Jim Leyland Will Announce Retirement Today, According to Reports
By Mike Cardillo
Jim Leyland will announce his retirement as manager of the Detroit Tigers later today. The 68-year-old chain-smoking manager reportedly told his team of the decision Saturday night after they were eliminated by the Red Sox in Game 6 of the ALCS.
Sources: Leyland stepping down as #Tigers manager. Told team after end of ALCS. Team has called news conference for 11:30 AM ET.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 21, 2013
Told that Leyland informed #Tigers players after end of ALCS that it was time for someone younger to do the job. He is 68.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 21, 2013
Leyland took over the Tigers in 2006 and led the club to a pair of American League pennants. Leyland won over 700 games with the Tigers and this was the third straight season the club played in the ALCS.
This news will certainly bring a smile to many message-board frequenting Tigers’ fans who also seemed to find an issue with Leyland’s managerial decisions. Whether or not it was the manager’s fault Prince Fielder forget how to hit, field and run during the postseason is debate for another time.
Bigger picture, we’ll have to find a new guy to take up the mantle of “crusty old-school” skipper now that Leyland and his Marlboro Reds are gone.
And will this spell more changes in the Motor City, including trading probable Cy Young winner Max Scherzer in the winter?