Throwback Thursday No. 1: The Skip's Word

THROWBACK THURSDAY

Facebook has a neat feature where it allows you to post your posts from years past. So, I thought I would jump on the "throwback" theme and go all the way back 10 years.

At the time, Jim Leyland had only been back in Detroit for about a month and a half and had the team playing some really good baseball. Keep in mind, this would three years after the team had nearly set a record for futility by losing 119 games (in 2003).

Leyland's ability to change the mindset of the team and the organization allowed the team to go on an unprecedented tear throw about 10 seasons which also included the team winning the Central Division Title in 2011, 2013, and 2013 — and the 2013 team might have been the best team in baseball that season.

Many fans are clamoring for the return of Leyland to the helm of the Tigers. Many are upset with Brad Ausmus' management. I don't disagree; I actually think Jimmy Smokes might have a great impact on the team — yet, I don't think he would consider returning.

The Skip's Word still holds strong a decade later.

MAY 24, 2006

The Skip's Word

Along with hearing the players say “nine innings,” Leyland said he was thrilled by Brandon Inge’s leadoff bunt single in the seventh that led to a run …

“That’s baseball. We talked about that all spring, but we haven’t done it much. He got it down and started a rally”

-- Jim Leyland --



*Source: Detroit News