DETROIT (AP) -Kenny Rogers, one of the biggest reasons the Detroit Tigers won the AL pennant last fall, drew the loudest ovation from fans Wednesday when players received their championship rings.
The 42-year-old left-hander, who won all three of his starts during the 2006 postseason, had surgery Friday to remove a blood clot from his pitching shoulder. He’s not expected back until July.
Rogers, who flew from Texas early Wednesday for the ceremony, was not in the clubhouse when it was open to reporters before Detroit’s game against Toronto.
The Tigers broke a streak of 12 straight losing seasons and made their first playoff appearance since 1987 by winning the league’s wild card berth. The beat the New York Yankees and Oakland in the playoffs, then lost the World Series 4-1 to St. Louis.
In his first season with the Tigers, Rogers went 17-8 with a 3.84 ERA and earned his fifth Gold Glove. His victory in Game 2 against the Cardinals made him the oldest pitcher to win a World Series game.
Rogers, Tigers receive AL championship rings
