DETROIT (AP) -- Former Detroit general manager Bill Lajoie, who guided the team during its 1984 World Series championship season, has died. He was 76.

Tigers spokesman Brian Britten said Lajoie died Tuesday.

Lajoie was working as a special assistant to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Tigers general manager David Dombrowski says Lajoie played a crucial role in building up the team that made it to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball 26 years ago.

After leaving Detroit, Lajoie served as an assistant for a number of baseball clubs.

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