DETROIT – A former broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers blasted the team after the announcement that Kirk Gibson would no longer be in the booth.
The Tigers released a statement on Monday, March 17, 2025, saying that Gibson will no longer be on the broadcast team but will have “other responsibilities within the organization.”
Gibson also released a statement, saying that he’s honored to have been a part of the broadcasts and that he will focus on his health and his foundation moving forward.
Matt Shepard, who was the team’s TV play-by-play announcer before Jason Benetti replaced him last season, took to X to blast the Tigers.
“Shame on the Tigers,” Shepard said. “This was not his decision. Gibby is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had in broadcasting. He loves the team and city and prepares better than any analyst I’ve ever worked with.”
Here are the full statements from the Tigers and Gibson:
Detroit Tigers
Whether on the field or in the community, Gibby is a shining example of what we all embody. His grit, tenacity, and dedication to the Olde English ‘D’ are unmatched qualities that have connected him so deeply with generations of Tigers fans.
Those same qualities are also why he’s been a key member of our organization and broadcast team across parts of the last four decades. Moving forward, Gibby will not be part of the broadcast team as a contributing analyst, however, he will maintain his other responsibilities within the organization.
While today marks the closing of one chapter, his profound influence on the Tigers and city of Detroit will endure and continue to grow in the future. All of us will be working closer than ever to support important causes, including with the Kirk Gibson Foundation to expand awareness of Parkinson’s and improve the quality of life for people battling the disease.
Detroit Tigers
Kirk Gibson
Although I may be leaving the booth, my connection with the Tigers remains strong. Over the past 25 years, I have been honored to introduce integral parts of the game from my experiences as a player, manager, and coach. I’m incredibly grateful for the support from the Tigers organization, the Ilitch family, and Detroit’s loyal baseball fans.
On a personal level, I’ll be focusing on my current health while also continuing to support and encourage others battling Parkinson’s. Through my Foundation, we are opening the Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness this fall. Developing this Center is a huge endeavor that will be the first of its kind in Michigan providing those impacted by Parkinson’s with access to a range of activity-based programs, completely free of charge.
This transition isn’t about me slowing down, it’s about moving forward with my mission to make a difference in the lives of those with Parkinson’s.
Kirk Gibson
