Underdog Days

August represents the dog days of the baseball season. That cliché refers to the fatigue that fans and (to a lesser extent, fans hope) the participants experience during games in August, as well as the oppressive weather. Depending on your point of view, the Royals have been either pleasantly surprising or wildly disappointing this year, and once again they will finish close to the cellar. The Detroit Tigers, meanwhile, are one of baseball's biggest bummers this year. Despite spending a lot of money in the offseason, the Tigers will miss the playoffs and finish below .500. And yet, one can enjoy fireworks and also watch the two teams play out the string because Friday night is "Fireworks Night" at the K. Tickets for the 7 p.m. Royals vs. Tigers game at Kauffman Stadium (Interstate 70 and Blue Ridge Cutoff) cost $9 to $37. Call 816-504-4040 for details.— Chris Rasmussen
May 13-15; July 21-23; Aug. 22-24, 2008