Members of the Detroit Tigers organization have started to react to the passing of Mike Ilitch.
Team Executive Vice President and General Manager Al Avila has released the following statement:
I’ve never seen a man more dedicated to this community and to baseball than Mr. I. What he has done for this franchise, and for Detroit, is immeasurable. He was always there to give us whatever we needed because he wanted greatness and happiness for all of us – especially the fans. Mr. I was truly one of the great ones. He was a friend and an inspiration and he will be deeply missed.
Related links
- Mike Ilitch, Little Caesars founder, Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner, dies at the age of 87
- Who's in charge of the Tigers, Red Wings after Mike Ilitch's death?
- Steve Yzerman: 'I'm extremely saddened' by the death of Mike Ilitch
- PHOTOS: The life of Mike Ilitch
- Local leaders react to death of Mike Ilitch
- Detroit Red Wings remember Mike Ilitch
- Social media reacts to the death of Mike Ilitch
- Mike Ilitch remembered for his contributions to Detroit
Tigers' Manager Brad Ausmus has released the following statement:
I worked for Mr. I as both a player and as a manager. I can honestly say it was an honor to work for a man who made winning the priority. Baseball is a business, but Mr. I was a baseball player who became a businessman. He loved baseball, and my memories will always be centered around the passion with which he talked about it.
Members of the team have taken to social media to issue their responses:
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
Heartbroken hearing of Mr I's passing. He was a family man. A self made man. A giving man. An icon for our city and nation. #RIPMrIllitch
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear of Mr. Ilitch passing. He was a remarkable human and a champion for the city of Detroit. I am honored to play for his team.
— James McCann (@JamesMcCann34) February 10, 2017
RIP Mr I. Ive not been n ur organization long but I knew it was one I wanted to be a part of. We will rejoice in all u have done for Detroit
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. I. He did wonders for Detroit & I am grateful to have played for a team he owned #RIPMrIllitch
— Buck Farmer (@B_Farm09) February 11, 2017
Sad to hear the news about Mr. I. I'm glad I got to meet him and be able to play for his team. #RIP
— Jordan Zimmermann (@JZimmermann27) February 11, 2017