The Detroit Tigers will be on the hunt for a new lead television play-by-play announcer in the upcoming 2024 season, as current broadcaster Matt Shepard will not be returning to the Bally Sports Detroit television broadcast. This decision was announced by BSD senior vice president and general manager Greg Hammaren, marking the end of Shepard’s five-season tenure with the Tigers. The news was confirmed after Shepard learned of his departure, and the Tigers plan to find a replacement before the start of the 2024 season.
Matt Shepard, a Michigan native, has been an integral part of the Tigers’ broadcast team since January 2019. He has been a dedicated presence in covering professional, college, and high school sports in the metro Detroit area since the 1990s. Shepard’s broadcasting career in Detroit began with his hiring by Bally Sports Detroit (formerly Fox Sports Detroit) in 1999, where he took on various roles over the years. Before stepping into the Tigers’ broadcast booth, Shepard was well-known as the radio play-by-play voice for Michigan basketball and Eastern Michigan football, a role he held for over 15 years.
In response to Shepard’s departure, Greg Hammaren of Bally Sports Detroit expressed gratitude for Shepard’s contributions, emphasizing his dedication to Detroit sports and his ability to bring compelling stories to fans. While change can be challenging, the network believes it’s time to explore a new direction and is eager to embark on the process of selecting the next voice of the Tigers.
The full broadcast team’s decisions, including the play-by-play broadcaster’s replacement, will be made after the new play-by-play announcer is in place. During the 2023 season, Shepard worked alongside a team of analysts that included Craig Monroe, Kirk Gibson, Dan Petry, Cameron Maybin, and Todd Jones, with Monroe primarily serving as the in-game analyst.
The decision to part ways with Matt Shepard was made following feedback from fans, executives, and industry professionals. It was based on a thorough evaluation process, culminating in the choice to find a new television play-by-play broadcaster for the Tigers.
In terms of the search for Shepard’s replacement, the Tigers and Bally Sports Detroit have ambitious plans. They aim to hire an individual with experience in broadcasting baseball. This meticulous approach reflects their commitment to delivering quality broadcasts to fans.
It’s important to note that this isn’t the first time the Detroit Tigers have undergone a change in their television broadcasting team. In October 2018, the team terminated the contracts of their former TV broadcasters, play-by-play announcer Mario Impemba and analyst Rod Allen, due to a physical altercation between the two at Guaranteed Rate Field in Chicago in September 2018.
Matt Shepard’s departure marks the end of an era in Tigers television broadcasting. Known for his dedication and passion for Detroit sports, he has been an essential part of bringing the excitement of Tigers baseball to fans. It is yet to be seen who will step into his shoes and become the voice of the Tigers for the 2024 season.
The process of finding a new play-by-play announcer will be a significant task for the Tigers and Bally Sports Detroit. As they set out to select someone experienced in broadcasting baseball, they aim to continue delivering high-quality broadcasts to Tigers fans across the country.
The departure of Matt Shepard, while a significant change in the broadcast team, is just one chapter in the ongoing story of the Detroit Tigers. The upcoming season will bring new voices and fresh perspectives to the Tigers’ television broadcasts, ensuring that fans remain engaged and enthusiastic about their beloved team.