 Due to arm trouble, he was released by the Tigers in August, and subsequently retired, finishing the year with a 6.08 ERA in 15 appearances.Gromek was immediately hired by the Tigers after his playing career ended to manage the Erie Sailors of the New York–Penn League.As a player-manager, the team had 53 wins and 72 losses, and Gromek pitched in 17 games for the team as well.