Tip A Tiger Event A Hit At Troy Sports Bar

Several Detroit Tigers players served fans a double-header Thursday at in Troy following an afternoon win on the field over the New York Mets.

Seven players and a former Detroit Red Wing teamed up Thursday night for the "Tip a Tiger" event at the bar to raise money for The Detroit Tigers Foundation, which aims to benefit youth sports in southeast Michigan.

Troy residents Kelly and Tom Butcher stumbled upon the fundraiser after attending the Tigers game earlier in the day.

"We just happened to come by here," Kelly Butcher said. "We stopped in and had no idea this was all going on."

Caught at the chance event without any Tiger gear to collect autographs, Butcher got creative and offered her white blouse.

"I didn't have a jersey so I just used what I had available," she said. "I don't plan to ever wear this again."

Among the players working behind the bar were catcher Alex Avila, pitcher Phil Coke, outfielder Brennan Boesch, pitcher David Purcey, pitcher Joaquin Benoit, outfielder Casper Wells and pitcher Charlie Furbush. Former Red Wing Darren McCarty also was on hand early in the evening.

Troy resident Todd Teeter and his son, Mason, collected photos and autographs. Mason said he couldn't believe he was up close and personal with the players.

"It was really cool," Mason said, who named Casper Wells is his favorite Tiger.

Anne Carlini from WRIF co-hosted the event along with "sister" stations WCSX and Magic 105.1.

"It's been a tremendous success," Carlini said. "The bar is absolutely packed. We were only expecting three Tigers, but seven showed up. And its all to support the Tiger Foundation, which supports all the Ilitch charities, and it looks like we're raising a lot of money and having a lot of fun."

One of the most popular Tigers of the night appeared to be Phil Coke, who was able to engage the crowd while showcasing his bar tending skills.

"He pours a good rum and Coke," Carlini said.

Phil Everson, co-owner of CJ Mahoney's, said he was pleased with his "new bartenders" and Thursday's turnout for the event.

"The guys have been great," he said. "Good natured and good with all the customers. It's been a great event. I'm thrilled with the way its gone so far and I hope they approach me next year again."

Everson said he has room behind the bar for the players if their "day jobs" don't pan out.

"Yeah, looks like they actually may have done this in the past," he said.

Correction:  The original version of this story misidentified Detroit Tigers Pitcher David Purcey.