There was a lot of talk on social media about Leyland stepping down. People said, he turned around the organization. Some said it was Ilitch spending money and Smokes just happen to be the man to manage the money. People always complained about how Smokes managed the games, an American League manager who used a National League style.
Managers with Leyland's experience don't come around very often and Detroit was lucky to have him. Period. You can say what you want about his style but his players respected him and his coaching staff worked well with him. That's half the battle right there. Players didn't talk back to Smokes (no one ever said "you got to be kidding me" to Smokes...remember Lackey in Game 3?).
More than anything, Leyland was solid entertainment. You couldn't understand him in most interviews and he didn't flinch at putting reporters in their place. He was majestic when he argued with umpires, and I cheered for him to get the toss. He cried at will, hugged every player after a big win, and did the moonwalk to celebrate. He was likable, unlike Ozzie Guillen, but not dry as toast like Bob Melvin. He managed the biggest players in the game.
Smokes apologized to the fans for not bringing home a World Series victory. No need to apologize, Smokes. You gave this city two World Series appearances and three consecutive division championships. You took us back from 2003 when times were dismal to a time when it was cool to wear the old English D. So thank you, Jim. I'm pleased you are staying with the organization. I hope you get to be "special assistant" like Kaline and just get to smoke and eat popcorn all day. You deserve such a dream job after what you've given us.
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