Players, coaches, and others in the Detroit community shared their thoughts on the Tigers’ late owner.
Following the death of Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch on Friday, the Detroit and MLB families took to social media to commemorate his life.
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— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. He was 87. https://t.co/twgYebEFBa pic.twitter.com/cfS4FQC9Qc
— MLB (@MLB) February 11, 2017
The Mud Hens are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ilitch, and we'd like to extended our deepest condolences to the city of Detroit.
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) February 11, 2017
General manager Al Avila and manager Brad Ausmus both shared their thoughts on Mr. Ilitch.
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— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
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— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
Tigers radio announcer Dan Dickerson shared some very warm memories.
Video: Dan Dickerson remembers #Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. pic.twitter.com/7BMM95hdAZ
— Tony Paul (@TonyPaul1984) February 11, 2017
Fox Sports’ Jon Morosi, a former Tigers beat writer, is very familiar with the Tigers’ transformation from doormat into powerhouse under Mike Ilitch’s watch.
MLB Network mourns the passing of Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. pic.twitter.com/YZizLbIRnH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 11, 2017
Moments of silence were observed at both Joe Louis Arena — where Michigan and Michigan State were playing on Friday — and the Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Joe holds a moment of silence for Mr. Ilitch who passed away at the age of 87 this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/fpUZuvMRmc
— Joe Louis Arena (@JoeLouisArena) February 11, 2017
The players took to social media as well.
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
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
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— J.D. Martinez (@JDMartinez14) 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
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
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
Sad to hear the passing of Mr Ilitch. I quickly realised how much of an impact he had on the Tigers and the city of Detroit.
— Warwick Saupold (@Wazr30) February 11, 2017
Sad news about the passing of Mr Illitch. Thank you for all you did for Detroit. It was an honor to play for you. Praying for Illitch family
— Matthew Boyd (@mattboyd48) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear the news about Mr. I's passing. My condolences to the entire Ilitch family. #RIPMrIlitch
— Michael Fulmer (@MFulmer12) February 11, 2017
Former Tigers manager Jim Leyland, on the passing of team owner Mike Ilitch: "I'm crushed right now. He did so much for me."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the news of Mr. Ilitch. RIP
— Ben Verlander (@Verly32) February 11, 2017
Former Tigers also offered their condolences.
Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski, on Mike Ilitch: “He was tremendous well beyond baseball, but also for the city of Detroit."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 11, 2017
Dave Dombrowski: "He was the utmost competitor but he loved the city, the state of MI and fans; he always thought of them with his heart."
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) February 11, 2017
Mr. I was what every sports fan and player wanted in an owner. Loved his city and was driven to win. He left his mark and will be missed.
— CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) February 11, 2017
Rest In Peace Mr. Ilitch. It's a sad day for all of Detroit. Forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to put on a Tigers uniform
— Guido Knudson (@GKnudson15) February 11, 2017
Mr. llitch RIP! The best owner I ever played for. The city of Detroit has lost a great man. You will be truly missed! #rip #gotigers
— Gerald L Laird lll (@laird_lll) February 11, 2017
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ilitch. A great man who did so much for Detroit. Honored to have played under his ownership.
— Ian Krol (@IanKrolTKB) February 11, 2017
So sad to hear about the death of Mr I's. Happy I got to meet him and played for his team #RIPMrIllitch #Tigers https://t.co/TYMVlFYiut
— Ivan Pudge Rodriguez (@Pudge_Rodriguez) February 11, 2017
Torii Hunter on Mike Ilitch: "It was an honor to play for and represent his organization. He was an inspiration for the city of Detroit."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) February 11, 2017
More Torii Hunter on Ilitch: "I really appreciate some of the conversations we had that greatly impacted my life."
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) February 11, 2017
Pistons owner Tom Gores issued a heartfelt statement.
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— Tom Gores (@TomGores) February 11, 2017
Detroit Lions president Rod Wood:
I'm saddened to learn about the passing of Mike Illitch. My deepest condolences go out to the Illitch family during this difficult time.
— Rod Wood (@RodWood_Lions) February 11, 2017
Former Pistons guard and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas:
Today I mourn the loss of a great friend, Mike Ilitch.My prayers are with his family & all those who were impacted by his generosity. #rip
— Isiah Thomas (@iamisiahthomas) February 11, 2017