BREAKING NEWS: Tigers to retire their 79-years old all star legend
ARLINGTON — During Jim Leyland’s eight seasons as the Tigers’ manager, his No. 10 jersey wasn’t often visible in the dugout since he frequently wore a pullover top. However, no Tiger will wear that number again.
To commemorate Leyland’s induction into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 3, the Tigers announced on Monday that they will retire his number in a pregame ceremony at Comerica Park. Appropriately, he will be the 10th Tiger to have his number retired and the second manager, joining fellow Hall of Famer Sparky Anderson, whose No. 11 was retired in 2011.
#10 will become the 10th number retired in Tigers history.
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) June 3, 2024
“Jim Leyland is the epitome of a baseball man, representing everything our Detroit fans cherished during his tenure as our manager,” stated Tigers chairman and CEO Chris Ilitch in a release. “Jim led his team with gritty passion, pursued excellence relentlessly, and had a remarkable ability to connect with people, both with the Tigers and throughout his career.
“Given these qualities, along with his successful tenure as a manager who played a key role in an era of success, it is only fitting that his number is now retired and he has a permanent place on the Comerica Park wall. On behalf of the entire Tigers organization, I congratulate Jim and look forward to celebrating with him, his family, and Tigers fans on Aug. 3.”
Leyland will be formally inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 21, following his election by the Contemporary Era Committee last December. Over the past few months, he has been preparing what promises to be an emotional speech for the crowd in Cooperstown, where he will be honored alongside fellow inductees Todd Helton, Joe Mauer, and Adrian Beltré.
Leyland’s celebration in Detroit will be unique, not only because of the audience but also in terms of presentation.
“The Hall of Fame represents an entire baseball career, and that’s one thing,” Leyland said on Monday after the Tigers’ announcement. “But having your number retired by one team is a bit different. I would never choose one honor over the other, but this is the highest accolade an individual can receive from a particular team. I’m accepting it in that spirit. I’m truly humbled.”
“And yes, it’ll be emotional. It already is.”