Tigers GM Al Avila releases statement on death of team owner Mike Ilitch

DETROIT – Detroit Tigers general manager Al Avila released a statement Friday night in response to the death of team owner Mike Ilitch.

"I’ve never seen a man more dedicated to this community and to baseball than Mr. I," Avlia's statement said. "What he has done for this franchise, and for Detroit, is immeasurable. He was always there to give us whatever we needed because he wanted greatness and happiness for all of us – especially the fans. Mr. I was truly one of the great ones. He was a friend and an inspiration and he will be deeply missed."

Ilitch died at age 87 after having owned the Tigers since 1992. He promoted Avila to general manager after the 2015 season, in which Avila had worked as assistant general manager underneath Dave Dombrowski.

In his first season as general manager, Avila's team won 86 games and missed the playoffs.

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