Two weeks ago, Detroit Tiger’s second baseman Fernando Vina was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain he sustained on May 13, and on May 14, Demopolis High School graduate Jason Smith was called up in Vina’s place.

But while that date might be one to remember for Smith, the world of baseball will remember March 27, for that was the date that Smith officially became a Detroit Tiger.

On March 27, the 22-24 Detroit Tigers, a team that set an AL record last season with 119 loses, pounded the Kansas City Royals 17-7.

Carlos Pena went 6-for-6 with two homers to be the first Tiger since Damion Easley (2001) to have a six hit game, the Tigers collected eight doubles and set a major league high for hits this season with 27 and Jason Smith, once again became a major leaguer as he picked up his first hit in a Tigers uniform.

Smith, 26, hit .270 (33×122) with eight doubles, two triples, three home runs and 13 RBI in 33 games for the Mud Hens this season. Signed by the Tigers as a minor league free agent on December 9, 2003, he has seen action in the majors with the Chicago Cubs (2001) and Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2002-03).