Detroit Tigers: Stories about Mike Ilitch Show His Kindness

As we mourn the passing of the Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch, stories about his generosity and kindness continue to emerge.

The Detroit Tigers owner was so much more than just a businessman who happened to live in Detroit.

He was a man who cared for the people of Detroit.

Taking Care of Rosa Parks

On such story involves civil rights icon, Rosa Parks. In a story from the Sports Business Journal, Mike Ilitch paid for Ms. Parks’ rent for over a decade. After Parks was robbed at her home in Detroit, Ilitch read about her situation and how she needed a safer place to live. He contacted the people who were working with her and he “said he would pay for Parks’ housing for as long as necessary.”

Feb 15, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Fans and players stand for a moment of silence prior to the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the St. Louis Blues at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch passed away February 10, 2017. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

He paid her rent from 1994 – after the assault and robbery occurred – until she died in 2005. This shows how much Ilitch cared for his community. This was a quiet event in the life of a man who had a huge impact on Detroit.

Feeding the Needy with the Love Kitchen

Another charity that Ilitch was involved in was the Little Caesars Love Kitchen. Most baseball fans who can afford the tickets to Comerica Park would never know about the two Love Kitchens which are semi trucks outfitted with pizza kitchens. These two semi trucks travel all over the United States to bring food to people who need it the most – victims of natural disasters and the homeless. These trucks are running every single day of the year to help feed the hungry. Ilitch began this philanthropic program in 1985 and it has fed over three million people since its inception.

Donating to Education

He also helped students in the Detroit area. According to Kim Russell at WXYZ.com, the Ilitches gave $800,000 to the College for Creative Studies so “Students in the class will create sculptures that will surround the Little Caesar’s Arena.”

He also gave a significant amount of money to Wayne State University. According to the University’s website, the Ilitches “recognized the fact that if Detroit was going to once again become a world-class city, it needed a strong research university of opportunity and innovation, and that university was worthy of support.”

Losing Money for the Fans

His generosity also shined in the way that the treated the Detroit Tigers. In 2013, Crain’s Detroit reported on the losses that the Tigers accrued over the years. According to Bill Shea at Crain’s: “Those years coincide with the team’s significant increase in player payroll spending.” That spending was not to help Ilitch make money; it was to deliver a top product to the fans. Those losses helped keep Justin Verlander, Miguel Cabrera, and other favorites in Detroit. He made Detroit a place that players wanted to play.

Next: Great Detroit Tigers Stories Exist - Just Listen for Them

As stories of billionaires and massive financial corruption and abuse dominate our news cycles on a daily basis, it is important that we remember Mike Ilitch. His kindness, generosity, and devotion to making Detroit a better place show that there are good people in the world. It is important that Ilitch is remembered for all he did in the forefront and behind the scenes. Thank you, Mr. I.

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