AccessMyLibrary provides FREE access to over 30 million articles from top publications available through your library.
Create a link to this page
Copy and paste this link tag into your Web page or blog:
Leyland is back where he belongs.(BASEBALL)
Dozens of Tigers sprawl on the grass, stretching before their morning workout. Their new manager, Jim Leyland, fungo bat in hand, drifts among them and stops to tell an off-color golf joke to a group of four. The players burst out laughing at the punch line, first baseman Chris Shelton chuckling loudest.
Leyland, 61, reaches down, grabs Shelton by the shirt and says, "That was a good one, wasn't it?"
Six years Leyland was away, six years the game was lesser for it. Leyland was born to manage, says one of his former Pirates and Marlins players, Bobby Bonilla. His in-game strategy ranks with the best. His tough-love approach evokes loyalty from both the biggest stars and lowliest reserves.
He's your best friend. He's your worst enemy. He's your best friend again. Leyland is one of seven children. His wife is one of 11. His father was one of 16. "What makes one brother tick may not make another brother tick," he says. "You've got to figure out the best way to get results out of both brothers."
Egos don't bother Leyland. Neither do eccentrics. He won in Pittsburgh with Bonilla and Barry Bonds. He won in Florida with Kevin Brown and Gary Sheffield. Don't bet on Ivan Rodriguez's going AWOL on Leyland the way he did last season under the less experienced Alan Trammell. Don't bet against Leyland's ending the Tigers' streak of 12 straight losing seasons, even in the increasingly competitive American League Central.
"He doesn't get (the respect of) everyone; no coach, no manager, no teacher, no parent can get everyone," says Tigers first base coach Andy Van Slyke, one of Leyland's former Pirates. "But he comes pretty darned close."
Leyland walks quickly and purposefully on a picture-perfect Florida morning, moving constantly, shouting with enthusiasm. He makes personal contact with nearly 20 players on different fields during the first hour of the workout, giving most just a quick word. For those who need reassurance--and even those who do not--a simple acknowledgement can mean a lot.
- Leyland: Farewell to friend.(Barry Bonds)
- Newspaper article from: Detroit Free Press (Detroit, Michigan) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News) Lowe, John February 21, 2006 700+ words
...enjoy his family." In 1986, Leyland became manager in Pittsburgh...record seven MVP awards. Leyland said he and Bonds are close...90s. "Turn the page," Leyland said of the episode. "I...with organizers of the World Baseball Classic for the way they handled his...
- Players victorious for proud new dad: Wedge's wife gives birth to girl. Manager...
- Newspaper article from: Akron Beacon Journal (Akron, OH) April 18, 2006 700+ words
...Snarling Tiger Tigers manager Jim Leyland read the team the riot act...clubhouse got an earful, as Leyland delivered the obscenity...finally faced reporters, Leyland's remarks were brief...participation in the World Baseball Classic and missing regular throwing...
- Leyland will let us know today Reportedly, it's down to Sox, Marlins
- Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff October 4, 1996 700+ words
...won't he? That was the question. Jim Leyland, the man who has created the fuss, said...and cons of each team and city," said Leyland between various activities, including...wasn't expected back home until late. Leyland has been under considerable pressure to...
- Leyland, Pirates refreshingly sane
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Sun-Times Joel Bierig March 13, 1989 700+ words
...former White Sox third base coach Jim Leyland. Some speculate Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf would love to have Leyland as manager and Tony LaRussa as general...move into their new stadium in 1991. Leyland is flattered, but . . . "I'd never...
- Leyland is leaving for sunnier surroundings
- Magazine article from: Sporting News Nightengale, Bob September 30, 1996 700+ words
...The man had to go. Sure, manager Jim Leyland told the world a few weeks ago he was...colleagues, even family told him to get out. Leyland, who loves the city of Pittsburgh, finally...would be another two or three years," Leyland says. "I believe in my heart that it...
- Leyland delivers for Tigers.(baseball manager Jim Leyland)
- Newspaper article from: Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, PA) Smith, Claire October 15, 2006 700+ words
Byline: Claire Smith DETROIT _ Jim Leyland, possessing baseball memories older than...it is not lost on the 61-year-old Leyland that his first opportunity to wear the...division series upset of the Yankees, Leyland played a major role in delivering Detroit...
- Leyland will leave Pirates after season
- Newspaper article from: Chicago Sun-Times September 18, 1996 700+ words
...slashing, Pittsburgh Pirates manager Jim Leyland said Tuesday he will resign at the end...pursue a job with a contending team. Leyland, a two-time National League manager...decision, but it was a sad decision," said Leyland, who rebuilt a 98-loss team in 1986...
- Leyland talks to Sox He'll be interviewing with Duquette in next 24-36 hours
- Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff October 2, 1996 700+ words
Jim Leyland might be on everyone's managerial wish list, as Dan Duquette pointed out yesterday, but not everyone is on Leyland's list. One thing is for certain: Leyland is interested in the Red Sox job, which he and Duquette...