Detroit icon Mike Ilitch died on Friday at 87 years old. Ilitch owned Tigers and the Red Wings, and he also co-founded Little Caesars Pizza.
Ilitch was among the most influential people in Detroit, as well as in the MLB and NHL. And several athletes, executives, and journalists across sports mourned his death on Twitter when they heard the news of his passing. Joe Louis Arena also held a moment of silence before the Red Wings’ game on Friday night:
https://twitter.com/JoeLouisArena/status/830224461852966913
Commissioner Bettman statement on the passing of @DetroitRedWings owner Mike Ilitch. pic.twitter.com/Bj6bkWJeeL
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear of Mr. Ilitch passing. He was a remarkable human and a champion for the city of Detroit. I am honored to play for his team.
— James McCann (@McCannon33) February 10, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch. Won four Stanley Cups. Tried so hard to bring a World Series title to Detroit.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 11, 2017
Really sad to learn the news of Mr I's passing. He meant everything to the Wings, Tigers & Detroit. Best owner in sports. #RIPMrIlitch
— Dylan Larkin (@Dylanlarkin39) February 11, 2017
Today I mourn the loss of a great friend, Mike Ilitch.My prayers are with his family & all those who were impacted by his generosity. #rip
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) February 11, 2017
It was an honor to play for Mr. I. My thoughts are with his family. #RedWings https://t.co/O7liBu0TTQ
— RealPatrickEaves (@Patrick_Eaves) February 11, 2017
#RIP Mike Ilitch
What a life! Marine, Pro-Athlete, Entrepeneur, Philanthropist. Better believe I'm gonna have a "hot-n-ready" in his honor— Kirk Cousins (@KirkCousins8) February 10, 2017
Mike Ilitch influenced a city’s sports culture — and the city itself — to a degree rarely (if ever) seen before in American history. @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 11, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr.Ilitch. He was a pleasure to play for and his will to win was second to none. #MrI #Wings #Tigers
— Danny DeKeyser (@DeKeyser5) February 11, 2017
Mike Ilitch single-handedly transformed @RedWings and @Tigers into large-market, championship-caliber franchises. A legacy without equal.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) February 11, 2017
Ken Holland on Mike Ilitch. pic.twitter.com/nSatJ0i6Xx
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 11, 2017
Former Tigers manager Jim Leyland, on the passing of team owner Mike Ilitch: "I'm crushed right now. He did so much for me."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 11, 2017
"That's the one thing we were always brokenhearted about," Leyland said about Ilitch. "That we didn't get that World Series for him."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 11, 2017
Red Sox president Dave Dombrowski, on Mike Ilitch: “He was tremendous well beyond baseball, but also for the city of Detroit."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 11, 2017
"We shared a lot of great memories," Dombrowski said about Ilitch. "He did everything you could have asked for from an owner, and more."
— anthony fenech (@anthonyfenech) February 11, 2017
— Gustav Nyquist (@GNyquist) February 11, 2017
Heartbroken hearing of Mr I's passing. He was a family man. A self made man. A giving man. An icon for our city and nation. #RIPMrIllitch
— Justin Verlander (@JustinVerlander) February 11, 2017
Sad to hear the news about Mr. I. I'm glad I got to meet him and be able to play for his team. #RIP
— Jordan Zimmermann (@JZimmermann27) February 11, 2017
Just learned about the passing of MIKE ILLITCH owner of Tigers / Red Wings / has been super for the Detroit area May he RIP
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) February 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/HOFBlues16/status/830224555163541504
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Ilitch. A great man who did so much for Detroit. Honored to have played under his ownership.
— Ian Krol (@IANKROL_TKB) February 11, 2017
R.I.P. Mike Ilitch, the beloved owner of the @DetroitRedWings, @tigers, and @littlecaesars. Thank you for all you have done for Detroit pic.twitter.com/tq563yv2rB
— Ryan Riess (@RyanRiess1) February 11, 2017
RIP Mr I. Ive not been n ur organization long but I knew it was one I wanted to be a part of. We will rejoice in all u have done for Detroit
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) February 11, 2017
— J.D. Martinez (@JDMartinez28) February 11, 2017
A lasting legacy. Rest in peace, Mr. Ilitch. pic.twitter.com/QBmdLAJgyN
— NHL (@NHL) February 11, 2017
With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch. He was 87. https://t.co/twgYebEFBa pic.twitter.com/cfS4FQC9Qc
— MLB (@MLB) February 11, 2017
Statement from @MLB commissioner Rob Manfred on the passing of #Tigers owner Mike Ilitch >> pic.twitter.com/k8djlzqWyV
— Matthew B. Mowery (@matthewbmowery) February 11, 2017
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) February 11, 2017
RIP Mr I. Ive not been n ur organization long but I knew it was one I wanted to be a part of. We will rejoice in all u have done for Detroit
— Daniel Norris (@DanielNorris18) February 11, 2017
Mike Ilitch has left his legacy on Detroit. He brought a passionate fan base back to the city by creating championship teams. #RIPMrIllitch
— Anthony Bass (@AnthonyBass52) February 11, 2017
RIP Mike Ilitch, sad day in the Detroit community.
— Scott Wedgewood (@wedgewall) February 10, 2017
I cannot think of an owner in pro sports who cared more or did more for his community than Mike Ilitch did for Detroit. What a legacy.
— Gord Miller 🌻🇺🇦 (@GMillerTSN) February 10, 2017
Saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. I. He did wonders for Detroit & I am grateful to have played for a team he owned #RIPMrIllitch
— Buck Farmer (@B_Farm09) February 11, 2017
A moment of silence before tonight's game for Mike Ilitch. pic.twitter.com/ofy47UXh94
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) February 11, 2017
Mr "I" thank you for everything you've done. @littlecaesars @DetroitRedWings @tigers we'll all miss you.
— Mike Modano (@9modano) February 11, 2017
I'm saddened to learn about the passing of Mike Illitch. My deepest condolences go out to the Illitch family during this difficult time.
— Rod Wood (@RodWood_Lions) February 11, 2017
Comment from #Blackhawks Chairman Rocky Wirtz on Mike Ilitch: pic.twitter.com/DtssGEJPY6
— Chris Kuc (@ChrisKuc) February 11, 2017
https://twitter.com/TomGores/status/830221644580876288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/Wazr30/status/830218530763071490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Mr. llitch RIP! The best owner I ever played for. The city of Detroit has lost a great man. You will be truly missed! #rip #gotigers
— Gerald L Laird lll (@laird_lll) February 11, 2017
Thoughts and prayers with the Ilitch family. Mr. I was a giant in the sports industry. All class. Relished my time covering his Wings teams
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) February 10, 2017
