As a Detroit Tigers fan, I have a special place in my heart for the team. The Tigers have had their ups and downs in the past few seasons, but it's safe to say that I'm still a fan. True Detroit Tigers fans stand behind the team; no fair-weather fans can relate. If you're a true Tigers fan, then...

1. Opening Day is better than your birthday.

2. Getting stares for wearing Tigers gear in other cities (like Chicago) makes you proud.

3. Meeting Paws is like seeing Santa as a child.

4. "Bless you Boys" is nostalgic.

5. Ernie will always be your man.

6. You collected a brick (or chair if you could afford it) from Old Tigers stadium. If not, you grab dirt or grass from the infield and keep it in a jar.

7. Your kids are automatic Tigers fan.

8. You retire your shirt with the name of a traded player (Fielder...sigh)

9. Face painting is a symbol of your Detroit pride.

10. You never lose faith in your boys.

11. A hot dog and beer never tasted so good.

12. The off-season is like withdrawal.

13. You wear your Tigers hat more often than not.

14. You watch the game through the fence.

15. Your hate for the White Sox is real.

16. Rain doesn’t faze you in the least (you're Michigan strong).

17. The thought of missing a game makes you tear up.

18. If you have to drive for any reason during a game, the radio is on blast.

19. You stay with a game, even in the 15th inning.

20. Being a fair-weather fan isn’t an option.

21. You say, "Once a Tigers fan, always a Tigers fan."