Friday evening, the sports world was hit with some sad news as Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mile Ilitch passed away at the age of 87.
BREAKING: Tigers, Red Wings owner Ilitch dead at 87. MORE: https://t.co/8ws3rOYSDm pic.twitter.com/mt4O3BoLKo
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) February 10, 2017
Ilitch, who was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003, purchased the Wings in 1982 and the Tigers in 1992.
In his tenure as owner of the Tigers and Red Wings, the baseball team made it to the World Series twice while the Wings won four Stanley Cups.
Following his passing, the sports world shared their condolences for one of the greatest owners in sports.
Detroit Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch has passed away at the age of 87.
A photo posted by TSN (@tsn_official) on
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 11, 2017
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. He was 87. https://t.co/twgYebEFBa pic.twitter.com/cfS4FQC9Qc
— MLB (@MLB) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear of Mr. Ilitch passing. He was a remarkable human and a champion for the city of Detroit. I am honored to play for his team.
— James McCann (@JamesMcCann34) February 10, 2017
Condolences to the Ilitch Family @DetroitRedWings @tigers for the passing of the great Mike Ilitch 🙏🙏#RIP #Detroit #Legend
— Carlo Colaiacovo (@CarloColaiacovo) February 10, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch, sad day in the Detroit community.
— Scott Wedgewood (@wedgewall) February 10, 2017
Truly one of the great sports owners - ever. Period. https://t.co/Pr6kNIkxjJ
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 11, 2017
Ken Holland says Mr. Illitch was "the very best, nobody better. He was passionate not only about the team but the city of Detroit "
— Pierre LeBrun (@Real_ESPNLeBrun) February 10, 2017
Mr. Ilitch was a giant of amateur sports in @CityofDetroit who gave unselfishly so youth could enjoy sport. Condolences to his family. #RIP
— Craig Button (@CraigJButton) February 10, 2017
I cannot think of an owner in pro sports who cared more or did more for his community than Mike Ilitch did for Detroit. What a legacy.
— Gord Miller (@GMillerTSN) February 10, 2017
Mike Ilitch lead the Renaissance of Detroit.
— Jim (@TheSportsJim) February 10, 2017
From the Fox Theater to the new District Detroit.
May his legacy live forever.
The Mud Hens are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Ilitch, and we'd like to extended our deepest condolences to the city of Detroit.
— Toledo Mud Hens (@MudHens) February 11, 2017
Former #RedWings forward Darren McCarty on @wxyzdetroit: "I think we can change the name of the new arena to 'Mike Ilitch Arena'". Good idea
— DetroitSportsNation (@detsportsnation) February 11, 2017
R.I.P. Mike Ilitch. Sad to hear you're gone... Thank you for all you've done for Detroit sports, and the city itself. #RedWings #Tigers pic.twitter.com/p5BFpBTd7C
— Eric Weclowski (@eric_weclowski) February 11, 2017
We'd like to extend our deepest condolences to the Ilitch family and the entire city of Detroit.
— Toledo Walleye (@ToledoWalleye) February 11, 2017
In the span of a calendar year, Hockeytown has lost Gordie Howe and Mike Ilitch.
— Al Willman (@AlWillmanSports) February 11, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch. As a Tiger fan, he was a wonderful owner. Wanted to win every year.
— Ryan Pyette (@RyanatLFPress) February 10, 2017
Few people have changed Detroit's landscape, literally and physically, as much as Mike Ilitch. #RIP
— Dave Hogg 📎 (@Stareagle) February 10, 2017
Mike Ilitch was married to Marian Ilitch for 61 years. They founded Little Caesars in Garden City in 1959. They have 7 children.
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) February 10, 2017
Mike Ilitch bought the Red Wings for $8 million in 1982, and the Tigers for $85 million in 1992.
— Bill Shea (@Bill_Shea19) February 10, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch! #DetroitPride
— Detroit Pride (@LionsPride81) February 10, 2017
— Casey Fien (@CaseyFien) February 11, 2017
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ilitch. A great man who did so much for Detroit. Honored to have played under his ownership.
— Ian Krol (@IanKrolTKB) February 11, 2017
Rest In Peace Mr. Ilitch. It's a sad day for all of Detroit. Forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me to put on a Tigers uniform
— Guido Knudson (@GKnudson15) February 11, 2017
Jim Leyland: "Everyone wanted that World Championship for one reason and that was to give it to Mike Ilitch."
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) February 11, 2017
Mike Ilitch brought superstars to Detroit for decades. His first big addition: a kid named Steve Yzerman. pic.twitter.com/jYwaUkoM9M
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) February 11, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch. Won four Stanley Cups. Tried so hard to bring a World Series title to Detroit.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 11, 2017
#RIP Mike Ilitch
— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) February 10, 2017
What a life! Marine, Pro-Athlete, Entrepeneur, Philanthropist. Better believe I'm gonna have a "hot-n-ready" in his honor
Thoughts and prayers with the Ilitch family. Mr. I was a giant in the sports industry. All class. Relished my time covering his Wings teams
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 10, 2017
Tigers and Red Wings Owner Mike Ilitch has died. They should put a statue up in Detroit for all he has done for the city. RIP Mr. I
— Fred Heumann (@unclefred6) February 10, 2017
Heartbroken hearing of Mr I's passing. He was a family man. A self made man. A giving man. An icon for our city and nation. #RIPMrIllitch
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 11, 2017
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
Our condolences to the @detroitredwings and the Ilitch family on the passing of Mike Ilitch. ❤️
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. I. He did wonders for Detroit & I am grateful to have played for a team he owned #RIPMrIllitch
— Buck Farmer (@B_Farm09) February 11, 2017
RIP Mr I. Ive not been n ur organization long but I knew it was one I wanted to be a part of. We will rejoice in all u have done for Detroit
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) February 11, 2017
