DETROIT – It’s been more than a decade since Don Kelly played in Tigers blue. Now, he’s back in Detroit, but this time, in the opposing dugout.
On May 8, 2025, Kelly took over the role as Pittsburgh Pirates Manager. It’ll be his first series going against his former team and mentor in Detroit Tigers Manager A.J. Hinch.
“I’ll put my serious face on,” Hinch joked. “I hope we make him miserable for three days back in Detroit.”
Hinch was the manager of the Houston Astros from 2015-19 and hired Kelly on his staff as the team’s first base coach back in 2018.
Kelly’s respect and gratitude for Hinch are something he’s made sure don’t go unnoticed.
“The things I learned coaching underneath him in Houston, the way that he manages the day to day, and how he communicates with everybody around him and the detail that he goes through in order to prepare and be ready for a series is unmatched,” said Kelly.
As a new manager, Kelly has demonstrated a great deal of passion in advocating for his players.
Yet sometimes that passion has backfired, as he has been ejected three times since taking over the reins in Pittsburgh.
Hinch, who hasn’t had any trouble with umpires this season, has already let Kelly in on some friendly tips.
“After I got thrown out a few times, he called me and said I should probably stay in the game,” Kelly said with a laugh.
Kelly spoke to the media about all the great times he had as a Tiger, including making it to the World Series in 2012 and winning the division title for four consecutive years.
Despite Detroit being the second home that it is for Kelly, there won’t be too much room for nostalgia.
With the former Tiger in the visitors’ dugout, this series at Comerica is sure to have the intensity fans love to see.
The Tigers extended their Major League Baseball leading record to 47-27 after defeating Kelly and his Pirates 7-3 inside Comerica Park.
Game 2 was postponed on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, due to severe weather, so both teams will take the field for an old-fashioned doubleheader.