This week, news broke that former Detroit Tigers play-by-play man Mario Impemba had landed a job on the radio side for the Boston Red Sox.
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In an interview with the Detroit News, Impemba talked about his opportunity with the Red Sox.
“I’m excited. I always wanted to remain in the game, and this is going to give me that opportunity,” Impemba told The News in his first interview since he was let go by the Tigers this fall, along with Rod Allen, after 17 years, 16 together, in the TV booth.
“You can’t be more excited than getting a job with the world champions.”
When asked about the altercation with Rod Allen following a late-season game in Chicago, Impemba said he is choosing to put that behind him and to look towards the future.
“Well, it’s been challenging. When you spend 17 years in one spot, especially in your hometown and see it come to an end, it’s very disappointing,” Impemba said. “But I’ve decided to adopt a word for that, in 2019, and that word is, ‘Forward.’ I’m just gonna move forward with this and continue my career.”
Impemba refused to comment on details about what went down with Allen.
“I think it’s counterproductive to do,” he said. “So I decided, as I just said, to move forward with my life and career.
“Dwelling on the past doesn’t do me any good. I’ve just decided to take that tack.”
Mario is thankful for his time working from the Tigers, Fox Sports Detroit, and the memories he will have forever.
“Being able to broadcast for my hometown team, the team I grew up rooting for, was a big thrill for me,” said Impemba, who added he is grateful for the significant amount of support, public and private, he’s received from friends and colleagues since he was let go by FSD. “We really had some great times. Miggy (Miguel Cabrera) winning the Triple Crown, JV (Justin Verlander) throwing a couple no-hitters, all the playoff appearances, the two World Series. In my mind, it was the golden age of Tigers baseball.
“And I had a front-row seat for all of it. I was fortunate.
“Those are things I will remember.”
