DJ LeMahieu, following his departure from the New York Yankees, has been named manager of the Royal Oak Leprechauns. This marks a new chapter for the two-time batting champion after injuries took their toll and the Yankees cut him.
LeMahieu had posted a note on social media last month thanking the Yankees for his time there. There was no clue about his future plans then.
LeMahieu’s Move to the Leprechauns
LeMahieu’s appointment as manager of the Royal Oak Leprechauns was announced on Wednesday. He has financially supported the Michigan-based collegiate wood-bat team for years, helping players in his native Metro Detroit region.
LeMahieu began supporting the Leprechauns as a primary donor in 2020, funding the numerous renovations to Memorial Park, before transitioning to role of team president. More than $500,000 was initially invested in the field and scoreboard through his backing.
A Decorated Career
A three-time MLB All-Star, LeMahieu was one of the most versatile infielders of his generation. He won four Gold Gloves, two Silver Sluggers and batting titles in each league, making him one of two players in MLB history to accomplish that feat.
- Three-time MLB All-Star (2015, 2017, 2019)
- Four Gold Gloves
- Two Silver Sluggers
LeMahieu is a Bloomfield Township, Michigan, native who starred at Brother Rice High School, where he was an All-American before going to LSU and winning the 2009 College World Series. He was originally drafted by his hometown Detroit Tigers out of high school in 2007 but chose college instead. He was drafted in the second round in 2009 by the Chicago Cubs.
End of an Era with the Yankees
After 15 seasons in the majors, the Yankees designated him for assignment last July, ending a seven-year run in New York. He never signed with another club and never announced his intention to retire. He posted a vague note to Instagram last month thanking the Yankees for his time there.
He has been active in the Metro Detroit baseball scene even while playing in the big leagues. He owns the area’s premier training facility that serves as the home field for his Brother Rice team.
LeMahieu is stepping into a dugout for the first time, managing in the same organisation where he began as a donor and board member. The league helps college players prepare for professional baseball and exposes them to MLB team scouts.
The Leprechauns’ season opens May 25 at home.