OAKLAND, Calif. — Pitcher Phil Coke yelled through the victorious clubhouse looking for Jim Leyland.

His turn had arrived to douse Detroit’s manager with beer and champagne.

“Where’s the skipper?” Coke shouted amid the cigar smoke and showers.

Leyland had already tucked himself away in the quiet confines of his office, reflecting for a few minutes on all the milestones in the Tigers’ run to the AL Central title, also preparing for the next step: lining everything up just right for what he hopes is a deep October run.

Newcomer Doug Fister pitched the Tigers to the division title on Friday night, beating the Oakland Athletics 3-1 to secure Detroit’s first top finish in nearly a quarter-century.

“A bunch of ‘em nailed me, and they should,” Leyland said of being soaked. “I want them to spray me.”