Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
Jim Leyland represents a different era of Tigers baseball that many fans are still clinging on to.
When Leyland managed Detroit (2006-13), the Tigers were annually one of the best teams in the American League, including three seasons with 93+ wins, four trips to the MLB Postseason and World Series appearances in 2006 and 2012.
Leyland was rewarded for his efforts this past Sunday as he received the call that he will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame next summer – voted in by the 16-member Contemporary Era committee.
Tigers News: Jim Leyland Voted into Baseball Hall of Fame
The third-winningest manager in Tigers history, Leyland, 78, went 700-597 across his eight seasons in Detroit – good for a .539 winning percentage or roughly 88 wins each season.
He never broke through to win a World Series with the Tigers, but he did win three straight division titles (2011-13) and went 25-23 in four trips to the MLB Postseason.
But it wasn’t just his success on the field that made Leyland lovable. Underneath his gruff, old-school, chain-smoking image was a man who truly cared about his players and the fans.
An interview I’ll never forget. Congratulations to the Skipper. HOF worthy in every sense. pic.twitter.com/6tBimnR7PX
— Mario Impemba (@mario_impemba) December 4, 2023
If you don’t believe me (or the video above), check out some of the things former players and coaches had to say to Leyland after news of his selection broke.
Congratulations Skip!! I’m so incredibly happy for you and your family! When we first met I was so nervous… you were already a legend! You quickly became more than just a manager but a friend… Thank you for your faith in me from the beginning!
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) December 4, 2023
Jim Leyland going into Cooperstown!!!! Let’s gooo!! So thankful n grateful to have played for him 2006-07! ! So well deserved! Cooperstown would not have been complete wo you Skip! @tigers @MLBNetwork
— Sean Casey (@TheMayorsOffice) December 4, 2023
The Tigers have made the MLB Postseason just once since Leyland retired (a 3-0 loss to the Orioles in the Divisional Round in 2014).
It’s a little bit of a painful reminder of just how far in the past these glory days now are, but it’s always nice to see former Tigers get the credit they deserve.
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