TOLEDO, Ohio — There's a certain buzz in Detroit as the Tigers continue their improbable run and get ready to face division rival Cleveland in the American League Division Series.
Former Tigers manager and recent inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Jim Leyland, was a part of many memorable runs himself during his time in the Motor City. He knows just how much this means to Detroit.
"It's always been a baseball town. There's no question about that," Leyland said. "It's a blue-collar town and hard-working people. They love their baseball. It's a pure baseball town and they're really excited."
The Tigers have taken on the moniker of "Gritty Tigs." Their run began in August, grinding out a 31-13 record since Aug. 11 to close out the regular season – the best record in the MLB during that stretch.
"They're young, they're fresh and they're energetic," Leyland said. "There's something to be said for that. They're not just going on emotion right now, they're in good shape, they're a young group and they got a lot of energy."
A lot of that young talent comes from the Mud Hens an hour south down I-75 in Toledo. It's an affiliation that Leyland said is an important one, and it's paying off this season.
"They're a big part of the organization, there's no question about that," Leyland said. "If you look at a lot of those pitchers that are going up there, they've been with the Mud Hens and they're just doing a terrific job. Toledo's a big part of it."
Leyland said the close proximity between Toledo and Detroit pays dividends.
"From a major league manager standpoint, it's ideal because you can get a player there within an hour if you need to get a player there. That's pretty convenient for you," Leyland said. "It's a nice marriage between the Mud Hens and Tigers. There's no question about that."
Leyland is an Ohio native, having grown up in Perrysburg. The Tigers' upcoming playoff series with the Guardians is a unique one as Leyland grew up a fan of Cleveland baseball.
But there's no question who he's rooting for come Saturday.
"I ended up signing with the Tigers and being in that organization for 30-some years now. So obviously, I'm a Tigers fan," Leyland said. "So from that perspective, I'm all Tigers. But when I was a little kid, to be honest with you, I was a Cleveland Indians fan."
When it comes to postseason baseball, sometimes it's all about getting hot at the right time. Leyland feels good about Detroit's chances as they get set for the ALDS.
"I just know that the Tigers are playing as good as anybody right now. I think they're as good as anybody in the major leagues right now," Leyland said. "I think they got as good a chance as anybody. They got a lot going for them right now and Cleveland's had to sit around and wait for four or five days. If they were looking for one advantage, that might be it for the Tigers."
Game 1 of the ALDS between the Tigers and Guardians is Saturday at 1:08 p.m. in Cleveland. Game 2 is set for Monday at 4:08 p.m. The series then shifts to Detroit for Game 3 on Wednesday.