The biggest superstition or ritual for each MLB team

By Brad Weiss | May 13, 2019

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 9: CC Sabathia #52 of the New York Yankees delivers the first pitch in the first inning during Game 4 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, October 9, 2018, in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – JUNE 17: Former Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland talks to the fans during a Q & A session prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Comerica Park on June 17, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. The Rays defeated the Tigers 3-2. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Detroit Tigers: Jim Leyland’s underwear

Jim Leyland’s run with the Detroit Tigers began back in 1963, when the team signed him in September to be a catcher in their farm system. The old phrase, “those who cannot do, teach,” certainly applies to Leyland, who hit only .222 in the Minor Leagues and was done after seven seasons.

Still, after his playing career ended in 1970, he stayed on with the Tigers until 1982, when he became the third base coach for the Chicago White Sox under manager Tony Larussa. In November of 1985, Leyland got his first manager gig with the Pittsburgh Pirates, leading them to three straight NLCS appearances while being named Manager of the Year twice.

From Pittsburgh, Leyland made stops with the Florida Marlins, winning a World Series, and then managed the Colorado Rockies for one season (1999). When the Tigers fired Alan Trammell, it cleared the way for Leyland to return to the organization, and he did so in a big way in 2006, winning Manager of the Year honors once again.

One of the bigger superstitions in Tigers history revolves around Leyland, who in September of 2011 decided not to change his underwear until the team lost. That streak lasted 12 games, the longest since 1934, and helped the Tigers to a first-place finish in the American League Central that season.

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