In a game rich in symbols, every ritual dripped with historic significance. After Todd Jones struck out Carlos Beltran for the last out in the park's history, players from Tigers lore emerged on the field again to the music of Field of Dreams. Fans cheered Sweet Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell, Lance Parish, Mickey Stanley and Mickey Lolich, and players representing almost every era of the last 66 years. Years from now, fans will remember that the mourning on the last day began before dawn. A flock of sea gulls loitering in center field takes flight and finds refuge in the bleachers.
Wheeler polishes the park as if it's opening day.
Even if this is the last day, you got to keep it clean. It may be old, but it's still Tiger Stadium. Throughout the morning, fans set up tailgate parties. The father reaches through a fence, holding a camera at arm's length to take a photo of himself and his son. Someday, his son may remember it like the game Jim Marquand saw almost 70 years ago with his dad.