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Thursday, July 10, 2008

Tigers’ Polanco becomes U.S. citizen in pregame ceremony

Congrats Placido!...And here I thought he’d have trouble with the tough JOE (Janish Oral Exam) portion of the USCIS Test.

As Tigers second baseman Placido Polanco put it, “I’m part of the country now. I’m real.”

Polanco was never Pinocchio, but after Wednesday evening’s pregame naturalization ceremony, he is a real U.S. citizen.

Polanco, along with 99 other individuals, was sworn in by U.S. District Court Judge Gerald E. Rosen on the field at Comerica Park.

“I’ve been here since 1992,” said Polanco, who also retains his citizenship of the Dominican Republic. “I’ve lived half of my life here. I’m 32, 16 years here. I went to college here. My kids were born here. My wife is a citizen. ... I’ll be part of the family now.”

Polanco, who wore his uniform during the ceremony, is not in the lineup tonight, replaced by Ramon Santiago, who bats eighth. The decision to rest Polanco, manager Jim Leyland said, had nothing to do with the pregame ceremony.

Repoz Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:22 AM | 16 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: tigers

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1. J. Michael Neal Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:50 AM (#2851578)

Congrats. I worked with a bunch of immigrants for a while. The day one of them became a citizen was always big.

2. GIANTlhbASS Posted: July 10, 2008 at 06:10 AM (#2851615)

Congrats. I worked with a bunch of immigrants for a while. The day one of them became a citizen was always big.

Your sentimental way -- something tells me you're not a speechwriter.

When I was clerking I had the privilege of watching awestruck 92-year-old women swear to "bear arms on behalf of the United States when required by the law" and I knew that, like in "Red Dawn," the Commies had no f'ing chance against us.

3. Brandon in MO (Yunitility Infielder) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 06:15 AM (#2851616)

That's how Polanco views the Tigers: as family. He took an instant liking to the team after being acquired from the Phillies in a steal of a 2005 deal for Ugueth Urbina.

Granted, the reason why the trade is so much of a steal is why Urbina won't be taking part in any pregame citizenship ceremonies.

4. 6 - 4 - 3 Posted: July 10, 2008 at 09:37 AM (#2851652)

Polanco, who wore his uniform during the ceremony, is not in the lineup tonight, replaced by Ramon Santiago, who bats eighth.

Celebrates becoming a citizen by taking the day off. Sounds about right.

5. RMc is the loyal supporter of the MLB event Posted: July 10, 2008 at 11:00 AM (#2851657)

But will he stand for the national anthem?

6. Styles P. Deadball Posted: July 10, 2008 at 02:37 PM (#2851785)

But will he stand for the national anthem?

Now that he's a citizen, I'm sure that he's working on his sense of entitlement and learning how to say, "Talk American, you foreign bastards!"

Actually, I'd be happy if he worked a walk once in a while.

7. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: July 10, 2008 at 02:46 PM (#2851796)

Actually, I'd be happy if he worked a walk once in a while.

The Tigers are outsourcing walks

8. Yeaarrgghhhh Posted: July 10, 2008 at 02:49 PM (#2851798)

He's only 32? Seems like he's been around forever.

9. aleskel

Posted: July 10, 2008 at 02:59 PM (#2851808)

congrats to Polanco! Now he can enjoy all the rights and privileges we citizens enjoy, like driving a wasteful car, taking out a mortgage you can't afford, and not voting!

10. RB in NYC (Now with New iPhone!) Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:01 PM (#2851810)

Now which way to the welfare office?

11. The Kids Are Enright (1k5v3L)

Posted: July 10, 2008 at 03:03 PM (#2851813)

Now Polanco can enjoy all those things he wanted to see and do and have done onto him!

12. phredbird

Posted: July 10, 2008 at 04:22 PM (#2851884)

The Tigers are outsourcing walks

post of the day

13. zonk Posted: July 10, 2008 at 05:16 PM (#2851928)

The Tigers are outsourcing walks

They should consider a new vendor beside the opposing team.

14. franoscar Posted: July 10, 2008 at 11:16 PM (#2852500)

It has been a crummy day but what????? The welfare office? Shiftless & lazy? Placido? OK, I'm rising to the bait but shut up!

Oh crud, I forgot, I'm supposed to go buy shop towels.

15. Charter Member of the Jesus Melendez Fanclub Posted: July 10, 2008 at 11:24 PM (#2852505)

My penis is so big right now, it's quite startling.

16. Tulo's Fishy Mullet (mrams) Posted: July 11, 2008 at 12:21 AM (#2852526)

Did anyone from CODE Pink show up to protest this?

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Thursday, July 10, 2008

Tigers’ Polanco becomes U.S. citizen in pregame ceremony

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