Mike Ilitch was not only the owner of the Detroit Tigers, but he was also a fan. Just like us, he wanted nothing more than to see his team win a World Series and he was willing to do whatever it took to get that done.
Unfortunately, despite making it to the World Series on two occasions, the Tigers were not able to make Ilitch’s dream come true before be passed away at the age of 87.
One person who understands just how important the Tigers were to Mr. Ilitch is manager Brad Ausmus. Ausmus recently joined Dan Leach on 97.1 The Ticket to discuss the effect that Ilitch’s death should have on the 2017 Tigers and how he hopes they will win a World Series in honor of Mr. I.
“Because the way he went about his business — proving to the people around him, the fans the players, that he wanted to win — I hope that it makes a difference,” Ausmus told Dan Leach live on 97.1 The Ticket on Saturday. “I don’t know that in reality over 162 games it does, but I think it should.”
Ausmus said that he is personally disappointed he could not win one for Ilitch in his three seasons at the helm of the Tigers.
“It’s disappointing to me as a manager — he put the stamp of approval on me as a hire — I knew that he wanted a World Series Championship and it’s disappointing to me that we haven’t been able to give it to him,” Ausmus said. “If that can push us over the edge this year — I hope so — and hopefully at the end of October, beginning of November next year we can say ‘this is for Mr. I.’”
To read the rest of the article on CBS Detroit, please click the link below.
Source: Ausmus Hopes Tigers Players Motivated To ‘Win One For Mr. I’ This Season « CBS Detroit
