Red Wings, Tigers Owner Mike Ilitch Dies at Age 87

Mike Ilitch, who has owned the Detroit Red Wings since 1982 and Detroit Tigers since 1992, died Friday at the age of 87. 

Ilitch's son Christopher issued a statement through Ilitch Holdings Inc. about his father. 

"My father was a once-in-a-generation entrepreneur, visionary and leader, setting the tone for our organization and our family," said Ilitch, per ESPN.com. "He made such a positive impact in the world of sports, in business and in the community, and we will remember him for his unwavering commitment to his employees, his passion for Detroit, his generosity to others and his devotion to his family and friends."

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement in a press release:

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"Mike Ilitch was far more than a model owner of the Tigers franchise, the team he loved all his life and played for as a minor leaguer. He was also a fierce believer in his home city of Detroit, and the role that the Tigers and sports played in contributing to civic pride and renewal.

"Mr. Ilitch led a decorated life of service to his country, accomplishment in business and philanthropy in all of his endeavors. He was also extremely supportive of me both personally and professionally. On behalf of all of Major League Baseball and Mr. Ilitch's countless friends and admirers throughout the game, I extend my deepest condolences to his wife Marian and their entire family, the Tigers organization, their fans and his fellow citizens of Detroit."

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Red Wings general manager Ken Holland praised Ilitch after learning about his death, describing him as "the very best, nobody better. He was passionate not only about the team but the city of Detroit," per ESPN's Pierre LeBrun. 

Former Detroit Tigers pitcher and current Fox Sports broadcaster C.J. Nitkowski echoed Holland's sentiments:

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Mr. I was what every sports fan and player wanted in an owner. Loved his city and was driven to win. He left his mark and will be missed.

— CJ Nitkowski (@CJNitkowski) February 11, 2017"

The Tigers and Red Wings posted the same image remembering Ilitch:

Former Tigers manager Jim Leyland told Anthony Fenech of the Detroit Free Press he was "crushed right now. He did so much for me."

During Ilitch's tenure as a sports owner, he led his teams to 35 combined playoff appearances. Before he bought the Red Wings, they had just one playoff appearance in the previous 11 seasons. The Tigers went 19 years between postseason appearances before winning the American League Central in 2006. 

The Red Wings won four Stanley Cup titles in 1997-98, 2002 and 2008, and the Tigers reached the World Series in 2006 and 2012 with three other playoff appearances in 2011 and 2013-14. 

Ilitch's success with the Red Wings led to him being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2003.