Tyler Collins joins illustrious company with his one-finger salute

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The most famous Bird in Detroit Tigers history was Mark Fidrych, the 1976 American League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young runner-up, who earned his moniker for resembling the Big Bird character on “Sesame Street.”

Now Tyler Collins gives us the second-most-famous bird in Tigers history. Collins, playing center field, lost a routine fly ball in the lights, starting a Keystone Kops-type play in which Justin Upton dropped the ball as he attempted to pick it up, and then Collins’ throw to third base bounced away. Tigers fans, frustrated after Detroit scored just five runs in three games of a weekend sweep by the Cleveland Indians, responded with a chorus of boos. Collins fired back with an extended middle digit.

Tyler Collins said he’s embarrassed for himself, teammates and his family. Boos set off a fuse and he lashed out, inappropriately.

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) April 26, 2016

Brad Ausmus disappointed in Tyler Collins’ antics: “You’ve got to be above that.” Had a talk with him immediately after the game.

— Katie Strang (@KatieStrangESPN) April 26, 2016

Collins will undoubtedly see a nice fine coming his way and possibly a suspension. Back in 2014, Philadelphia Phillies closer Jonathan Papelbon was suspended for seven games after lewdly grabbing his jockstrap as he looked up into the stands after getting ejected from a game. Tigers fans are also used to seeing this: That same season, Tigers closer Joe Nathan flicked his chin towards the fans — a gesture similar in meaning to a middle finger — after getting booed after a poor outing.

The difference between Collins and those two is that they were established big leaguers. Collins is a backup outfielder hitting .100. This might give the Tigers a convenient excuse to send him back to Toledo. Collins started in center in place of the struggling Anthony Gose, and that explains part of the problem with the …

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