2005 in Michigan

2005 This article reviews 2005 in Michigan, including the state's major office holders, demographics, largest public companies, performance of its sports teams, cultural events, a chronology of the state's top news and sports stories, and notable Michigan-related births and deaths. Top stories The top news stories in Michigan included: A decline in the American automobile business, including slowing demand, high costs, debt downgrades, layoffs, plant closures (including Lansing Car Assembly), and a bankruptcy filing by parts maker Delphi Corporation. Northwest Airlines filed for bankruptcy. The state's top sports stories included: The 2004–05 Detroit Pistons season advancing to the NBA Finals for the second consecutive year, and Ben Wallace being named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The firing of the head coaches of all four Detroit professional team: Steve Mariucci from the Lions; Alan Trammell from the Tigers; Larry Brown from the Pistons; and Dave Lewis from the Red Wings. The 2004–05 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team advancing to the Final Four and a riot in East Lansing following their loss. The 2005 Grand Valley State Lakers football team compiling a perfect 13–0 record and winning th NCAA Division II football championship. The 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Comerica Park in Detroit. Notable Michigan-related deaths included civil rights legend Rosa Parks, automotive innovator John DeLorean, businessman Max Fisher. playwright Arthur Miller, and Four Tops vocalist Obie Benson. Office holders State office holders right|thumb|125px|Jennifer Granholm Governor of Michigan - Jennifer Granholm (Democrat) Lieutenant Governor of Michigan: John D. Cherry (Democrat) Michigan Attorney General - Mike Cox (Republican) Michigan Secretary of State - Terri Lynn Land (Republican) Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives: Craig DeRoche (Republican) Majority Leader of the Michigan Senate: Ken Sikkema (Republican) Chief Justice, Michigan Supreme Court: Clifford Taylor Federal office holders right|thumb|125px|Carl Levin right|thumb|125px|Debbie Stabenow U.S. Senator from Michigan: Debbie Stabenow (Democrat]) U.S. Senator from Michigan: Carl Levin (Democrat) House District 1: Bart Stupak (Democrat) House District 2: Pete Hoekstra (Republican) House District 3: Vern Ehlers (Republican) House District 4: Dave Camp (Republican) House District 5: Dale Kildee (Democrat) House District 6: Fred Upton (Republican) House District 7: Joe Schwarz (Republican) House District 8: Mike Rogers (Republican) House District 9: Joe Knollenberg (Democrat) House District 10: David Bonior (Democrat) House District 11: Joe Knollenberg (Republican) House District 12: Sander Levin (Democrat) House District 13: Lynn N. Rivers (Democrat) House District 14: John Conyers (Democrat) House District 15: John Conyers (Democrat) Mayors of major cities right|thumb|125px|Kwame Kilpatrick Mayor of Detroit: Kwame Kilpatrick (Democrat) Mayor of Grand Rapids: George Heartwell Mayor of Ann Arbor: John Hieftje (Democrat) Mayor of Lansing: Antonio Benavides Mayor of Flint: Don Williamson Mayor of Saginaw: Wilmer Jones Ham Largest public companies In June 2006, the Detroit Free Press releasted its annual "The Free Press 50" list of the largest Michigan-based public companies based on 2005 revenues. The top 25 companies are shown below.The Free Press 50 Detroit Free Press June 4, 2006 5D, 5E https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-free-press-50/186273444/ Newspapers.com Rank Company Headquarters Business 2005 revenue (in billions) 2005 profit (in billions) Change from 20041General MotorsDetroitAutos$192.6−$10.6from profit of $2.8 billion2Ford Motor CompanyDearbornAutos$177.1$2.0−43%3Dow Chemical CompanyMidlandChemicals$46.3$4.5+61%4Delphi CorporationTroyAuto supplier$26.9−$2.8+41%5Lear CorporationSouthfieldAuto supplier$17.1−$1.4from profit of $422 million6Visteon Corp.Van Buren TownshipAuto supplier$17.0−$0.270+82%7Pulte HomesBloomfield HillsHome builders$14.7$1.5+51%8Whirlpool CorporationBenton HarborAppliances$14.32$.422+4%9TRW AutomotiveLivoniaAuto supplier$12.6$.204+604%10Masco Corp.TaylorBuilding products$12.6$.9405%11United Auto GroupBloomfield HillsAuto francise operator$10.2$.119+6.5%12Kellogg Co.Battle CreekFood$10.18$.980+10%13DTE EnergyDetroitUtility$9.02$.537+25%14ArvinMeritor Inc.TroyAuto supplier$8.9-$.028from loss of $43 million15CMS EnergyJacksonUtility$6.29-$.084from $122 million16Federal-Mogul Corp.SouthfieldAuto supplier$6.3-.334down slightly17Kelly ServicesTroyTemporary staffing$5.3$.039+85%18Stryker CorporationKalamazooMedical devices$4.87$.675+45%19BorgWarnerAuburn HillsAuto