome watching University of Minnesota Morris beat up on Westminster College for their first UMAC Championship. I remember I also fell asleep in my chair several times during what really was an exciting game between two schools that had whipped our butts that year. I was tired.

This season could end it all. All the frustration. All the expectations that ended with disappointment, yet promise of what a new season would bring. I love looking forward to a new season of Tigers baseball. Yes, at 1600 miles from the State of my birth, I still avidly follow the team that holds a special place for many across the "Great Lakes" State.

Although, 1984 isn't a memory for me, I have read Sparky Anderson's Memoirs on the season "Bless You Boys". I was actually completely unaware of the book until my senior year of high school when I was a library aide. When I ran across the book it was as if I couldn't check it out fast enough. I finished it in 24 hours and then reread it in 48 hours. I've always wanted to purchase the book. Although it's current price is a little prohibitive. I guess it just goes to show how many fans out their still live 1984 through that text.

I will commit to one thing, if the Tiger's win it in 2011, I will buy the 1984 copy. To proudly display with my collection of Tigers things, it would be fitting I think.

Back to this season.

I'm not sure that I have witnessed a better game pitched than game 5 of the ALDS. To do that in New York was incredible. Samantha and I sat in the living room with so many knots in our stomach's that I was pretty sure I wouldn't be able to use the facilities for a week. Papa Grande's strikeout on Alex Rodriguez to end it left us cheering loud enough to set off all of the neighborhood dogs, but who cares. If the Tiger's could find a way to win this year I would have to admit that it will be an exciting, yet emotional moment for me, and something I hope my children remember for a very long time, because if it's anything like the current drought, it might not happen again for a very long time.