More food for thought.. Well, really just comfort for me
In 2006, the Tigers lead or were tied for the lead in the division from May 20th until the last day of the season. They lost their last five at home to finish one game behind the Twins.
In 2009, the Tigers lead the division by three games with four to play, blew it to finish in a tie with the Twins and lost the one game playoff.
Jim Leyland was manager of both of those clubs.