Macomb Observer

THREE 1968 BASEBALLS STOLEN
FROM DENNY McLAIN: GAMES 28, 30, 31

Three prized game-pitched baseballs from Denny McLain's 31-6 Cy Young Award-winning 1968 season valued by collectors at between $350,000 and "more than $1 million" have been stolen from a bank vault in New Jersey.

"To me, they're priceless," McLain said.

The Tiger great vows to do whatever it takes to recover the three baseballs from his historic 28th, 30th and 31st wins. McLain, 71, now of Howell in Livingston County, was the last Major League pitcher to win more than 30 games --- a feat most experts think will never again be matched in the big leagues.

Stealing these three balls is "like stealing baseball history," McLain said. Purists compare the theft of baseball memorabilia of this importance to taking a Grammy or Academy Award from a musician or movie star.

Before McLain, the last 30-game winner was Dizzy Dean of the Cardinals in 1934. The last time anyone won more games than McLain was in 1902, when Cy Young won 32 games for the Boston Americans.

Betweeen Dean and McLain, only one player came close to winning 30 games --- Tiger lefthander Hal Newhouser, in 1944, when he won 29.

Lawyer Barry Powers, of the Cranbrook Law Group in Bloomfield Hills, says if anyone tries to sell McLain's prized baseballs on Craigslist, eBay or other sites they will be prosecuted for theft. The balls, Powers says, will be recovered from rogue collectors and returned to McLain "at whatever cost necessary" through aggressive prosecution.

"We're not going to kid around," Powers said. "This is grand theft."

Powers says McLain will use police and the court system to catch and prosecute anyone who tries to buy or sell the balls.

"Even though these balls are rightfully Denny's, even when we find out exactly where they are we will not do what O.J. Simpson did," Powers said. "We'll retrieve the balls lawfully and use the courts to punish thieves and anyone abetting them."

Detroit Public Library Celebrates Poetry with New Poetry Series

The Detroit Public Library is launching a new poetry series to continue its year of celebrations in the city of Detroit. The series continues with Saul Williams on April 14 at 6 p.m. at the Main library.

“We are excited to celebrate poetry with some of the most impactful poets of our day,” said Atiim Funchess, library assistant marketing director. “These poets have the ability to articulate thoughts with so much energy and passion to the masses, but yet so eloquently.”

The library will host a total of six poets during the poetry series that places a spotlight on spoken word. The DPL Poetry Series celebrates Poetry in Midtown at the Main library and Poetry in the Community at several library locations. The list of poets includes:

Cherrie Amour – April 11
Keir Jackson – April 11, 25 and 29
Saul Williams – April 14
Mark James Andrews – April 14 and 22
Jessica Care Moore – May 12

All programs are free and open to the public. For information or a complete list of poets in the DPL Poetry Series, visit the library’s website at www.detroitpubliclibrary.org.

Madonna (the hag on top) trashed Rochester today on the Howard Stern program.
What an ingrate!!! You don't do that to your hometown.
Eminem (the cool dude on the bottom) sings in his latest rap how he can never turn his back on DEE-TROIT!!!
I admire Eminem's loyalty.
He's from Warren, you know.
And we're proud he's from here.
When I'm mayor of Warren, we'll have an Eminem Day and give him a key to the city. Are you with me?
--- HAWKE FRACASSA

Detroit Red Wings' Tomas Tatar to Sign Autographs

Detroit Red Wings forward Tomas Tatar will appear at DC SPORTS at Lakeside Mall on March 1, to sign autographs for fans. The appearance will take place at 1:30 p.m.

Autograph costs range from $25 to $30 depending on what is being autographed. Fans can bring items to have autographed or purchase select items at DC SPORTS. Photos and pucks will be available for purchase.

Tomas Tatar was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in 2009 Draft with the 60th overall pick. In his first full season with the Red Wings last year, he finished with 39 points and was second in goals with 19.

This season, Tatar has recorded career-highs in goals (24) and points (44) and tied a career-high 20 assists in just 59 games. His 24 goals leads the team and his 44 points in third.

DC Sports has conducted over 500 autograph sessions with professional athletes in its 25-year history.

DC SPORTS is located near JC Penney on the lower level in Lakeside Mall at 14600 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights, MI 48313.

For more information, please contact DC SPORTS at (586) 566-8331 or detroitcitysports.com or [email protected].