Like Father, Like Son: The Leyland's together in Spring Training

Patrick Leyland was practicing that most thankless of tasks—blocking balls in the dirt—while his father stood a few feet from the mound and watched.

Nothing unusual about that, except Jim Leyland is the manager of the Detroit Tigers and his son is a non-roster invitee hoping to make the team.

Out on the field during spring training, Leyland and his son both have jobs to do.

Eight months after being drafted by Detroit, Patrick is at spring training hoping to land a spot. It was unusual enough when he was drafted by the Tigers, the team his father manages, but now the Leylands are side by side at times. Patrick, a 19-year-old catching prospect, is trying to take it all in stride.

Patrick was born in October 1991 on a day off between games while his father’s Pittsburgh Pirates were playing in the National League championship series. Jim Leyland went on to win the World Series in 1997 while managing the Florida Marlins, a moment Patrick is just old enough to remember.

Leyland is now entering his sixth season as Detroit’s manager, and his son joined the organization last year. The Tigers drafted Patrick in the eighth round out of Bishop Canevin High School in Pittsburgh, and he passed up a scholarship from Maryland to sign with Detroit.

Although Jim Leyland doesn’t want to spend too much time talking about Patrick, he’s clearly a proud parent.

With only 41 games of Gulf Coast League experience on his pro resume, Patrick isn’t expected to make the team, but he’s intent on making the most of this opportunity. He says once he’s out on the field, he doesn’t focus too much on the uniqueness of playing for his dad.

Patrick Leyland has a similar attitude. Although he’s grateful for the opportunity to play for his father, he’s trying to go about his business quietly and professionally—while his manager does the same.