Jim Leyland touched by text messages from players he cut who never reached big leagues

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Of the 294 text messages Jim Leyland received in the hours after his election to the Hall of Fame, the ones that touched him most were from former minor leaguers. “When you’re telling an 18-, 19-year-old kid it’s over, that’s a little tougher than people think.” Leyland appeared at a news conference Monday, a day after his election by the contemporary era committee for managers, executives and umpires. Maybe if you had a couple drinks, I didn’t sound too bad.” Leyland becomes the 23rd manager in the hall. “He’s a little more modern than I am when it comes to some of the strategy and stuff that goes on in today’s game,” Jim Leyland said.