Father's Jersey Inspires Son's Baseball Comeback

In 1995, Willy Finnegan, a father of four and a corporate vice president, briefly played as a replacement player for the Detroit Tigers during an MLB strike. He wore a unique jersey, a memento of his fleeting major league dream. This story resurfaced when his son, Kyle Finnegan, a relief pitcher, was traded to the Tigers in the summer of 2025.

Willy's own baseball journey included a short minor league career before he pursued finance. He later played in men's leagues, even catching the eye of a Tigers scout. Despite being 36, he joined the replacement team, only for the strike to be settled before the season began.

Inspired by his father's persistence and wisdom, Kyle Finnegan, a late bloomer, forged his own path. After seven years in the Athletics' farm system and facing uncertainty at 28, he received a major league offer from the Washington Nationals. He developed into a reliable closer.

Last summer, the Nationals traded Kyle to the Tigers. He proved to be a valuable addition, posting a 1.50 ERA in 18 innings. This past winter, he re-signed with the Tigers on a two-year, $19 million deal, embracing the opportunity to play in the city where he was born.

Now, as Kyle prepares for the upcoming season, he walks the same Lakeland, Florida facility where his father once played. He cherishes the lessons and superstitions passed down from Willy, who continues to be a guiding influence in his baseball career and life.