Tigers manager A.J. Hinch back in familiar place

HOUSTON – Tigers manager A.J. Hinch walked into the Astros’ press conference room on the eve of the American League Wild Card series with his familiar smile on his face, knowing he’s back in the postseason. Hinch had the best success of his managerial career leading the Astros for five seasons, winning the franchise’s first World Series title in 2017.

He helped Houston reach the postseason in 2015 for the first time since 2005. Moreover, Hinch guided the franchise to two American League pennants, two Fall Classics, and the franchise’ first World Series title in 2017.

“There’s nothing better than October baseball,” Hinch said. “I have gotten to experience a lot of it in this building. It’s the best month to play because you have to earn your way here. You got to have a really good, long six months, but a successful one to get here.

“October baseball has really defined this building and this place for a while.”

Similarities to 2015 Astros

Hinch’s Tigers will open the best-of-three Wild Card on Tuesday afternoon at Minute Maid Park. Astros ace lefthander Framber Valdez will face AL Cy Young Award favorite Tarik Skubal.

The 2024 Tigers are similar to the 2015 Astros squad that Hinch guided to the AL Division Series. The Tigers are back in postseason for the first time since 2014. Detroit is the sixth-seeded team.

Hinch still has several good friendships on the Astros’ roster, including club icon Jose Altuve.

“He means a lot to me,” Altuve said of Hinch. “I learned a lot from him. We spent a lot of time together. He’s a great manager and great human being. We know we have to go out there and play hard against his team because they have a lot of talent, and he knows how to manage.”

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Hinch is ready to capture another memory at Minute Maid Park. Though, it’ll be in a different uniform.

“We all watch baseball,” he said. “If you’re not in it you’re glued to the TV. If you’re in it a lot of times Septembers and Octobers have to come through here. … Once you play in one October you wanna play in all of them.”

A.J. Hinch appreciates second chance

Hinch hasn’t managed in the postseason since the Astros lost to the Nationals in Game 7 of the 2019 World Series. Later in the offseason, owner Jim Crane fired Hinch and former general manager Jeff Luhnow for their involvement in the Astros sign-stealing scandal.

Major League Baseball also suspended Hinch for the 2020 season. The Tigers hired Hinch after he served his suspension. In his first season as manager, the Tigers finished third in the AL Central with a 77-85 record. Detroit finished fourth in the division in 2022 and second last year.

The Tigers finished tied for second in the AL Central with the Royals at 86-76 this season. Since June 1, Detroit posted the second best record (58-47) in the AL, trailing only the Astros (63-40).

“I mean it when I say, ‘Once you manage or play in one October you want all of them,'” A.J. Hinch said. “We haven’t had a lot of them. I haven’t had any of them since the last time I was here. But the reason I wanted it is not so much for me or to get to experience this. At the end, it’s the room full of guys.

“Coaches, players, our front office that’s worked tirelessly to build this roster. Our owner who took a risk on me when I was on the outside looking in. That’s the meaningful part of this matchup, getting us back to October. … My route to get here has had a few bumps along the way, but I’m very appreciative of being in this role.

“I’m very appreciative on being one of the teams still standing and fighting to win. I’m not going to take that for granted.”