Detroit Tigers, Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch dies at age 87

Commander Wallace · 02-11-17, 05:27 AM

Billionaire businessman Mike Ilitch, who founded the Little Caesars pizza empire before buying the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers has passed away. Mike won praise for keeping the professional sports teams in the city as others relocated to new suburban arenas. Mike had a passion and enthusiasm not only for Detroit but major league sports. This made him a favorite among other sports enthusiasts.

Quote: He ran the Red Wings and Tigers the way he lived his life: without a net.

Quote: When Ilitch bought the Red Wings, in 1982, they were struggling to attract fans. He gave away a car at every home game. You didn’t even have to buy a ticket to enter the drawing; you could just show up at Joe Louis Arena and put your name in.

Ilitch later said after giving the cars away he got two thank-you notes—and one guy sued him. But the giveaways were classic Ilitch. There was no business plan behind them. Ilitch said he did it because he wanted the city to feel as much passion for the Red Wings as he did.

Ilitch won those four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, yet he openly admitted: He wanted a World Series title more. As a young man, Ilitch played in the Tigers’ minor-league system; he said a knee injury kept him from reaching the majors.

http://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/m...er-obit-021017

Thanks mike for the great sports and rest in peace.

02-11-17, 05:27 AM	#1
Commander Wallace Navy Seal Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Under the sea in an Octupus garden in the shade Posts: 5,294 Downloads: 366 Uploads: 0	Detroit Tigers, Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch dies at age 87 Billionaire businessman Mike Ilitch, who founded the Little Caesars pizza empire before buying the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Tigers has passed away. Mike won praise for keeping the professional sports teams in the city as others relocated to new suburban arenas. Mike had a passion and enthusiasm not only for Detroit but major league sports. This made him a favorite among other sports enthusiasts. Quote: He ran the Red Wings and Tigers the way he lived his life: without a net. Quote: When Ilitch bought the Red Wings, in 1982, they were struggling to attract fans. He gave away a car at every home game. You didn’t even have to buy a ticket to enter the drawing; you could just show up at Joe Louis Arena and put your name in. Ilitch later said after giving the cars away he got two thank-you notes—and one guy sued him. But the giveaways were classic Ilitch. There was no business plan behind them. Ilitch said he did it because he wanted the city to feel as much passion for the Red Wings as he did. Ilitch won those four Stanley Cups with the Red Wings, yet he openly admitted: He wanted a World Series title more. As a young man, Ilitch played in the Tigers’ minor-league system; he said a knee injury kept him from reaching the majors. http://www.foxsports.com/nhl/story/m...er-obit-021017 Thanks mike for the great sports and rest in peace.