Major League Baseball

Jim Leyland managing his son at spring training

Published Feb. 16, 2011 3:56 a.m. ET

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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.

''He's the manager,'' Patrick Leyland said. ''I'm not going to act like I don't know him, but he's the manager.''

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.

''I think it's just different to be in the big league meetings and stuff, regardless of who the manager is. It was definitely a cool experience,'' Patrick Leyland said. ''It definitely worked out well. I was definitely thrilled to come into this organization, since I've been around it for the past few years.''

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.

''It's a thrill, and I'll leave it at that. I don't want that to be a focal point. We're getting the Detroit Tigers ready,'' Jim Leyland said. ''He's another player that's going to try to make an impression on myself and the staff as a player, not a son.''

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.

Detroit catcher Alex Avila understands. His father, Al Avila, is Detroit's assistant general manager.

''You come in and do your work, and show that you belong. You're just like anybody else,'' Alex Avila said. ''I definitely can relate to it.''

Avila made his debut with Detroit in 2009, and when he hit a double in his first game, there was quite a celebration in Detroit's front office box. Now, the starting catcher's job is his to lose, and both he and his father have become used to being in the same organization.

At one point Tuesday, Al Avila sat on a bench next to one of the diamonds used by pitchers for fielding practice while catchers worked out on the other side of the spring training complex.

''I haven't even seen him practice,'' Al Avila said. ''He got married. He's been living on his own for a while. It's special. I enjoy seeing him on a regular basis.''

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.

''He's got a big, big job to do,'' Patrick Leyland said. ''I'm sure it's nice for him to be able to see me on a daily basis, but he's got a lot on his plate.''

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