'Bless You Boys' T-shirts hot off the presses

DETROIT – Tigers fans have been snatching up the 2012 "Bless You Boys" T-shirts.

Fanatic U sold its entire supply on Wednesday and ordered more.

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During a Game 2 watch party on Thursday, the shirts will be for sale at Coach's Corner Bar and Grill in Livonia. It's located near Farmington and Seven Mile Road. The game starts at 8 p.m.

Blast From the Past 

Just like in 1984 and 2006, you can buy "Bless You Boy" t-shirts to show your pride in the Detroit Tigers. The slogan first took off the last time the Tigers won the Fall Classic. Local 4 sportscaster Al Ackerman coined the phrase, and suddenly everyone was using it. 

"They had even people like Ronald Reagan wearing the shirt. So, a lot of cool things happened back in 1984," said Michael Wauldron, whose father was involved in the original promotional push. Though Wauldron was just a boy in 1984, this time he's enjoying the Tigers' ride to glory.

"As a Tiger fan, I've been a fan all my life, this year is just incredible," he told Ruth to the Rescue.

Printing Up Baseball History 

In 2012, there are three versions of the "Bless You Boys" T-shirt being printed up. Ad Vision Marketing in Livonia has kept its staff busy printing dark blue, white, and sports gray versions of the shirts. The Tigers' trip to the World Series is benefitting many businesses around metro Detroit.

"The Tigers going to the World Series is good for everybody. I know there are a lot of shops in town printing, and it's a good thing," said Tina Paul, part owner of Ad Vision Marketing. The company is starting with a few thousand shirts, and they could print many more if the Tigers can win the championship.

Where to Buy Them 

Right now, the T-shirts are available at a small group of retailers. McDevitt's Hallmarks will be selling the shirts for $18.99 at its four stores: two in Livonia, one in Royal Oak, and one in Novi. http://mcdevitts.com/

The shirts will also be available at Fanatic U for just $14.99. They have stores in Garden City, Taylor, Southfield, Novi and Fraser. http://fanaticu.com/locations/

The folks from Ad Vision Marketing will also be feeding Tiger Fever at some sports bars around Metro Detroit. For Game One, they'll be at the One Under Bar and Grill on 5 Mile and Levan. The t-shirts will be part of a game watch party that includes all kinds of special offers. The "Bless You Boys" t-shirts will be on sale for $15, two for $25.

There will be another watch part at Coach's Corner at Farmington and 7 Mile for Game Two on October 25th. 

Finally, you can also buy the t-shirts online at http://www.classicheadlines.com/page/page/1030796.htm