News / Sports
Jim Leyland voted AL Manager of the Year, Joe Girardi takes the honor in NL
After taking over the Detroit Tigers Jim Leyland expressed his belief that he had a talented bunch. He figured they would be competitive and within a few years could challenge for a World Series title. Leyland’s squad was ahead of schedule and advanced to the Fall Classic in his first year as manager. For leading his team to its first winning season since 1993 and knocking off the NY Yankees and then the Oakland Athletics in the playoffs Leyland was voted AL Manager of the Year.
Leyland, who won the award with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1990 and 1992, started his professional baseball career with the Detroit Tigers in 1963. He was signed as a catcher and spent six seasons in the minor leagues.
The Tigers skipper picked up 19 of 28 first-place votes and totaled 118 points to beat out Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire.
Joe Girardi, formerly of the Florida Marlins, beat out the New York Mets Willie Randolph for the NL Manager of the Year. Despite keeping the Florida Marlins in the hunt for a playoff spot all season Giradi got the axe from owner Jeffrey Loria. Six weeks later Loria is faced with the fact he fired the NL Manager of the Year.
Girardi received 18 of 32 first-place votes and easily outnumbered Randolph 111 to 81. Rather than seek employment in the dugout, Girardi has opted to take a position in the New York Yankees booth as a broadcaster.
