Jim Leyland: “Its Time…” To Step Down

Oct 12, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland congratulates pitcher Joaquin Benoit (53) after defeating the Boston Red Sox 1-0 in game one of the American League Championship Series baseball game at Fenway Park. The Detroit Tigers won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

On Monday after one of the most gut wrenching defeats in recent memory. Jim Leyland called it quits and stepped down as the manager of the Detroit Tigers.

Although it was announced suddenly on Monday, the decision had been made over a month ago on September 7 after a win the night before over Kansas City. Leyland said he had asked to have coffee with General Manager Dave Dombrowski and announced his intention to retire at the end of the season…win or lose.

Jim Leyland told his players after the Game 6 defeat on Saturday saying “it was time to step down and let someone younger do the job”.

During the Monday press conference, Jim Leyland said he knew it was time because his “fuel was getting low” and it would be selfish of him to continue next season knowing that he have enough left. When asked about why they decided to keep it quiet Jim Leyland responded by saying “we didn’t want to upset the apple cart”

Leyland apologized repeatedly for not “getting it done” referring to a world Series Championship.  He did maintain however that it was team loss repeating again that “collectively we didn’t get it done.” Leyland went on to talk about his managerial style saying that he has “never been one to single anyone out” and adding “some of you say I protect my players to fault and I hope I can take that to my grave.”

When asked about his time in Detroit Leyland stated,

"I am very grateful to be a small part of that (recent success). I hope you give the next manager the same chance."

For those of you hoping that Jim Leyland won’t be a part of the Tigers organization any longer,  you can keep hoping.  Leyland announced his desire to retire a Tiger and will be taking a job yet to be determined within the organization. Leyland did however joke that he was going to become a member of the “skipper ripper club”.

As you listen to Jim Leyland it was clear that he is proud of his time as manager. He got emotional when talking about Dave Dombrowski and his players despite promising he wouldn’t.

Well Mr. Leyland on behalf of Detroit Jock City its staff, well most of them anyway, we wish you the best and thank you for your time as Detroit Tigers manager.  You put Detroit baseball back on the map. And for that we Thank You.