This article reviews 2002 in Michigan, including the state's office holders, largest public companies, performance of sports teams, a chronology of the state's top news and sports stories, and notable Michigan-related births and deaths.
Top stories
Catholic Church sexual abuse cases - More than a dozen priests were banned from practicing public ministry in the Detroit archdiocese. Four priests were prosecuted in Wayne County, two pleading guilding and one convicted.
KMart went bankrupt in January, laid off 22,000 workers and closed 283 stores.
Democrat Jennifer Granholm won the November gubernatorial election, but Republicans took control of Michigan's Congressional delegation in the House by a 9-6 majority.
With rebates and low-interest financing, domestic auto sales reached 16.7 million, the fourth best auto-sales year ever, but the lowest since 1999.
Ford began the year with 21,500 layoffs and the closure of five plants as par of a $4.1-billion cost-cutting plan.
Ernie Harwell retired after 42 years of broadcasting the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers honored him with a statue at Comerica Park.
Bobby Williams was fired two days after a 49-3 loss to Michigan. John L. Smith was hired as his repacement after the season ended.
The Detroit Tigers compiled a 55–106 record under managers Phil Garner and Luis Pujols. Alan Trammell was hired as manager after the season ended. Kirk Gibson was hired as bench coach.
In April 2003, the Detroit Free Press released its annual "The Free Press 50" list of the largest Michigan-based public companies based on 2002 revenues. The top 20 companies are shown below.
2002 Detroit Tigers season - Following an 0-6 start to the season manager Phil Garner was fired and replaced by Luis Pujols for the remainder of the season. The Tigers finished the season with a 55–106 record and in last place in the American League Central. Designated Randall Simon hitter led the team in batting with 19 home runs, 82 RBIs, and a .301 batting average. The team's pitching staff was led by Mark Redman with an 8-15 win-loss recor and 109 strikeouts.
American football
2002 Detroit Lions season - In their second and final season under head coach Marty Mornhinweg, and their first in the newly-completed Ford Field, the Lions compiled a3–13 record and finished last in the NFC North. The team's statistical leaders included Joey Harrington (2,294 passing yards), James Stewart (1,021 rushing yards), Bill Schroeder (595 receiving yards), and Jason Hanson (100 points scored).
2002 Grand Valley State Lakers football team - In their 12th season under head coach Brian Kelly, the Lakers finished with a perfect season, compiling a 14–0 record and winning the NCAA Division II national championship with a victory over Valdosta State in the Division II championship game. The team's statistical leaders included Curt Anes (3,692 passing yards), David Kircus (35 touchdowns, 212 points scored), Reggie Spearman (1,500 rushing yards), and Terrance Banks (98 receptions for 1,178 yards)
Basketball
2001–02 Detroit Pistons season - In their first season under head coach Rick Carlisle, the Pistons compiled a 50–32 record, finished first in the NBA Central Division, and lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The team's statistical leaders included Ben Wallace (278 blocks and 1,039 rebounds, including 318 offensive rebounds) and Jerry Stackhouse (1,629 points, 403 assists).
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