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Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Discussion pertaining to Detroit, Ann Arbor, Port Huron, and SW Ontario
Milk
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Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by Milk » Fri Feb 10, 2017 6:51 pm




FAN
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by FAN » Fri Feb 10, 2017 7:20 pm

Well shit. That's the last time I listen to the Detroit Sports Rag- I read this guy was dead 2 years ago!



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audiophile
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by audiophile » Fri Feb 10, 2017 7:34 pm

Wouldn't it be rest in pizza?


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Milk
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by Milk » Sat Feb 11, 2017 3:56 am

FAN wrote:Well shit. That's the last time I listen to the Detroit Sports Rag- I read this guy was dead 2 years ago!
I think DSR only reported that he had cancer.

I remembered the last time he made any public appearances, it looked like he wore a wig and had trouble standing.



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moldyoldie
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by moldyoldie » Sat Feb 11, 2017 6:11 am

Detroit sports fans were lucky to have him, no matter what one thought of the pizza. RIP


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MWmetalhead
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by MWmetalhead » Sat Feb 11, 2017 8:45 am

Very surprised he made it to 87. When he appeared on stage in 2012 to accept A.L. championship trophy, he looked like he already had one foot in the grave. I felt bad for the man. It was clear he was very frail. It was brave of him to do that considering his appearance.

Far from a perfect owner, but better than average, in my view. It's despicable that he's refused to retire #91. That decision shows contempt for the game of hockey. On the positive side, he was not spendthrift and brought us four Cups as owner. Two pennants ain't shabby, either. Comerica Park is a beautiful MLB stadium, too.

I am anxious as to what the future looks like under his son, Chris. Family members who ascend to their position merely as a result of nepotism or inheritence always worry me. I'm not necessarily saying the outcome will be bad, what I am saying is that it is too soon to tell.



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MWmetalhead
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by MWmetalhead » Sat Feb 11, 2017 9:18 am

In the eulogizing of Mr. Ilitch, the crony capitalism-media complex is on full display in this city.

The fact of the matter is - he's a businessman. A very adept businessman, and there's nothing wrong with that. I find it admirable, in fact. But let's cut the baloney. He's not a saint.

He stiffed the City of Detroit on rent, royalty and tax payments over many years. Many of his development ventures downtown were financed - at least in part - with public debt and tax credits. There have been a few questionable associations over the years as well.

Downtown Detroit was not "reborn" as a result of anything Ilitch did. Did his investments help improve downtown? Certainly. But until Dan Gilbert went on a property acquisition & redevelopment spree, downtown was still largely moribund.



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craig11152
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by craig11152 » Sat Feb 11, 2017 11:17 am

MWmetalhead wrote:There have been a few questionable associations over the years as well.
I'm all ears...or I suppose eyes in this context. Can you elaborate? Please don't think I am disputing you rather I am just curious about what sort associations you are talking about.


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joe60
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by joe60 » Sat Feb 11, 2017 11:49 am

I dont think you will find any billionaires that are perfect but from many accounts he was a good guy



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Plate Cap
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by Plate Cap » Sat Feb 11, 2017 12:19 pm

MWmetalhead wrote:In the eulogizing of Mr. Ilitch, the crony capitalism-media complex is on full display in this city.

The fact of the matter is - he's a businessman. A very adept businessman, and there's nothing wrong with that. I find it admirable, in fact. But let's cut the baloney. He's not a saint.

He stiffed the City of Detroit on rent, royalty and tax payments over many years. Many of his development ventures downtown were financed - at least in part - with public debt and tax credits. There have been a few questionable associations over the years as well.

Downtown Detroit was not "reborn" as a result of anything Ilitch did. Did his investments help improve downtown? Certainly. But until Dan Gilbert went on a property acquisition & redevelopment spree, downtown was still largely moribund.

Very good words.

Folks tend to canonize individuals in these situations....I'm not sure that is a horrible thing. Even the best of us has a history.....I'm sure Mother Theresa punched her kid sister when they were growing up.

I have a problem when people sing the glories so loudly in trying to overcome the bad issues....I don't think that is case here.

He led a long life....87 is a pretty good run (I suppose one does not think that way at 86), although his last years appear to be pretty miserable.

Apparently, a pretty good team owner, and, overall, a pretty good influence / leader in the Detroit business community. How's that?

:wink:


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MasterB
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by MasterB » Sat Feb 11, 2017 11:25 pm

R.I.P. Mike Ilitch thanks for 4 Stanley Cups and wining to AL Championships hope the Tigers win the World Series this year.


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screen glare
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by screen glare » Wed Feb 15, 2017 6:30 am

He and his family were good in my book until they got into the casino business. People with millions MAKING millions on the backs of those who can least afford to gamble - either because of their poverty, or a gambling addiction, or both. Surely the family could have come up with a better way to invest part of their fortune and make a bigger fortune. Leave the less fortunate alone. Don't lure them with neon lights, bells, whistles, and the "get rich quick" temptation.



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audiophile
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by audiophile » Wed Feb 15, 2017 7:36 am

screen glare wrote:He and his family were good in my book until they got into the casino business. People with millions MAKING millions on the backs of those who can least afford to gamble - either because of their poverty, or a gambling addiction, or both. Surely the family could have come up with a better way to invest part of their fortune and make a bigger fortune. Leave the less fortunate alone. Don't lure them with neon lights, bells, whistles, and the "get rich quick" temptation.
I would agree with this...I was thinking the same thing.


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Majik
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by Majik » Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:00 am

Somebody has to/will own the casino. Maybe better Ilitch than someone else. I feel some of that profit makes its way back to the community through the Ilitch family. But I could be wrong about that.



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craig11152
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Re: Mike Ilitch dead at 87

Post by craig11152 » Wed Feb 15, 2017 9:49 am

screen glare wrote:He and his family were good in my book until they got into the casino business. People with millions MAKING millions on the backs of those who can least afford to gamble - either because of their poverty, or a gambling addiction, or both.

Can you substantiate how many casino customers fit that demographic? I have never been in a Detroit Casino so I have no clue. I'm sure some people meet that definition but how many? Some people who get routine surgery at a hospital eventually die from a heroin overdoes when their prescription pain meds run out.


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