Alan Trammell became the first major league manager to be fired at the conclusion of the 2005 baseball season. The Detroit Tigers announced that Trammell was being let go after three years managing the franchise he played shortstop for the club for 20 years.
The Tigers have not had a winning season since 1993. Under Trammell, Detroit had a 186-300 record. Trammell took over a team lacking major league level talent in 2003. His first season with the club, the Tigers nearly broke the 1962 New York Mets record for modern day futility, losing 119 games. In 2004, Detroit improved to 72-90, an improvement of 29-games. This season, the Tigers were 42-44 at the All-Star break before injuries caused them to fade down the stretch and finish with a 71-91 record.
'You will not find a more dedicated, hardworking and respected individual that cares more about the Tigers and his coaching staff,' Tigers president Dave Dombrowski said as he was announcing Trammell's firing. 'However, for the Tigers to reach the next level, I feel it is appropriate to make a change at this time.'
Ex-Pittsburgh Pirates skipper Jim Leyland, 60, is rumored to be first in line to take over the Tigers managerial helm. Leland led the Florida Marlins to a World Series title in 1997. The Marlins GM that year was none other than Dave Dombrowski.
Dombrowski was terse when asked for an explanation as to why Trammell was being let go, telling reporters 'I did to him, I don't think I owe it to you.'
As a player, Trammell was a long-time fan favorite. He was a six-time AL All-Star, won four Gold Glove awards and was named MVP of the 1984 World Series.
The dismissal was not a surprise. The 47-year-old Trammell was asked about the chances of being fired at season's end a week ago and he replied, 'Really, I'm OK. I'm a big boy. I've been through enough that I understand how things are.'
