Just over a month ago, the Detroit Tigers announced that they were retiring the "Who's Your Tiger?" slogan as its marketing campaign.  And while it seemed like time to bring in something fresh, replacing a slogan that had become such an icebreaker among fans appeared to be a difficult proposition. 

But here's what the Tigers promised for their next campaign:

The new slogan, is not a "stand-alone" slogan or question. It's more of a statement--about the history and relationship the Tigers have with the City of Detroit.

Merriam-Webster defines "statement" as "a single declaration or remark."  And I think that certainly applies to the Tigers' new slogan.

"Always a Tiger." 

I like it.  It says that you're sticking with your team.  And maybe even that you're sticking with your city.  With its people.  It doesn't matter how badly the team played last season or how rough things are in metro Detroit these days.  It's an expression of solidarity.  Of purpose.

But maybe I should let the Tigers explain it themselves, through their official blog:

It means that through the years, the Tigers have had the great Hall-of-Fame players, provided the great memories of your childhood, the bonding moments with your family & friends and the celebratory moments that have defined this city. "Always A Tiger" celebrates the Old English D--the symbol of strength, resilience and pride that has become not only the logo of the Detroit Tigers, but the unofficial symbol of southeast Michigan.

I'm glad they mentioned celebrating the Old English D, because that's what was striking to me about the graphic.  There aren't any fancy colors or fonts that will go out of style in a couple of years.  It's just clean and simple, like the Tigers' home uniforms.  And it depends solely upon one of the most distinctive logos in sports. 

So what do you guys think?  Do we have a winner?  Looking forward to the new ad campaign rolling out on Monday?  Do you want that on a t-shirt?