Jul 24, 2024 - Sports

Jim Leyland remembers Detroit in Hall of Fame induction

Samuel Robinson

Jim Leyland stands at a podium looking out over the crowd, wearing a blue suit. — Inductee Jim Leyland gives his speech during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center on Sunday in Cooperstown, N.Y. Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

Former Tigers manager Jim Leyland's emotional induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame featured special shoutouts to familiar names from his days in Detroit.

What he's saying: "Two American League pennants, two World Series appearances, three straight division championships and some of the most knowledgeable fans came out to the tune of 3 million people several times," Leyland said of his time in Detroit during his speech Sunday.

He credited Mike and Chris Ilitch, Dave Dombrowski and many former Tigers players such as Miguel Cabrera, Pudge Rodriguez and Curtis Granderson.

Catch up quick: In 1971, the Detroit Tigers hired Leyland to manage the rookie league in Bristol, Virginia. It was the start of an 11-year managerial run in the minors. He spent 22 seasons as an MLB manager. Leyland returned to Detroit from 2006 to 2013, leading the Tigers to the playoffs four times and making the World Series in 2006 and 2012.

He's currently a special assistant in the Tigers' front office.

The latest: The Tigers (50-52, fourth in the AL Central) can take their record above .500 with a series win over Cleveland (60-40, first in the AL Central).

First pitch for the second game of the three-game series is Wednesday at 6:40pm. Thursday's game starts at 1:10pm.

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Jim Leyland remembers Detroit in Hall of Fame induction

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