Detroit Tigers, wives association go to bat for Mott patients

Updated 4:00 PM July 28, 2003

Detroit Tigers, wives association go to bat for Mott patients

By Kevin Bergquist

Detroit Tigers first-year manager Alan Trammell pens his autograph on a pair of baseballs as Ashley Hamilton, 11, of Kalamazoo admires her new souvenir. (Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

As Brenda Suske of Livonia watched her son, Joe, talking with then-Detroit Tigers pitcher Adam Bernero, she recalled Joe's days as a patient at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital.

Her son suffers from the muscle disease juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) and has had 11 surgeries since being diagnosed six years ago. On July 9, Joe was one of more than 200 guests who attended the Detroit Major Leaguers for Mott picnic at Gallup Park.

"Just look at him," said Suske of her son's improved condition. Joe made his way through the crowd collecting autographs from the 14 players and coaches who attended the first collaboration between Mott and the Detroit Tigers Wives Association.

"He is doing wonderful, and we are taking it day-by-day," said Suske, adding that Joe—who had his most recent surgery in April—is taking golf lessons. "Now, he is getting to be a 13-year-old."

Proceeds from the event benefit Mott's Child and Family Life Program, which supports the transition families experience when they have a critically ill child. Suske said Joe wants to volunteer with the Child and Family Program to give back some of what has been given to him.

The idea for a picnic came about when Tammi Carr, a medical development officer, met Shani Inge, U-M government relations assistant and wife of Brandon Inge—a catcher in the Tigers organization.

"It came together really quickly," Carr said, adding that $15,000 was raised. "Everyone walked away with a great feeling, and we hope this is just the start."

Detroit Tigers bullpen coach Lance Parrish autographs a baseball for Joe Suske of Livonia. Parrish and other Tigers players and coaches attended the Detroit Major Leaguers for Mott picnic July 9 after visiting patients at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Suske, 13, who has been a patient at Mott in previous years while battling juvenile dermatomyositis, was among the more than 200 people who attended. (Photo by Marcia Ledford, U-M Photo Services)

The picnic site, tents, food and prizes for the event were donated, Carr said. A silent auction was held, with items ranging from autographed baseballs and jerseys to signed items from U-M coaches Lloyd Carr and Tommy Amaker.

"This feels good," said Bernero, who was traded July 13 to the Colorado Rockies. "I never thought of what I do as something that makes a difference. When I see the kids get excited when we walk in, it makes me realize that what we do is something special."

Tigers manager Alan Trammell and the players spent part of the morning at Mott visiting with patients and families. Each player carried donated baseballs to sign and give to children on many floors of the hospital, including the cardiology, trauma and organ transplant units.

"What a morning it was," said Trammell, who played his entire 20-year career in Detroit. "We have been struggling this year, but when you go and see these kids and know what this cause is for, it really does put things into perspective."

Perspective is welcome, Trammell said, especially during a season in which the Tigers were 25-67 at the All-Star break.

"It is a hard year at the ballpark, but when you go home and turn on the news, you are instantly brought back down to reality," said Brooke Maroth, wife of Tigers pitcher Mike Maroth, who sported a 4-13 record at the All-Star break. "I enjoy seeing the faces of the children and their families who have been through so much in their lives, yet still have that positive outlook."

Detroit Tigers, wives association go to bat for Mott patients

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