Ryan Gustafson named new CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment
Ryan Gustafson has been named the new executive vice president and CEO of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. He replaces Chris McGowan, who is leaving the organization. Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, which is the shared business arm of the Red Wings and Tigers and runs many Ilitch-owned sports and entertainment venues. Gustafson joined the organization in 2022 and has previously worked for the Seattle Dragons (XFL), Seattle Sounders (MLS) and San Diego Padres (MLB). “I’m confident the leadership of Ryan Gustafson and our executive team will continue providing a world class sports and entertainment experience for our fans and guests,” Chris Ilitch said in a release.
mlive.comBaseball world reacts after Detroit Tigers part ways with Al Avila
Eight days after the Major League Baseball trade deadline, Detroit Tigers owner Chris Ilitch “parted ways” with general manager Al Avila, ending a seven-year run for Avila as the GM. The Ghost of Ernie: 7 years ago today – August 4, 2015 – Al Avila was named Tigers GM. Parker andTheMan: With AL AVILA “parting ways” with the Detroit Tigers (in Chris Ilitch’s words) and now GONE, all phone lines lead to THEO EPSTEIN. Jose de Jesus Ortiz: The Tigers fired GM Al Avila, the only Latino GM in #MLB this season. Our general manager did.”MORETigers owner puts blame for team’s woes on fired GM Al Avila, promises ‘exhaustive search’Tigers dismiss general manager Al AvilaA.J.
mlive.comOwner Chris Ilitch ‘very pleased’ with Detroit Tigers’ progress in midst of another miserable season
Owner Chris Ilitch said Friday that he’s “very pleased” with the Detroit Tigers’ progress, even though they’re 16 games below .500 and completely out of the playoff race by July in the sixth year of a rebuild.
Detroit Tigers reportedly agree to 1-year deal with catcher Wilson Ramos
Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets looks on during the eighth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on September 18, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with free agent catcher Wilson Ramos. Wilson Ramos 1 year - 2 MM with Detroit Tigers. Wilson Ramos #40 of the New York Mets hits during the fifth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on September 18, 2020 in the Queens borough of New York City. (2020 Getty Images)For his career, Ramos owns a .755 OPS with 128 home runs and 146 doubles in 946 career games.
Tom Wilson retires after four decades as fixture in Detroit sports, entertainment
Tom Wilson, who was instrumental in getting The Palace of Auburn Hills and Little Caesars Arena built and was a prominent figure in the Detroit-area sports and entertainment industry for more than four decades, announced his retirement Wednesday from Ilitch Companies. Wilson, 71, since last December has been president emeritus of Olympia Entertainment, where he led strategic, operational, and business development projects across 313 Presents, Olympia Entertainment, the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers. Ilitch Holdings hired Wilson in February 2010 as president and CEO of Olympia Entertainment. “Time has flown by and I have certainly been blessed,” Wilson said in statement posted on the Ilitch Companies news hub. Chris Granger, group president of sports and entertainment at Ilitch Holdings, added, “As a highly respected leader in the entertainment industry, Tom’s name has been, for decades, synonymous with world-class events.
mlive.com6 new free agents Detroit Tigers should target following non-tender deadline
DETROIT – There’s a new batch of free agents this week after the non-tender deadline, and several of those players would be smart additions for the Detroit Tigers. If the Tigers are aggressive in free agency this offseason, they could find some bargains. Due to the financial losses teams experienced due to the shortened 2020 season and the COVID-19 pandemic, free agents might come at a bit of a discount ahead of 2021. READ: Detroit Tigers hire University of Michigan’s Chris Fetter as new pitching coachIn MLB’s last full season, Schwarber hit 38 home runs and 29 doubles while drawing 70 walks. Now 26, Dahl is coming off a dreadful 2020 season -- if you can even call it a season.
Detroit Tigers tender contracts to 9 players, bringing them back for 2021 season
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers tendered contracts to all nine of their arbitration-eligible players Wednesday, meaning they will all return for the 2021 season. READ: Detroit Tigers hire University of Michigan’s Chris Fetter as new pitching coachBy tendering contracts to these players, the Tigers will now negotiate salaries for the 2021 season. Last season, the Tigers won an arbitration hearing with Fulmer, who filed for $3.4 million but ultimately earned $2.8 million for the season. Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer throws during an intrasquad baseball game, Wednesday, July 8, 2020, in Detroit. Jeimer Candelario #46 of the Detroit Tigers bats against the Chicago Cubs at Comerica Park on August 26, 2020 in Detroit, Michigan.