supplier$4.3$.239+10%20Borders GroupAnn ArborBooks, music, video$4.0$.101-23%21ComericaDetroitFinancial services$3.67$861+14%22Tower AutomotiveNoviAuto supplier$3.4-$30923American Axle & MfgDetroitAuto supplier$3.4$.056+65%24SteelcaseGrand RapidsOffice furniture$2.9$.048+285%25Universal Forest Products Inc.Grand RapidsLumber$2.69$.067+39% Notable company in the second 25 included La-Z-Boy (No. 29), Herman Miller (No. 31), Domino's (No. 32), Compuware (No. 36), Wolverine World Wide (No. 38), ProQuest (No. 41), and Taubman Centers (No. 45). KMart was ranked No. 5 in 2004, but dropped off the list after being acquired by Sears. Sports Baseball 2005 Detroit Tigers season - In their final season under manager Alan Trammell, the team compiled a 71–91 record (.438). The team's statistical leaders included Dmitri Young (21 home runs), Craig Monroe (89 RBIs), Placido Polanco (.338 batting average), and Jeremy Bonderman/Mike Maroth (14 wins).2005 Detroit Tigers Statistics Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com December 4, 2025 https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/2005.shtml 2005 Major League Baseball All-Star Game - The game was played at Comerica Park in Detroit on July 12. 2005 Michigan Wolverines softball team - In their 21st season under Carol Hutchins, the Wolverines compiled a 65–7 record and won the national championship in the Women's College World Series. American football 2005 Detroit Lions season - Under head coaches Steve Mariucci (fired on November 28) and Dick Jauron (last five games), the Lions compiled a 5–11 record. The team's statistical leaders were Joey Harrington (2,021 passing yards), Kevin Jones (864 rushing yards), and Roy Williams (687 receiving yards).2005 Detroit Lions Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com December 4, 2025 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/det/2005.htm 2005 Michigan Wolverines football team - In their 11th season under head coach Lloyd Carr, the Wolverines compiled a 7–5 record. The team's statistical leaders were Chad Henne (2,526 passing yards), Mike Hart (662 rushing yards), and Jason Avant (1,007 receiving yards).2005 Michigan Wolverines Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football December 4, 2025 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/2005.html Avant was selected as the team's most valuable player. 2005 Michigan State Spartans football team - In their third season under John L. Smith, the Spartans compiled a 5–6 record. The team's statistical leaders included Drew Stanton (3,077 passing yards), Javon Ringer (817 rushing yards), and Jerramy Scott (722 receiving yards.2005 Michigan State Spartans Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football December 4, 2025 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan-state/2005.html 2005 Grand Valley State Lakers football team - In their second season under head coach Chuck Martin, the Lakers compiled a 13–0 record and won the Division II national championship.2005 Grand Valley State University Football Overall Statistics GVSULakers.com December 4, 2025 https://gvsulakers.com/sports/football/stats/2005/pdf 2005 Saginaw Valley State Cardinals football team - In their seventh year under head coach Randy Awrey, the Cardinals compiled an 11–2 record. Their only two losses were to national champion Grand Valley State, once in the regular season and once in the playoffs. 2005 Central Michigan Chippewas football team - In their second season under head coach Brian Kelly, the Chippewas compiled a 6–5 record. 2005 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team - In their second season under head coach Jeff Genyk, the Eagles compiled a 4–7 record. 2005 Western Michigan Broncos football team - In their first season under head coach Bill Cubit, the Broncos compiled a 7–4 record. Basketball 2004–05 Detroit Pistons season - Led by Larry Brown, the Pistons compiled a 54–28 and advanced to the NBA Finals where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. The team's statistical leaders included Richard Hamilton (1,424 points), Ben Wallace (902 rebounds, 176 blocks), and Chauncey Billups (464 rebounds).2004-05 Detroit Pistons Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com December 4, 2025 https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/DET/2005.html 2005 Detroit Shock season - Led by coach Bill Laimbeer, the Shock compiled a 16–18 record.2005 Detroit Shock Stats Sports Reference LLC Basketball-Reference.com December 4, 2025 https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/teams/DET/2005.html 2004–05 Michigan Wolverines men's basketball team - Led by Tommy Amaker, the team compiled a 13–18 record.2004-05 Michigan Wolverines Men's Roster and Stats SR/College Basketball December 4, 2025 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan/men/2005.html 2004–05 Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team - In their tenth season under Tom Izzo, the Spartans compiled a 26–7 record and advanced to the Final Four where they lost to North Carolina. A riot in East Lansing followed after the loss to North Carolina.2004-05 Michigan State Spartans Men's Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Basketball December 4, 2025 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/michigan-state/men/2005.html 2004–05 Eastern Michigan Eagles men's basketball team - The team compiled an 12–18 record. 