Wednesday, 04 December 2024

Mike Ilitch

Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Contributors 2024
Embed from Getty Images
Sport(s): Hockey and Baseball Owner
Statistics: 4 Stanley Cups (1997, 1998, 2002 & 2008)
Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame
Member of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame
Little Caesar's owner, Mike Ilitch, bought the Detroit Red Wings from Bruce Norris, whose family owned the team for 50 years, in 1982. The Red Wings, an Original Six team, was near the bottom of the standings when Ilitch bought them, and the luster appeared long gone, but under Ilitch, Detroit would reclaim its former glory.

Ilitch hired a team that focused on scouting and development. The Red Wings methodically improved, and while Ilitch was their owner, Detroit won four Stanley Cups (1997, 1998, 2002 & 2008), and they went to 25 consecutive post-seasons.

Ilitch also went into baseball, purchasing the Detroit Tigers in 1992. The Tigers were not a good team for years, but they did win the American League pennant in 2012.

We are proud to nominate Mike Ilitch for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.