Jordan Zimmermann wore no sleeves.
It was 38 degrees at game time for this, the 116th home opener in Detroit Tigers history, and at 1:10 p.m., in front of bundled-up fans, the veteran right-handed starting pitcher introduced himself to his new home with a first-pitch strike.
The 91-m.p.h. fastball was the first of many signs that Zimmermann, who signed a five-year, $110 million deal this off-season, comes as advertised: A hard-nosed ice fisherman from central Wisconsin who works as a throwback starter, attacking the strike zone, not messing around, no need for sleeves.
“I’ve never worn sleeves,” he said.