Mike and Marian Ilitch opened their first Little Caesars restaurant in Garden City, Michigan more than 50 years ago. Mike Ilitch had been on another career path as a talented shortstop with the Detroit Tigers farm team. While his teammates were looking for the local ballpark, Mike was eyeing the local pizza joint. Pizza was clearly in his blood. An injury prompted Mike to trade in his baseball glove for hot pads. It was an exciting time for Mike and Marian Ilitch as they worked together toward that grand opening day of May 8, 1959.