Former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland's Hall of Fame plaque will not feature a team logo, as he managed multiple teams during his 22-year career. The class of 2024 inductees, including Leyland, will be honored in Cooperstown on July 21, with the other three inductees having team logos on their plaques. Leyland's decision to skip the team logo was to show respect to all the teams he managed, and he will have his plaque revealed prior to his induction speech.
Former Pirates manager Jim Leyland, recently elected to the Hall of Fame, revealed that the text messages that touched him the most were from former minor leaguers he had to tell their careers were over. Leyland, who managed the Pirates from 1986 to 1996, expressed gratitude for the messages from players like Barry Bonds and Justin Verlander, but emphasized the impact of hearing from those who never made it to the big leagues. He also discussed his son Patrick's career in baseball and his own willingness to continue learning about the game.
Jim Leyland, the newly inducted member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, admitted that he still thinks about a pivotal moment in his career as a manager. Leyland is haunted by Game 2 of the 2013 ALCS when David Ortiz hit an iconic grand slam that tied the game and ultimately turned the series in favor of the Boston Red Sox. Despite his regrets about the decision to bring in reliever Joaquin Benoit instead of lefty Phil Coke, Leyland believes he made the right call by going with his best pitcher.
Jim Leyland was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame, while Lou Piniella fell one vote short once again. Leyland received 15 votes from the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee, while Piniella received 11. Piniella, who has battled health issues in recent years, expressed gratitude for his 40-plus years of MLB service and thanked God for his blessings. Piniella ranks 17th on the career list for victories as a manager and had a profound impact on the game as a player and coach as well.
Jim Leyland, former manager of the Detroit Tigers, is being considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Leyland, known for his no-nonsense approach, had a unique ability to connect with players and earn their trust. He mentored players like Kirk Gibson and Barry Bonds, treating them like his own sons. Leyland's managerial career included three Manager of the Year awards, three pennants, and a World Series title. His friends and former players share stories of his smoky hotel rooms, fiery tirades, and fatherly advice. Despite his gruff exterior, Leyland was known for his big heart and genuine concern for his players.
