One of the richest men in America visited Leelanau County this week not to make a business deal, but for one of life’s simple pleasures.
He watched his grandson play baseball.

Mike and Marion Illitch jetted into Cherry Capital Airport Monday in time to catch a ride to Lake Leelanau, where they watched grandson Ronnie Illitch pitch the first game of a doubleheader between Leelanau School and Lake Leelanau St. Mary.

Illitch sat along the third base sidelines, blending into the crowd. “I don’t think most people recognized him at first,” said Eagles coach Steve Plamondon, who had met Illitch before while refereeing at the Detroit Red Wings training camp in Traverse City. Plamondon struck up a conversation with Illitch, who wore a Detroit Tigers baseball jacket, that naturally centered around professional sports. The Illitches turned their first restaurant, Little Caesars Pizza Treat in Garden City, into a franchise that now includes thousands of restaurants around the world. The combined income from all of their holdings reportedly exceeded $1.8 billion in 2007. They also own the Detroit Red Wings and the Tigers.

“We talked about how it was just like the Red Wings to outshoot and outplay the other team, but only be up by one goal in the final period,” Plamondon recalled, referring to Detroit’s 4-1 win over Anaheim Sunday in the fifth game of the Western Conference semifinals.

Illitch was also excited about the Tigers, who are off to a better-than-expected start largely due to strong pitching. “He was saying he thinks they are turning it around. He thought with the warmer weather, some of their bats will start coming around.”

Leelanau School freshman Ronnie Illitch gave up too many walks to win his game against powerhouse St. Mary, which improved to 16-1-1 by sweeping the doubleheader. Despite the loss, young Illitch stayed on the mound for all five innings with little defensive support and yielded far fewer earned runs than the 16-1 final score would indicate.

“He did a real nice job,” said Plamondon. “He struggled a little bit with his control early, then he settled down.”
Illitch left following the first game of the twinbill, presumably to get back to his jet and head south.

* * *
Calling all Lakers.
Actually, a call is going out for all former Glen Lake baseball players for the John Schlosser Memorial Game and home run derby.
The day is billed as a time of reunion for Lakers to reminisce about their playing days and catch up on changes in their lives.

The derby will begin at noon at the Glen Lake field, with reigning champion Zack Buchan expected to return. Buchan is working toward a post-graduate degree in chemistry from the University of Michigan. The 9-inning alumni game will begin at 2 p.m.

“Last year we had 24 players. It was a good turnout. It’s just former Glen Lake ball players coming out and having fun,” said Glen Lake baseball coach Kris Herman.

* * *
“Dawgs on the Green” will be the theme for the third annual Leelanau Peninsula Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Wednesday, June 10. The event will be held at Leelanau Club at Bahle Farms, with a noon shotgun start.

New to this year’s event is a gourmet hot dog “tasting” contest, in which tournament players can vote on their favorite “dawg” from four stores in the county, including Hansen Foods in Suttons Bay, Bunting’s Market in Cedar, Gabe’s Country Market in Maple City and Deering’s Market in Empire.

The registration fee of $75 per player includes cart, lunch and cocktail awards reception. Registration forms are available at the chamber’s visitor center or by calling 271-9895. Hole sponsorships are also available for $100.