LAKELAND, Fla. -- Christopher Ilitch grew up watching his father become one of the most competitive owners in professional sports. He also grew up around baseball at all levels, coaching his children's teams. On the day Tigers players paid their last respects to late owner Mike Ilitch, Christopher let them know he feels the same way about the club as his father did.
"I told the players this morning: They're going to find the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," said Christopher Ilitch, who takes over ownership operations for the family.
"My father loved baseball. He loved this Tiger team.