Detroit, MI – June 9, 2025 — The roar of the Tigers just got a lot louder — and a lot more nostalgic. Former All-Star and fan-favorite Magglio Ordóñez is officially returning to the Detroit Tigers, this time as the team’s new hitting coach, the club announced Monday morning.
Ordóñez, who played for the Tigers from 2005 to 2011, will take on his first full-time coaching role at the MLB level after years of player development work and time spent in leadership roles in his native Venezuela.
“Detroit gave me some of the best years of my life,” said Ordóñez in his introductory press conference. “Now I get to give back — to teach, to inspire, and to help this next generation bring the Tigers back to the top.”
One of the Best to Ever Wear the Old English ‘D’
Ordóñez was one of the key figures in Detroit’s 2006 AL pennant run and became a fan-favorite not only for his clutch hitting but for his professionalism and steady leadership. Over seven seasons with the Tigers, he hit:
- .312 batting average
- 107 home runs
- 1,083 hits
- 2007 AL Batting Champion (.363)
Perhaps no moment defines his Tigers legacy more than his iconic walk-off home run in Game 4 of the 2006 ALCS that sent Detroit to its first World Series in 22 years.
Manager A.J. Hinch called the hire “an energizing move” for a team loaded with young hitters in need of guidance.
“Magglio understands what it takes to hit at a high level — not just physically, but mentally,” said Hinch. “He brings a calm, confident presence, and our players already respect him deeply.”
A Teacher for the Next Generation
As hitting coach, Ordóñez will work closely with Detroit’s emerging core, including:
- Riley Greene
- Spencer Torkelson
- Colt Keith
- Parker Meadows
Ordóñez emphasized a patient, balanced hitting approach in his comments, saying:
“We’re going to attack smart. This league is full of power, but hitting is about control, timing, and reading the game.”
His focus will be on situational hitting, two-strike approach, and consistency — areas where Detroit struggled during the 2024 campaign.
Fans Celebrate the Return of a Tiger Icon
News of Magglio’s return quickly spread across social media and local radio, with fans embracing the move as both sentimental and strategic:
“He’s one of us. This feels right.”
“We needed a spark in the clubhouse — Maggs can bring that.”
“If anyone can fix this offense, it’s the guy who led it for a decade.”
The Tigers, who finished 2024 near the bottom of the AL in team batting average and OPS, are counting on Ordóñez to help flip the script in 2025.
Final Word: Full Circle for a Tigers Great
Magglio Ordóñez was more than just a star — he was a symbol of the Tigers’ resurgence in the 2000s. Now, over a decade later, he returns not with a bat in his hands, but with a mission: to rebuild Detroit’s offensive identity.
“This city loves baseball, and it deserves a winner. I’m proud to be part of that journey again.”
The legend is back. The mission is clear. And Comerica Park is ready to roar again.
