Jim Leyland Announced as Grand Marshal for America's Thanksgiving Parade

The Parade Company is pleased to announce Jim Leyland, the third-winningest manager in Detroit Tigers franchise history, as Grand Marshal for the 87th America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Art Van Furniture. Recently announcing his retirement after eight seasons as Detroit Tigers manager, Leyland will be honored during this year’s parade as it travels down Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jim Leyland as this year’s parade Grand Marshal,” said Tony Michaels, president & CEO of The Parade Company. “Over the past eight years, Jim has become a Detroit icon, leading the Detroit Tigers to many exciting and memorable times in our city. It is a privilege to celebrate him with hundreds of thousands of Detroiters and families on Thanksgiving morning.”

Leyland was named the Tigers 36th manager on October 4, 2005 and guided Detroit to 700 wins at the helm, third-most in franchise history. The Tigers advanced to the postseason four times during Leyland’s managerial career with the club, including three straight division titles (2011-2013), two American League pennants (2006, 2012) and two World Series appearances. Leyland joined Hughie Jennings as the only two managers in Tigers history to lead the club to the postseason in three-or-more seasons. He was the third manager in franchise history to guide a Tigers club to the World Series multiple times, joining Hughie Jennings and Mickey Cochrane.

“It is an honor to be a part of America’s Thanksgiving Parade, a cherished tradition in this town,” said Leyland. “I look forward to traveling down Woodward Avenue on Thanksgiving morning and experiencing the parade with Detroiters who have shown me incredible support over the years.” 

Source: Parade Company