2004–05 Michigan State Spartans women's basketball team - The Spartans compiled a 33–4 record, won the Big Ten championship, and were the NCAA Tournament runner up. 2004–05 Oakland Golden Grizzlies men's basketball team - In their 21st season under Greg Kampe, the Grizzlies compiled a 13–19 record.2004-05 Oakland Golden Grizzlies Men's Roster and Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Basketball February 4, 2025 https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/schools/oakland/men/2005.html Ice hockey 2004–05 Detroit Red Wings season - The season was canceled due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout. Other 2005 GFS Marketplace 400 2005 Batman Begins 400 Chronology of events January January 1 - Michigan lost to Texas, 38-37, in the Rose Bowl. January 9 - General Motors announced it would shed 8,000 jobs in 2005. January 12 - A massive pileup on I-96, as 50 vehicles were involved in one wreck in foggy Ingham County, killing two and injuring 37. January 31 - President Bush hosts the Detroit Pistons at the White House. February February 3 - Awrey Bakeries, a 98-year-old company based in Livonia, filed for bankruptcy. February 13 - General Motors announced it would pay $2 billion to terminate its relationship with Fiat. February 18 - The mother of Detroit Tigers pitcher Ugueth Urbina was rescued from kidnappers in Venezuela.The Urbina Kidnapping: The Greatest Save; The inside story of the daring rescue of a Tiger's mother Detroit Free Press Tamara Audi, Michael Rosenberg March 31, 2005 1A, 9A https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-the-urbina-kidnapping/186272035/ Newspapers.comThe Urbina Kidnapping: Abductors demand millions, then break off all contact Detroit Free Press Tamara Audi April 1, 2005 1A, 5A https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-the-urbina-kidnapping/186272255/ Newspapers.com March March 9 - Ford announced that William Clay Ford was retiring from the board of directors after 57 years' service. March 15 - Cardinal Adam Maida announced the closing of 18 Catholic schools, including eight high schools: Holy Redeemer, East Catholic, St. Martin De Porres, Bishop Borgess, Trinity (formerly Bishop Gallagher), and Notre Dame in Harper Woods. After numerous prior closures, the latest moves left the city with 10% of the Catholic schools that once existed in the city. April April 2 - Michigan State men's basketball team lost to North Carolina in the Final Four. April 5 - Michigan State women's basketball team lost to North Carolina in the national championship game. April 7 - Warren mayor Mark Steenbergh sparked controversy in his state of the city speech describing Warren as a "fortress" standing against crime pushing north from Detroit. May June July August September October November December Births February 13 - Jayci Simon, badminton player, in St. Johns February 23 - Trey Augustine, hockey goaltender, in South Lyon March 26 - Ella Anderson, actress, in Ypsilanti April 16 - Olivia Thomas, soccer player, in Grosse Pointe May 6 - Semaj Morgan, wide receiver, in West Bloomfield May 8 - Alina Morse, CEO of Zolli, in Wolverine Lake May 26 - CJ Carr, quarterback, in Saline June 2 - Israel Boatwright, soccer defender, in Grand Rapids June 22 - Bryson Kuzdzal, running back, in Grand Rapids July 12 - Issac Ryan Brown, actor, rapper, singer, in Detroit Deaths January 30 - Mary Beck, first woman on Detroit city council (1950-70), at age 96Mary Beck 1908-2005: Detroit counilwoman known for sharp tongue Detroit Free Press Patricia Montemurri February 1, 2005 3B https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-mary-beck-1908-2005/186207318/ Newspapers.com February 5 - Nate Clark, national football scoring leader in 1955, at age 71Hillsdale great Clark dead Detroit Free Press February 12, 2005 2B https://www.newspapers.com/clip/79276945/detroit-free-press/ Newspapers.com February 10 - Arthur Miller, playwright (All My Sons, Death of a Salesman, The Crucible) and UM graduate, age 89Arthur Miller: 