There’s a saying that goes “don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” I had every intention of blogging today with a recap of how the Tigers’ season ended and my thoughts for what needs to happen in the offseason. However, Old Smokey pulled a fast one on me. I was just talking yesterday with friends about the assumption that he would get another 2 year deal before the end of the month and give it one more ride for a title. As much as I wasn’t 100% sold on bringing him back, I also realized that I didn’t think there was anyone else out there who would be better to take charge of the veteran squad. Well, Jim Leyland had other plans, stepping down after 22 seasons as a MLB manager.

While this may sound dramatic to some, it’s a very bittersweet day for me. I feel kinda like I’m losing a grandpa who taught me great things. As a lifelong Tigers fan, losing was expected – just like the Lions. I remember suffering through the 2003 season as they flirted with history and lost 119 games. After releasing former player Alan Trammell as the manager, this little grumpy man was the next up. Jim Leyland was named the Tigers 36th manager on October 4, 2005 and guided Detroit to 700 wins at the helm, third-most in franchise history. In his 8 seasons managing in Detroit, the team and fans were able to enjoy success and saw a change to a winning culture. He made Tigers baseball relevant again.

A man who always wore his heart on his sleeve, the skipper brought passion and fire to teams he managed. From his success with the Pirates, to winning the World Series with the Marlins and his time in Detroit, those in the game respected Leyland. He was a winner. In his 8 seasons with the Tigers, they made it to the ALCS 4 times and won the pennant twice. The decision was made last month when the 68 year old realized that he had run out of gas for the daily grind. He then talked to mentor Tony LaRussa about the art of stepping away. He informed the team after their loss on Saturday night, but didn’t want to make an official announcement then out of respect for the Red Sox and not wanting to steal the limelight. Class Act.

Leyland has said that the players tried to convince him to stay. Can you blame them? He knew what made them click and protected them to a fault. Anyone who has played for him agrees that he truly cared about them. He also loved the franchise and the city. Who doesn’t want someone like that to manage their team? I appreciated his tears, they always felt genuine. When the Tigers clinched the AL Central, he cried and then moonwalked – always giving us something to talk about: http://youtu.be/KYH8YXaonuM. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t always sunshine and lollipops with Leyland. There were times I questioned his decisions and felt like he over managed. I would be lying if said I wasn’t disappointed that the Tigers didn’t win the Fall Classic under him. However, I’ve seen my team play in the World Series because of him – which was an amazing experience.

I’m going to miss Jim Leyland. He was a terrific baseball man. Baseball is better from having him as a manager and I’m thankful that he loved the organization he grew up in as much as the fans do. The rumors are already starting about whom the Tigers will hire next and there’s no shortage of speculation. While hiring a new manager and making other off-season decisions are important, let’s take today to honor a manager who brought a winning culture back to the D. Thanks Jim!