Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch passes away at 87
Detroit sports icon Mike Ilitch has passed away at the age of 87.
Legendary Detroit sports figure Mike Ilitch passed away Friday at the age of 87. According to his family, the owner of the Detroit Tigers and Red Wings died at the hospital, but no other details were provided. The death comes as a shock, as there was no indication that Ilitch’s health was in decline.
After making his fortune as the owner of the Little Caesers pizza chain that originated in suburban Detroit in the 1950s and went national, Ilitch purchased the Red Wings in 1982 and the Tigers in 1992. He paid $8 million for the Red Wings, and helped guide them to four Stanley Cup titles. Ilitch purchased the Tigers from the founder of Domino’s Pizza for $82 million, weathered a long stretch of losing seasons, and ultimately built the Tigers into a perennial contender that went to the World Series twice. His desire to win a title in baseball before his death was well known, and Iliitch was not shy about spending money to keep the Tigers in contention.
Ilitch’s son, Christoper, issued a statement after his father’s passing.
"“He made such a positive impact in the world of sports, in business and in the community, and we will remember him for his unwavering commitment to his employees, his passion for Detroit, his generosity to others and his devotion to his family and friends.”"
Aside from his winning ways as an owner, Ilitch will be remembered for his dedication to the city of Detroit. Through thick and thin, he was an advocate for the Motor City, building a new stadium for the Tigers that is one of the gems of the league. The new Little Caesars Arena and entertainment district is set to open for the 2017 hockey and basketball seasons, with the Pistons moving into the city to join the Red Wings in a shared arena. Ilitch resisted the trends in professional sports to move complexes out to the suburbs, and is beloved in Detroit.
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From humble beginnings as the son of Macedonian immigrants, to a minor-league baseball player, to a pizza magnate and sports owner, Mike Ilitch was Detroit through and through. His contributions to a city and two professional leagues will never be forgotten.