The Detroit Tigers introduced Ron Gardenhire as the team's new manager during a press conference at Comerica Park on Friday afternoon.
After General Manager Al Avila and Ilitch Holdings CEO Chris Ilitch spoke, Gardenhire took the microphone and talked about his past.
Gardenhire spent 14 seasons in the American League Central as the Minnesota Twins' manager, a rival of the Tigers.
He also talked about former manager Jim Leyland.
"Jim Leyland and I are good buddies," Gardenhire said. "He told me 'When I leave, I want you to manage here.'"
Leyland spent eight seasons with the Tigers from 2006-2013 and won two American League pennants. He had a 700-597 record for a .540 win percentage.
"I think he's the best manager in the league," Leyland told the New York Times in September 2013. "I've been on the record in saying that. And I still think that. He runs a great game, and he's a great people person. I have the utmost respect for Ron, and I think he does a terrific job. When he's got the cards, he plays them as good as anybody."
