Valverde provides comic relief for Tigers in Lakeland

LAKELAND, Fla. (WXYZ) - The Tigers practice on five baseball diamonds in the Tiger Town headquarters in Lakeland.

The entire complex takes a comfortable ten minutes to walk through.

But the sound of closer Jose Valverde's voice travels much more quickly. You could be four fields over from Valverde and still clearly make out what he's saying.

"Papa's always loud, and we're used to it," outfielder Brennan Boesch said.

Last season, the Tigers closer had a career year, converting a record-setting 49 straight save opportunities. His dance moves and celebrations were equally talked about.

"With him doing his antics and stuff, it's fun to watch and you smile. You can't help but smile," pitcher Duane Below said.

"Even if you're in a bad mood, he's still smiling."

Boesch said the hitters spend time during camp working out separately from the pitchers. But that doesn't mean they tune out the colorful closer.

"Papa's one of a kind. He's a character. We love him just the way he is," Boesch said.

Max Scherzer has played a lot of baseball with a lot of different teammates. But Valverde stands out.

"He's definitely the loudest guy. Hands down."

Throughout practice Wednesday, the pitchers went through four different stations. Agitating the coaches, Valverde repeatedly yelled, "Switch!" As a result, players on the other three fields would stop their workouts and look up.

"No, not yet? Okay, don't switch," Valverde laughed.

Pitching coach Jeff Jones could only shake his head.

Kenny Rogers, visiting for the day, had the utmost positive things to say about Valverde's spirit. He likes what Papa Grande brings to the park every day.

"If you're not having fun out here, you probably shouldn't be here."

Oh believe me, Valverde has fun.

Brad Galli is a Sports Report for WXYZ Detroit. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradGalli .