Sports

UPDATE: Tigers Manager Jim Leyland, Royal Oak's Most Famous Resident, to Retire

General Manager Dave Dombroski says Jim Leyland will stick around the Tigers organization in a yet-to-be-named position.

Gone but not forgotten, Jim Leyland retires as the Tigers' manager but will stick around with the organization in a yet-to-be-named position.

"I think I still have a chance to get a World Serires ring here," Leyland told reporters at an 11:30 a.m. press conference.

Sitting next to General Manager Dave Dombrowski, Leyland said his fuel was "getting a little low" and despite an offer to continue to manage next year, he decided to step down.

Promising not to get emotional, a glassy-eyed Leyland choked back tears as he thanked players, staff and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch.

Leyland, dressed in suit and tie, told members of the media that players learned he was retiring two days ago after the Detroit Tigers dropped Game 6 to the Boston Red Sox in the American League Championship Series. Dombroski knew of his decision last month, after Leyland told the general manager on Sept. 7 during morning coffee after the Tigers "shellacking" of the Kansas City Royals the previous night.

"I told him it's time. I don't feel it would be fair to this organization, the players, to Mr. Ilitch, to the media, the fans or for everybody else for me to continue to go on," Leyland said.

After the conversation, only Ilitch was informed of Leyland's plans.

"We didn't tell any players because we didn't want to upset the apple cart. We were trying to win a championship."

Of informing players in Boston Saturday night that he would not be returning, he joked, "I didn't know how to take it when they clapped." 

"It's been a thrill," Leyland said. "I came here to change talent to team...and with the help of this entire organization we did that." He added, "I want to retire a Tiger...I just won't be in the dugout anymore."

The Tigers manager is arguably Royal Oak's most famous resident, living here during the in-season and calling Pittsburgh home in the winter. He was frequently spotted in downtown bars and restaurants.

"Leyland loves his in-season neighborhood," reported HOUR Detroit in April.

Have you bumped into Leyland in Royal Oak? What do you think of his decision to retire? Tell us in the comments.


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