1915-2005; Miller Theater in the works The Ann Arbor News Geoff Larcom February 12, 2005 A7 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-arthur-miller-1915-2/186207623/ Newspapers.com February 13 - Sixten Ehrling, director of Detroit Symphony Orchestra, at age 86Sixten Ehrling: Maestro from Sweden led DSO Detroit Free Press Mark Stryker February 16, 2005 5B https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-sixten-ehrling-maest/186207945/ Newspapers.com March 3 - Max Fisher, businessman and philanthropist, at age 96Max Fisher 1908-2005: Death of a Visionary Detroit Free Press Bill McGraw March 4, 2005 1 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-max-fisher-1908-2005/186208339/ Newspapers.com March 11 - Arbelia Wood, possibly the oldest living person, at age 119Arbelia Wood 1885-2005: A long life is rich story of family, faith, work Detroit Free Press Christy Arboscello March 15, 2005 1A https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-arbelia-wood-1885-200/186237862/ Newspapers.com March 16 - Dick Radatz, MLB relief pitcher, at age 67Dick Radatz: Star reliever played for Tigers Detroit Free Press March 21, 2005 4B https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-dick-radatz-star-re/186209024/ Newspapers.com March 19 - John DeLorean, automotive innovator, designer and entrepreneur, known for the Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Firebird, and DMC DeLorean, at age 80John Z. DeLorean 1925-2005: Auto innovator had flair, infamy Detroit Free Press March 21, 2005 1A, 10A https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-john-z-delorean-1925/186208760/ Newspapers.com March 25 - Harold Cruse, professor and author on African-American politics, at age 89Harold Cruse: Author, activist and U-M professor Detroit Free Press Niraj Warikoo March 29, 2005 4B https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-harold-cruse-author/186176214/ Newspapers.com March 26 - Allison Green, Michigan State Treasurer (1965-1978), at age 93Former state treasurer, Thumb politician Allison Green dies The Bay City Times Tom Gilchrist March 29, 2005 3A, 4A https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bay-city-times-former-state-treasure/186209516/ Newspapers.com April 19 - Malcolm Carron, Jesuit priest, educator, and civic leader, at age 87Fr. Malcolm Carron: Was dedicated to education Detroit Free Press Chris Kucharski April 22, 2005 5B https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-fr-malcolm-carron-w/186176087/ Newspapers.com April 23 - Earl Wilson, Detroit Tigers pitcher (1966-70), at age 70Earl Wilson 1934-2005: Former Tiger Dies; Pitched for '68 champs, made mark off field, too Detroit Free Press George Sipple April 26, 2005 1E https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-earl-wilson-1934-2005/186209917/ Newspapers.com May 16 - William Murphy, UM tennis coach (1948-69), at age 87 June 6 - Dana Elcar, actor (Dark Shadows, MacGyver, at age 77 June 17 - Ronald Winans, gospel singer and member of The WinansRonald Winans: 1956-2005; He's now singing the gospel in heaven Detroit Free Press Adam Graham, Mekeisha Madden Toby June 18, 2005 1D https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-ronald-winans-1956-2/186175879/ Newspapers.com July 1 - Obie Benson, vocalist for the Four Tops, at age 69Renaldo "Obie" Benson 1936-2005: Four Tops singer was all smiles Detroit Free Press Susan Whitall July 2, 2005 1D https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-renaldo-obie-benson/186175681/ Newspapers.com September 13 - Cecil Pryor, defensive end at UM (1967-69), at age 57 October 3 - Alvin Wistert, UM tackle (1946-49), College Football Hall of Fame, at age 89 October 21 - John Lesinski Jr., US Congress (1951-1965), at age 90 October 25 - Rosa Parks, civil rights activist who in 1955 refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama bus to a white man, at age 92Parks comes home to rest in Detroit Detroit Free Press Cassandra Spratling November 1, 2005 1A https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-parks-comes-home-to-r/186175498/ Newspapers.com November 15 - Roy Brooks, jazz drummer who also played musical saw and drums with vacuum tubes, at age 67 December 1 - Mark Beltaire, columnist ("The Town Crier") appeared in Detroit Free Press for more than 35 years, at age 91Mark Beltaire: He wrote about celebs, reguar folks Detroit Free Press Joe Rossiter December 2, 2005 5B https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-mark-beltaire-he-wro/186175025/ Newspapers.com December 23 - Emmett Leith, professor of electrical engineering and co-inventor of three-dimensional holography, at age 79 See also 2005 in the United States References