KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — A Tigers fan-favorite is coming to Kalamazoo. Former MLB All-Star Brandon Inge has signed a special one-day contract to coach the Kalamazoo Growlers for a game this season.

Inge will take the field on July 10 against the Battle Creek Battle Jacks. According to the team, Inge will set the starting lineup, coach first base and lead game preparation for the Growlers.

Inge is a Virginia native, but team owner Brian Colopy says the former Tiger’s play and passion have made him a Michigan icon.

“Brandon Inge is a beloved Michigan legend and does so much for the game of baseball and people living in Michigan communities,” Colopy said in a statement. “He’s going to coach our team for a big rivarlry game, do autographs for our amazing fans and bring the (2006) Tigers magic to Homer Stryker Field.”

The Tigers drafted Brandon Inge in the second round of the 1998 MLB Draft. After making his way through the minors, including a stint with the West Michigan Whitecaps, Inge made his big-league debut on Opening Day in 2001.

After starting as a catcher, Inge eventually became a super-utility player, appearing at every position on the field except as a pitcher. He arguably played his best as a third baseman, making several highlight-reel plays and using his strong arm to throw out runners.

He played 13 seasons in all, 12 of them in Detroit. He finished with a career .233 batting average and 152 home runs. He was named an All-Star in 2009 and was named the MLB Players Choice Man of the Year in 2010.

After his playing career, Inge and his family stayed in Michigan. He served as an assistant coach with the Michigan Wolverines in 2021.

An online auction for signed memorabilia, including balls, bats, hats and jerseys worn by Inge, will go live 24 hours before the game. Proceeds from the auction will go to the Jr. Growlers Baseball Academy.

Fans can also get discounted tickets on the first baseline. Tickets that typically cost $23 will cost only $15, in honor of Inge’s jersey number.