After eight seasons as the voice of the Chicago White Sox, Jason Benetti is making a move to call games for a different Major League Baseball Team. The Detroit Tigers have hired Benetti to serve as their new television play-by-play announcer on Bally Sports Detroit, inking a multi-year contract to join the team. The versatile play-by-play announcer, who also calls college football, college basketball and MLB games for FOX Sports, will work alongside the rest of the production team to help present an informative and compelling broadcast on a daily basis.
“I’m incredibly proud to join this historic and ascending Tigers franchise,” Benetti said in a statement. “From every single person I talked with throughout the interview process it was clear why so many respected professionals and creative people have joined the organization in the last several years. There’s something special about it, and I’m excited to bring that energy to Tigers fans around the globe.
“I’d also like to thank Chris Ilitch, Ryan Gustafson, Scott Harris, and everyone else I’ve met with in the last several weeks who have been so welcoming. Everyone I spent time with made it clear this was the right place for me. I was born and raised in the Midwest, and understand how important sports are, especially here in the Motor City.”
As part of the deal, Benetti will call a minimum of 127 Tigers games each season, allowing him to continue his national broadcasting responsibilities. When those scheduling conflicts occur, longtime radio play-by-play announcer Dan Dickerson will fill in on the television side, something he agreed to do pursuant to the deal.
“Jason is a world-class talent and today is another tremendous step forward for the Tigers as we continue to build a championship-level organization and experience for our fans,” Ryan Gustafson, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, said in a statement. “Beyond his talent, Jason’s story is inspirational and our shared commitment to excellence and innovation was apparent throughout our discussions. We are thrilled to welcome Jason to our family, joining an incredible group of broadcasters at the Tigers and Red Wings that create the on-air experience our fans deserve.”
“All of us at Bally Sports welcome Jason to Detroit, and we’re thrilled he’s joining our Tigers telecasts,” Greg Hammaren, senior vice president and general manager of Bally Sports Detroit, said in a statement. “Jason’s reputation as one of the best and brightest announcers across all of sports adds to our already strong production effort here in Detroit. His deep knowledge and love for baseball are traits shared by our incredible fans, and we’re looking forward to them getting to know Jason more starting in February when the Tigers take the field in Lakeland.”
The White Sox have released a statement regarding the hire, revealing that a search to join Steve Stone in the television booth will begin immediately. Len Kasper remains fully committed to the radio broadcasts for the 2024 season, a role he has held for the last three seasons.
“We want to thank Jason Benetti for all he has done for the Chicago White Sox throughout his tenure and for all he means to White Sox fans,” Brooks Boyer, chief revenue and marketing officer for the Chicago White Sox, said in a statement. “Not only is Jason one of the very best broadcasters across multiple sports, he is a born-and-raised White Sox fan who shared his passion for the team night in and night out. He represented the club in the community and engaged with fans, all while delivering one of the very best local broadcasts in Major League Baseball.”
