Jim Leyland

A bundle of energy behind a bushy mustache, Jim Leyland paid his dues in the minor leagues before getting a chance to manager in the majors. He became one of baseball's most effective and respected managers, winning three consecutive division titles with the Pittsburgh Pirates in the early 1990s. Later, finally the beneficiary of a larger payroll, the cigarette-smoking Leyland won a World Series title with the Florida Marlins in just their fifth season in the National League. A two-time manager of the year, in 2006 Leyland returned to the dugout after a six-year hiatus, leading the Tigers to a resurgent season.

Managed

Linked: Though his '97 Marlins team relied heavily on veterans, Leyland made regulars out of three young players: double play combination Luis Castillo and Edgar Renteria, and starting pitcher Livan Hernandez, who was MVP of the NLCS... Leyland coached under Tony LaRussa with the White Sox... He worked for GM Dave Dombrowski in Florida, and Dombrowski later hired him in Detroit... Gene Lamont coached under LaRussa with Leyland, coached under Leyland in Pittsburgh, replaced Leyland as Pirates manager, and was hired by Leyland as his bench coach in Detroit.

Best Season, 1997
In his first season with the Marlins, Leyland guided a team of veterans to the wild-card spot. The team won twice in their final at-bat in a three-game sweep of the Giants in the NLDS, and upset the Braves in six games in the NLCS to advance to the World Series against the Indians. Leyland used six pitchers in Game Seven as he saw his team squeek out a victory in 11 innings. Celebrating the unlikey title on the field following the game, he tearfully acknowledged his family seated in the stands.

Description
Leyland's built a lot like Billy Martin: shorts, small, and filled with nervous energy. Until early in 2006, he was a notorious chain-smoker. During the game, he rarely sits down, preferring to pace the dugout. He takes opportunities to teach his players, and he isn't afraid to confront them or motivate them at any time.

Where He Played: Leyland was a catcher in the Detroit Tigers organization during the 1960s.

Quotes From Leyland
"Sometimes, if you put a hit-and-run on, it makes a guy stay on the ball better, because he knows he has to hit it. He's more conscientious of hitting the ball and putting it in play. So sometimes, you put it on and something good happens. He might even hit a weak ground ball that goes through a hole somewhere. The guy gets a hit. Maybe all of a sudden, that gets him going." — Jim Leyland

"You can't be worrying or talking about the other teams. You've got to win games. If you win games, you've got a shot. If you don't win games, it doesn't matter. This time of year, you have to start winning some games. You have to put some streaks together." — Jim Leyland in September 2007 on Detroit's post-season chances

Replaced
Leyland replaced longtime Pirates' skipper Chuck Tanner, in 1986.

Replaced By
Gene Lamont (in Pittsburgh); John Boles (in Florida), and Buddy Bell (Colorado).

Best Strength as a Player
In-game managing and command of the clubhouse.

Largest Weakness as a Player
Constructing a lineup. Leyland is a throwback, he still tends to hold on to the notion that a speedy runner, regardless of his ability to get on base, is best suited to bat leadoff. He prefers agressive hitters to those who draw a lot of walks. In general, it's worked for him, but it flies in the face of conventional wisdom.