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Jay Allen is the new voice of Comerica Park. We checked with him while he was preparing for the opening day of the tigers on Thursday 4 April 2019.
Mandi Wright, Detroit Free Press

The Detroit Tigers have called a 59-year-old minor league rookie to debut in the league today.

Jay Allen will become the new announcer of the Tigers speeches – the voice of Comerica Park – when the Tigers will play against the Kansas City Royals to open the season at home.

"It's going to be a highlight of my life," Allen said. "I will be 60 in August and I have the impression that my life is starting again. I am so grateful. "

Allen has spent his career as an announcer in minor leagues in baseball and arena football in Grand Rapids, as well as for football and basketball games in high schools. He replaces the venerable Bobb Vergiels, who has been spokesman for Comerica Park for 15 seasons but has retired after the 2018 season.

Meet Jay Allen, the new Tigers announcer (Photo: Mandi Wright)

"I have big shoes to fill," Allen said. "But I will do my best. I'm 13 feet tall, so I think it'll be fine. "

The opening day at Comerica Park is an unofficial holiday in Detroit – a whole day, fill the streets, fill the bars, party fists. This is a reason not to work, avoid school and celebrate the beginning of summer.

Even if it never looks like summer.

If the weather forecast is accurate – yes, insert here the old tired joke – it seems that the weather is terrible today – rain, cold and bad weather.

But it's not unusual.

It's April in the D, right?

Former Tigers pitcher Willie Hernandez has to throw the first pitch, a nod to the 1984 Tigers, and Mary Wilson of the Supremes series sings the national anthem.

A few years ago, the opening day at Comerica Park was the start of a great trip.

But it was at the time that this team had a lot of talent and an exorbitant payroll.

But these days are, in the words of Ernie Harwell, "LOOOOOOONG GONE!

Jordy Mercer # 7, Dustin Peterson # 13 and Josh Harrison # 1 of the Detroit Tigers celebrate the 3-1 win against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 2, 2019 in the Bronx in New York. (Photo: Elsa, Getty Images)

This year, Opening Day is more like an unknown date and it's better to go without any waiting. Nobody expects this team to fight for a championship. Nobody expects this team to win more games than it loses.

In many ways, it does not even look like an opening day, as the Tigers have already played two sets.

And we have already seen a lot of ups and downs. The pitching was better than expected, but this team has already gone through a dramatic drought.

But hey, they beat the Yankees, all right?

Spencer Turnbull must start Thursday against the Royals, which should offer something to watch. It is only his fifth start in the league. He launched well until the fourth inning Saturday in Toronto.

"He has electric stuff," said Tigers pitcher Jordan Zimmermann on the Tigers radio network.

More coverage of the opening day!

Here's where to eat, drink and hang out at the opening day of the Tigers

Your guide to Detroit Tigers Opening Day 2019: Parties, weather, parking, more

Comerica Park is not a parking lot. It could be the best baseball stadium

Something new

So today, go out and grab a Coney Dog egg – new this year!

Head to the park early for the new Happy Run Home Run for the first hour after the doors open – again this year!

Put on a poncho – just in case.

And sit down and listen to Allen.

About 50 people have applied to become the announcer of the Palestinian Authority, but Allen has been approved.

"I just want to stay out of the field and let things happen," he said.

Some famous speech announcers have told famous phrases, such as Bob Sheppard's iconic fire voice portraying Derek Jeter: "Battling, for the New York Yankees." No. 2 … Derek Jeter … No. 2. "

Will Allen have a slogan?

He is not sure.

"This kind of thing only happens," he said. "You can not plan them."

In his full-time job, he sells cars for Fox Ford in Grand Rapids. "It's about two hours away," he said. "I bought a Ford Fusion hybrid, which travels about 37 miles per gallon."

He said, switching to seller mode. "We'll see how it works," he said. "It's something I've wanted and dreamed so much, that I could not miss this opportunity. I will make it work. "

He grew up in Holland and started on the radio in the early 1980s.

"I like radio," he said. "But there is something about being the announcer of the AP. You are right in the crowd. That's what the advertiser is, you're right. "

His twin brother, Vern, offers to buy him his microphone.

"I said: Why would you buy the microphone? "

He said, "When you advertise with the Tigers, I'll feel like I'm in the booth with you. ""

He paused: "That's exactly what I've always dreamed of doing."

Contact Jeff Seidel: [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @seideljeff. To read his recent columns, visit freep.com/sports/jeff-seidel/.