Baseball ownership was at the forefront of fans’ minds this past week, as longtime Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch passed away at the age of 87.
Also in the news were rumors that Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria may be contemplating a sell of the Miami franchise.
Ilitch became owner of the Tigers in 1992, and even before his death, was regarded as an owner with a burning passion to bring a World Series to Detroit. After the 2003 Tigers suffered through a dubious 119-loss season, Ilitch was able to turn the franchise around, as they advanced to the World Series in 2006 and 2012.
Unfortunately for Ilitch, the Tigers were unable to win either Series to supplement the four Stanley Cups the Detroit Red Wings won under his watch.
"Mike Ilitch was far more than a model owner of the Tigers franchise, the team he loved all his life and played for as a Minor Leaguer. He was also a fierce believer in his home city of Detroit, and the role that the Tigers and sports played in contributing to civic pride and renewal,” Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
"Mr. Ilitch led a decorated life of service to his country, accomplishment in business and philanthropy in all of his endeavors. He was also extremely supportive of me both personally and professionally. On behalf of all of Major League Baseball and Mr. Ilitch's countless friends and admirers throughout the game, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Marian and their entire family, the Tigers organization, their fans and his fellow citizens of Detroit."
Loria purchased the Marlins in 2002, just ahead of the franchise’s second World Series in 2003. The Marlins have gone through a pair of “fire sales” in Loria’s time captaining the ship. In 2005, the Marlins parted ways with players like Carlos Delgado, Luis Castillo, Mike Lowell, Juan Pierre, Josh Beckett and Paul LoDuca and became very bad.
A bunch of big name signings like Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle and Anibal Sanchez did not work out, and they were shipped out along with Hanley Ramirez, Josh Johnson and others in 2013.
All that to say, a report surfaced in past days that there was a “handshake agreement” for Loria to sell the team.
Pitchers and catchers report this week, you guys.