A startling shift in the broadcast booth is waking up Detroit sports fans.
At FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, Detroit Tigers supporters can recognize Mickey York, who has been a fixture for more than 20 years. On May 6, the seasoned host personally verified the information, stating that his position had been eliminated as part of more extensive network changes.
“My position has been eliminated after 25 years with Fox/Bally/FanDuel Sports Network,” York stated. “I regretfully will no longer be a part of those productions as the Detroit Tigers are moving their broadcasts in a different direction.”
“Never took it for granted”
After 25 years of covering Detroit teams for Fox Sports Detroit, Bally Sports, and FanDuel Sports Network Detroit, York’s departure comes to an end. York was always there, whether you were watching a Red Wings preview or a Tigers postgame recap.
“It’s been an opportunity beyond my wildest dreams as a sports-crazy kid growing up in the Detroit suburbs,” York continued. “I didn’t take it for granted.”
Tony Paul, a journalist for the Detroit News, claims that York’s exit was not entirely unexpected. According to Paul, the transfer “had been in the works for several weeks” and became official when the Pistons were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in April. York has been covering both Tigers and Pistons games as a presenter and reporter.
Paul termed York a “casualty of the rapidly changing sports-media landscape,” especially as regional sports networks (RSNs) continue to endure considerable financial strain.
Tigers making changes behind the scenes
The move comes amid a bigger shake-up in Tigers broadcasts, as FanDuel Sports Network continues reorganizing following its shift from Bally Sports Detroit. Several notable personalities have exited: Trevor Thompson also revealed he was let go, while John Keating recently announced his retirement.
The Tigers’ main on-field reporter at the moment is Daniella Bruce, and the network is apparently seeking to add a second. It’s interesting that the new hiring will work for the team instead than FanDuel, which might indicate that the coverage model’s employment arrangements are changing.
York isn’t ruling out a comeback, though.
After stating that he is “officially a free agent” and still works for Cruis’n Media, which covers Detroit’s automobile culture, he said, “I hope I haven’t done my last show in Detroit.”
Media reaction
Fans and other media professionals are already responding to the move online. For Tigers TV, some are describing it as “extremely disappointing.” Others are curious about the future of the local coverage crew as FanDuel changes the image of its sports network.
Ryan Ermanii, host and anchor of Fox 2 News, remarked, “I’m sorry to hear this news, Mickey.” “All the best.”
Longtime Detroit radio broadcaster Tom Mazawey also sent his well wishes to York:
“Dammit Mick, I’m so sorry to hear that. I have hunch we’ll still be seeing you. You got this buddy.”
For the time being, York leaves behind a legacy of passion and commitment, as well as a significant hole for Tigers fans who watch every night.
