TIGERS EXTEND LEYLAND’S CONTRACT THROUGH 2009

DETROIT – The Detroit Tigers today announced the club has extended the contract of manager Jim Leyland one year through the 2009 season.
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“After our conversation yesterday, we are pleased to extend Jim’s contract through the 2009 season,” Tigers President, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager David Dombrowski said. “We are very happy with the outstanding job he has done and with the leadership he provides our organization. We look forward to Jim managing the Tigers for a long time.”
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Detroit completed the 2007 season with an 88-74 record, pushing the club’s record to 183-141 during Leyland’s first two seasons as the manager. The 183 wins are fourth-most by a Tigers manager during his first two seasons with the club. Mickey Cochrane (1934-35) and Mayo Smith (1967-68) both won 194 games during their first two seasons as the club’s manager to lead the way, while Bob Scheffing (1961-62) is third with 186 wins.
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“I’m very grateful to Mr. Ilitch, Dave and the Tigers organization,” Leyland said. “I have enjoyed my first two seasons as the manager and I appreciate the tremendous fan support from all the great Tigers fans. I look forward to managing the Tigers for a long time.”
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The 2007 season marked Leyland’s 16th season as a manager at the major league level. Prior to his two seasons with Detroit, he spent 11 seasons with Pittsburgh (1986-96), Florida (1997-98) and Colorado (1999).