DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers has named 44-year-old Brad Ausmus as the team's new manager. The announcement was made Sunday during a 4:30 p.m. press conference at Comerica Park.
"I couldn't be more excited to manage the Detroit Tigers," said new Tigers manager, Brad Ausmus. "It's not very often that you get the opportunity to manage a team that went to the American League Championship the previous year. There is a lot of work to be done by Spring Training and no details will be glossed over. Our goal is to hopefully return to the ALCS and then take the next step."
Ausmus has been a special assistant with the San Diego Padres since 2010. He also was thought to be a candidate for the vacant manager's job with the Chicago Cubs.
He reportedly interviewed with Tigers management last week and has no major-league managing or coaching experience.
During his 18 years in the majors he has played with the Padres, the Astros, Dodgers and spent 2 stints with the Tigers.
He was a catcher for the Tigers from 1999 until he was traded to the Astros. He came back as a Tiger in 1996 before being traded to the Padres.
Ausmus is a three time Gold Glove Winner and was an All Star in 1999.
Before naming Ausmus the Tigers previously interviewed Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach and their own hitting coach, Lloyd McClendon, who also met with the Mariners about their managerial opening.
Jim Leyland announced his retirement October 22nd. He helped turn around the Tigers in seven seasons as manager, including three American League Central Division titles and two World Series appearances. The Tigers went to the American League Championship Series three straight years.
At his retirement press conference Leyland said, "What's gone on here has been unbelievable. We've won a lot of games, we've had a lot of seats filled," Leyland said. "I came here to make talent a team, and I think we did that."
Leyland is 1,769-1,728 overall as manager, also including stints with the Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-96), Florida Marlins (1997-98) and Colorado Rockies (1999). He won the 1997 World Series with the Marlins. He also managed the Pirates to the National League Championship Series three straight years (1990-92).