Longtime Detroit radio host Matt Shepard named Tigers TV announcer

DETROIT – Longtime Detroit radio host Matt Shepard is the new voice of the Detroit Tigers.

Shepard, who has filled in in past years on broadcasts for the Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, will take over for Mario Impemba starting this season on Fox Sports Detroit.

The move comes after Impemba and color commentator Rod Allen got into an altercation in the booth near the end of the Tigers 2018 season. It would later be announced the two wouldn't be returning.

Kirk Gibson and Jack Morris will join Shepard in the booth, as well.

Shepard is also the play-by-play annoncer for Michigan basketball and Eastern Michigan football. He's hosted a show on WDFN for several years.

"This is a dream come true," Shepard told WDFN.

“We’re thrilled to have Matt, Kirk and Jack in our booth providing Tigers fans with an entertaining and informative telecast all season long,” said Greg Hammaren, SVP & General Manager, FOX Sports Detroit. “We’re also excited to have Dan joining our Tigers Live shows to provide unique insight and another fresh voice to our coverage. It’s great to have the ‘84 team back together!”

“All of us with the Tigers are greatly anticipating the upcoming 2019 season, and FOX Sports Detroit’s announcement regarding the new Tigers broadcasters is a sure sign that baseball is on the horizon,” said Chris Granger, Group President of Sports and Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings Inc. “It’s truly a standout roster our partners at FOX Sports Detroit have assembled with Matt Shepard, Hall of Famer Jack Morris, Gibby, Dan Petry and Craig Monroe. Their wealth of experience and perspective on Tigers baseball will resonate with our diverse and knowledgeable fan base. These gentlemen are undoubtedly the best for the job, and we’re all excited for what’s to come in 2019 and beyond.”

The Detroit Tigers start spring training on Feb. 23 against the Toronto Blue Jays.