Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland retired from baseball managing today, less than 48 hours after his team was eliminated in game 6 of the ALCS by the Boston Red Sox.

"I'm not totally retiring today, I just don't want to be in the dugout anymore," said a somber Leyland during a nationally televsied in a farewell press conference.

At 68 years old, Leyland began his major league baseball career 50 years ago with the Tigers. As an 18-year old catcher prospect, Leyland signed with Detroit, spending 7 years in the minor leagues. It was the beginning of a prosperous career in baseball.

Leyland's career record of 1,769-1,728 are part of a big legacy he's leaving behind. Leyland managed the Pittsburgh Pirates (86-96), Florida Marlins (97-98), Colorado Rockies (99), and Tigers 06-13). He won the '97 World Series with Florida, was the National League manager of the year twice (90, 92), American League manager of the year once (06), and is one of only seven managers in history to win a pennant in both leagues.

The Tigers were a struggling franchise when Leyland arrived, suffering 12 consecutive losing seasons. In 8 seasons under Leyland, the Tigers finished below .500 one time (08).

 

 

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