Detroit Tigers hire University of Michigan’s Chris Fetter as new pitching coach
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have hired Chris Fetter, a “rising star” in the baseball coaching industry from the University of Michigan, to become their new pitching coach. Fetter replaces Rick Anderson, who was the pitching coach under Ron Gardenhire for a season and a half. The Detroit Tigers today announced Chris Fetter has been named the club’s Major League Pitching Coach. #DetroitRoots pic.twitter.com/afOKZfXnOw — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) November 6, 2020“We’re particularly excited for Chris’s transition to professional baseball," Tigers general manager Al Avila said. He was the top choice among a number of high-level executives in the #WhiteSox front office for their pitching coach job.
Detroit Tigers prioritize winning with AJ Hinch, who’s been in almost this exact same spot before
Hinch took over the Houston Astros, they were one year removed from three straight 100-loss seasons and hadn’t been to the playoffs in a long, long time. Tigers similaritiesIt’s almost stunning how much the current Tigers mirror the situation Hinch inherited in Houston. 3 overall pickThe only recent top draft pick for the Astros who debuted before Hinch arrived was Springer in 2014. Right before Hinch got to Houston, the team took a noticeable step forward by going 70-92 in 2014. They’ve also turned those struggles into high draft picks and now have money to spend.
Detroit Tigers hire former Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch to same position
DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers have hired former Houston Astros manager A.J. The Detroit Tigers today named A.J. pic.twitter.com/AHALJU1wGw — Detroit Tigers (@tigers) October 30, 2020“I’d like to thank Chris Ilitch and Al Avila for giving me a chance and the opportunity to get back in the dugout to lead this historic ball club,” Hinch said. When Hinch took over in Houston, the Astros were in a very similar situation to the current Tigers. is the best man for this job as we strive to bring a World Series Championship back to the city of Detroit.”Rebuild nearing end?
Dream lineup for Detroit Tigers to be contenders next year: 3 free agents, 3 prospects, 3 regulars
DETROIT – Going into 2021, the Detroit Tigers have exciting prospects, money to spend and a handful of solid players on their roster. Here are three free agents they could add to three prospects and three familiar faces to create a starting lineup capable of competing next season. (2020 Getty Images)If the Tigers could only pursue one free agent this offseason, it should be J.T. If the Tigers field this type of lineup, he shouldn’t be guaranteed his old spot in the No. Suggested lineupIf the Tigers made these three signings and called up Greene, here’s what the theoretical lineup could look like on Opening Day:D.J.
Detroit CEOs speak out against racisim, vow to make changes, right social wrongs
DETROIT Business leaders from some of the nations largest companies gathered Wednesday morning at Detroit City Hall. ORIGINAL STORY: Detroit business leaders speak out against racism, institute plans to combat systemic problemsThe event was coordinated by Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan to speak out against racism and injustice. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of Detroit Chapter of the NAACPMike Duggan, Mayor of DetroitDetroits NAACP leader Rev. Every one of us has a stake in the harsh reality that is life for minorities in America," Torgow said. Henry Ford Health System CEO Wright Lassiter grew up with civil rights leaders in his home -- his parents marched in Selma in 1965.
LIVE STREAM: 9 Detroit CEOs, including Mary Barra, Bill Ford, Chris Ilitch, speak on racism, injustice
DETROIT Nine CEOs from Detroits biggest companies are coming together to speak out against racism and injustice during a press event on Wednesday morning. The event is planned for 9:30 a.m. -- you can watch it live in the video player above. Who is participating:
Detroit business leaders speak out against racism, institute plans to combat systemic problems
DETROIT The CEOs of nine Detroit businesses were joined with Mayor Mike Duggan and Rev. Wendell Anthony to speak out against racism Wednesday morning. Dr. Wendell Anthony, President of Detroit Chapter of the NAACPMike Duggan, Mayor of DetroitThe group said they believe it is the responsibility of every American to speak out against the racism," and that they stand with the black community in calling for change across the nation.The business leaders said they are committing themselves and their companies to reject and eliminate all forms of bias, racism, sexism and violence. To back up their words, the group said their companies will be investing in programs and policies to help transform disparities that exist, locally and nationally. The group urged government officials to hold accountable all individuals involved with the deaths that have occurred.