Multiple outlets are reporting that Longtime Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers owner Mike Ilitch passed away Friday at the age of 87.

According to our sister sister The Game 730AM WVFN, the Ilitch organization has confirmed the reports.

The minor league baseball player turned pizza mogul started his business empire by opening Little Caesars Pizza in 1959. His business success eventually took him into the world of professional sports ownership with his 1982 purchase of the Detroit Red Wings. A decade later, he purchased his second pro team from a fellow pizza rival. Then Domino's Pizza owner sold the Detroit Tigers to Ilitch after the 1992 Major League Baseball Season.

In 2000, Ilitch, also owner of Ilitch Holdings and Olympia Entertainment, moved the Tigers to Comerica Park in 2000. He was set to unleash his empire's latest creation this September when new Red Wings and Detroit Pistons home, Little Caesars Arena opens.

Under the ownership of Ilitch, the Red Wings compiled four Stanley Cup Championships. But, Ilitch wouldn't live long enough to see his Detroit Tigers bring home a World Series title, despite two appearances in the Fall Classic in 2006 and 2012.

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