Tigers Try Salsa, Answer Questions at Ferndale's Garden Fresh Gourmet

As if Justin Verlander didn't already have the hearts of the crowd that gathered to see him and other Tigers at on Friday, he sealed the deal with a promise he made to a young boy in the audience.

Calling out his ticket number during the raffle in hopes it would be the next one drawn, the boy caught Verlander's attention and the crowd went wild when the Tigers pitcher told the boy that even if he didn't win, he would get the boy four free tickets.

Verlander and other other Tigers were at the Garden Fresh headquarters in Ferndale on Friday afternoon to taste-test some fresh salsa and participate in an employee rally, including a raffle and a brief question-and-answer session, as part of the . The event was closed to the public but Garden Fresh employees brought family members and the event room was packed with Tigers fans young and old.

Another young boy's day was made when Verlander drew his mom's ticket number in the raffle and the family won a ticket package for the upcoming season.

"It was really cool," said 9-year-old Evan Flaherty. He was also thrilled about seeing his favorite Tigers players in person. "I never knew I was gonna get to see them up close."