Detroit Tigers' Television Network Faces Backlash After String of Recent Firings
The Detroit Tigers had the second best record in the American League behind the New York Yankees entering Sunday's series finale against the Texas Rangers at Comerica Park, a hot start for a team with designs on winning the American League Central.
Tigers games have found their home on the FanDuel Sports Network this season, a subscription based arm of the popular sports betting website.
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This past week, the network announced the firing of a broadcaster who had become a household name among Detroit sports fans, Trevor Thompson, shortly after a string controversial firings.
Many fans took to social media to voice their displeasure, sharing thoughts on decisions that became that increasingly unpopular among Tigers fans.
Trevor Thompson (left) with former Tigers outfielder Mike Mahtook at Comerica Park in 2017. © Raj Mehta-Imagn Images
Thompson confirmed to The Detroit News Wednesday that he was fired by the network, which he had been a part of since 2000 under its additional names Fox Sports Detroit and Bally Sports Network.
Thompson's firing came after the network eliminated the position held by Mickey York, and let go of longtime Pistons and Tigers broadcaster Johnny Kane.
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Former Tigers play-by-play man Matt Shepard was also replaced by current television play-by-play man Jason Benetti for the 2024 season.
The changes have been a tough pill to swallow for fans of Detroit's professional baseball franchise, leading many to vent their frustrations.
"Incredibly pissed off about this," one fan wrote. "No Trevor and Mickey is (expletive) brutal. Horrible decisions," they said.
"Maybe this is why Keats (former host John Keating) decided to retire?" another mused.
"Time to start a podcast Trevor," another fan said.
"Why are they canning all our dudes," another added.
The news came weeks after the retirement of former Tigers great and 1984 World Series Champion Kirk Gibson, who has battled Parkinson's Disease and left to pursue health and wellness initiatives.
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The Tigers could find themselves in line for a possible World Series trip this year.
If they do, the team's most visible TV journalists of the past few decades may have to find other avenues to become part of what could be the biggest Detroit playoff party since the days of Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera.
Related: Detroit Tigers Make Head-Turning Announcement on Tarik Skubal Friday
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