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Behind the Baseball Hall of Fame scenes: A party for Jim Leyland reveals something special
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- Behind the Baseball Hall of Fame scenes: A party for Jim Leyland reveals something special
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — On a day that was simply perfect for baseball, under a brilliant blue sky, surrounded by dozens of living legends, former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland hit a home run on Sunday afternoon.
Not bad for a guy who never played big-league baseball.
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"My contributions to our beautiful pastime pale in comparison to the joy that it has brought to my life," Leyland said in his acceptance speech at the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. "For the heart of the little boy and the soul of an old man."
How beautiful.
His speech hit all the right notes, starting strong and finishing even stronger.
Inductee Jim Leyland gives his speech during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
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Yes, Leyland got emotional at times. Of course, he did. But he kept it together long enough to convey his love of this game, his gratitude to the fans, his indebtedness to his players, his thankfulness to his coaches and his appreciation for darn near everybody who has ever crossed his path.
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Typical Leyland.
Able to come off honored, humble, grateful and appreciative at the pinnacle of his career.
And yet he was able to make it fun, cracking jokes.
"I was having coffee with (my wife) Katie, a couple of weeks after I was elected to the Hall of Fame," Leyland said. "And I casually said, 'Katie, can you believe in your wildest dreams that I've been elected to the Hall of Fame?' And Katie replied, 'Jim. You're not in my wildest dreams.'"
Typical Leyland. Leaving 'em laughing.
"From the sandlots of Perrysburg, a jewel of a town in Northwest Ohio, to a Hall of Fame stage in Cooperstown is a long journey," Leyland said. "Shortly after high school I signed a pro contract with the Detroit Tigers . The scout who signed me was named Herman Kander, and I think he was fired 24 hours after that transaction was announced."
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A touching party for Leyland
Hall of Fame inductee Jim Leyland holds his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque during the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
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The entire weekend was a blur for the Leyland family.
On Saturday evening, the Leylands were part of a parade through Cooperstown — fans lining the streets, sitting on canvas chairs.
"It's really hard to put into words," said his son, Patrick Leyland. "It's surreal to be honest. It's humbling to see what it means to the next generation."
On Saturday night, it got even better. Tigers owner Christopher Ilitch threw a massive party for Leyland at a restaurant about 10 miles from Cooperstown.
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Would it be OK if invited some people , Leyland asked humbly.
Of course, Jim, it's your party.
And about 200 showed up, representing all four teams he managed. It became a who's who of the game, from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to former managers (including Tony La Russa and Ron Gardenhire) to players — even some he coached in the minors — and friends.
"Jim hates the attention," former Tiger Alex Avila said. "But I think it's nice that he gets to see all the people that appreciate how he impacted their lives throughout his career and throughout his life."
Avila was quick to point out that he was one of those people who have been impacted tremendously by Leyland.
Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Jim Leyland during the Parade of Legends in Cooperstown, New York on Saturday, July 20, 2024.
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"I feel like I'm almost like being inducted," Avila said. "He was instrumental to me in my career. He was like a second dad to me."
Leyland was simply overwhelmed at the showing of support.
"Do you think Jim was surprised how many showed up?" I asked former Tiger Ian Kinsler , who was in Cooperstown for the first time in his life.
"I think Jim's always surprised," Kinsler said. "I don't think it's an act. I just think he's a very humble person, and he just has a hard time seeing himself in that light. But at the same time, he knows he's the best."
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Leyland is one of only four Hall of Fame managers who never played in the major leagues.
A three-time Manager of the Year winner, Leyland led his teams to eight postseason berths, three pennants and a World Series championship.
If there is a secret behind those numbers, it was Leyland's relationships with his players.
And Kinsler might have summed it up best: "It's just almost impossible not to play hard for the man."
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Former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland's plaque for the Baseball Hall of Fame, released on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
Ending with pure poetry
But back to the speech.
Leyland wore a beautiful blue suit and colorful tie — his clothing has always matched his personality: Bold and unafraid to make a statement.
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"I finally got to Detroit in 2006," Leyland said. "It took a long time. When I got there, I had a reunion with Dave Dombrowski, one of baseball's great GMs in any era, Al Avila and David Chadd, and it was a great reunion. Owner Mike Ilitch was the most passionate owner that I've ever been around. The entire Ilitch family went above and beyond to make my time in Detroit so special. And Chris Ilitch and president Scott Harris are still doing that today."
One of the coolest moments was how Leyland became emotional honoring Gene Lamont, his longtime friend and confidant.
"Gene was listed as a coach, but he was really another manager in the dugout," Leyland said.
They were together in the barracks in Lakeland in 1966 and became best friends. To this day, they remain close, living about a mile from each other in Siesta Key, Florida.
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"To have your closest friend sitting next to you in the dugout, through the good times and the tough times," Leyland said, becoming emotional. "Gene, you're a big part of this — please stand up."
And he did. It was genuine and authentic — typical Leyland.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, Baseball Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch and Baseball Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark pose for a photo with Jim Leyland receiving his Baseball Hall of Fame plaque during the National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
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He closed by talking directly to the fans in a moment that felt like pure poetry.
"In closing, I would like to say this to the fans," Leyland said. "No matter which Hall of Famers you're here to support today, or which team you cheer for, your presence is always felt."
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All the nerves were long gone. And Leyland was at his best, painting a wonderful picture, giving a part of the speech that he had written early in the process, because the fans are so important to him.
"On your feet in the ninth, with the home team clinging to a one-run lead, turning on your television for the first game of the World Series, and seeing 50,000 fans waving towels hoping and praying that this may be their year," Leyland said.
"Or a little boy or girl, getting their first autograph. Going back to the stands to show mom and dad their latest treasure. Ladies and gentlemen, that's you. That's baseball."
What an ending.
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It felt like a walk-off homer.
Drop the bat and touch 'em all, Jim.
Welcome to the Hall of Fame.
Contact Jeff Seidel: jseidel@freepress.com or follow him @seideljeff .
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Jim Leyland's Baseball Hall of Fame party was something special
