If the Tigers fans were shocked by the Tigers signing Prince Fielder, his dad and former Tiger Cecil Fielder was equally if not more shocked by the news.
Here is what the elder fielder said on MLB Radio today (via Detroit Free Press)…
“That just shocked me,” Cecil Fielder told MLB Radio on SiriusXM. “I just landed in New York … and I got that call — that’s crazy! He’s going to come full circle. You know, he’s been there in Detroit most of his young life, so I think he’ll be comfortable in that place. …
“I know Mr. (Mike) Ilitch is probably pretty excited, because he’s been wanting that kid since he was a little kid, so he finally got his wish.
“I didn’t even see Detroit in the picture. I didn’t even see that happening with all the talk about the Nationals and Texas Rangers and Seattle. … I never saw Detroit making a move like this.”
Fielder also commented on:
• His relationship with Prince (father and son have been estranged the past few years): “We’re having a few chats. We’re doing a lot better than we were. Time heals all wounds, man. Everybody has to come back together at some point.
“I’m just happy for him. I think everybody was anxious for him to get signed.”
• Whether he ever envisioned a nine-year deal when he played: “You know what? It’s the sign of the times. Baseball’s getting better and better.”
• What adjustment Prince will have to make switching to the American League: “I don’t think much. You know, if you’re a good hitter, you’re a good hitter. If you’re a good player, you’re a good player. I just think guys like Prince and Albert (Pujols) that have changed leagues, I don’t think there’s going to be too much getting used to. Everybody’s gotta throw it over the plate to hit it, so … he’ll be fine, man.
“He’s just gotta go and relax, don’t try to do too much. You know how that is. I think that’s one thing these guys getting these big deals have to do, is just not try to prove worthy of the money. They just gotta go play and enjoy baseball.”
Ref: MLB Radio, Detroit Free Press, Getty (image)