Legendary Major League Baseball manager Jim Leyland, known for his entertaining and at-times crusty demeanor, has been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Leyland, who led the Florida Marlins to a World Series title in 1997, will become the 23rd manager inducted into the Hall. The call from Hall chairman Jane Forbes Clark came as a surprise to Leyland, who had gone upstairs to rest after believing the call to Cooperstown wasn't coming. "There was definitely a tear in my eye," Leyland said of his emotional reaction to the news.

Leyland, who won 1,769 regular-season games over 22 seasons, received 15 of 16 votes from the contemporary era committee for managers, executives, and umpires. Known for his honest and sometimes profane nature, Leyland was a staple in the baseball world, constantly puffing on a cigarette. He is 18th on the career list for manager wins and is second behind Joe McCarthy among those who never played in the major leagues. Leyland was also ejected 73 times, tying him with Clark Griffith for 10th in MLB history.

Throughout his career, Leyland managed notable players such as Barry Bonds, Gary Sheffield, Larry Walker, Miguel Cabrera, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer. He was known for instilling discipline in his players and emphasizing the importance of professionalism in the game.

Lou Piniella, a former player and manager, fell one vote short of making it into the Hall of Fame for the second time. Bill White, a former player, broadcaster, and NL president, was two votes shy. Other candidates, including managers Cito Gaston and Davey Johnson, umpires Joe West and Ed Montague, and general manager Hank Peters, received fewer than five votes.

Leyland's managerial career spanned across several teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins, Colorado Rockies, and Detroit Tigers. He guided the Pirates from 1986 to 1996, leading the team to three consecutive National League Championship Series appearances from 1990 to 1992. However, the Pirates fell short each time. Leyland then spent two seasons with the Marlins, winning a World Series title in 1997 before the team sold off veterans and struggled in 1998. He briefly managed the Rockies in 1999 but left after one season due to a lack of passion.

In 2006, Leyland took over as the manager of the Detroit Tigers and stayed with the team until 2013. Under his leadership, the Tigers won six division titles and appeared in two World Series, but ultimately fell short of a championship. Leyland was voted Manager of the Year three times and also guided Team USA to a gold medal at the 2017 World Baseball Classic.

Leyland's induction into the Hall of Fame will take place on July 21, alongside players voted in by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. The BBWAA ballot, which includes players such as Adrian Beltre, Joe Mauer, Chase Utley, and David Wright, will be announced on January 23.