The Tigers introduced Prince Fielder on Thursday after reaching a contract agreement earlier in the week.
Fielder agreed to a nine-year, $214 million deal with Detroit after spending quite some time on the free-agent market.
The first baseman would hang out at Tigers Stadium as a child during his father Cecil's stint with the club.
"For me, it was always Sparky saying I was going to pinch hit -- and I really believed him," Fielder said, referring to former manager Sparky Anderson. "I'm just glad I get to come back."
Fielder was born in 1984, the last time Detroit won the World Series.
"This is awesome," Fielder said. "It's kind of a dream come true. I'm excited."
Fielder Calls Joining Tigers 'A Dream Come True'