Tigers manager Jim Leyland not retiring anytime soon

68-year-old Tigers manager Jim Leyland says he isn't retiring anytime soon. (Leon Halip/Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland is entering his eighth season as the team's skipper and at 68 years of age he doesn't plan on this season being his last, even if the Tigers go on and win the World Series.

"I'm not retiring," Leyland said to the Detroit News. "Whether we win or we don't win. Now, they (owner Mike Ilitch and general manager Dave Dombrowski) might have a different thought, but it won't be mine. I feel good, I like what I do, I have no intention of retiring."

Leyland, who will start his 22nd season as a major league manager and has guided the Tigers to two World Series appearances, said he doesn't care what anyone thinks because he has accomplished a lot in his career.

"You know what, if I went out tomorrow, I wouldn't care how any of you guys felt, I would feel like I went out on top," Leyland said. "I was a backup Double A catcher who hit (bleeping) .222. I've managed in the big leagues 22 years, with a world title, division titles, American League championships. Now, what the (heck)?"