After Detroit’s heartbreaking loss to Seattle in Game 5 of the ALDS, longtime Tigers radio play-by-play announcer Dan Dickerson was caught on a hot mic delivering a profanity-laced outburst. In the quiet aftermath of a 15-inning battle, Dickerson muttered, “F—k this game recap … Oh, I’m sorry, was that out loud?”–apparently unaware his mic was still live.
Recognizing the mistake, Dickerson later issued a public apology. He explained that his words were uttered in frustration after a grueling, emotionally draining game, and were not meant to reflect disrespect to fans or the process. He acknowledged mics had been left open and expressed regret that listeners heard a moment not intended for public ears. Meanwhile, many fans voiced empathy, noting that the rant captured what many were feeling after such a gutting loss.
A Long Night Reaches Its Breaking Point
The Tigers had pushed Seattle to the brink, only to lose on a walk-off single by Jorge Polanco. The loss came after Detroit had built hope behind Tarik Skubal’s dominant start (13 strikeouts over six innings) and Kerry Carpenter’s timely homer. The tension, the exhaustion, and the emotional rawness of “what might have been” hung heavy in the air–in the stadium, in the clubhouse, in broadcast booths, and in fans’ hearts.
When the game finally ended after hours of pitched duel, bullpen duels, and desperate swings, the exhaustion and frustration was undeniable. Dickerson had just completed his broadcast duties, and in that in-between lull, the pent-up frustration spilled out.
Dickerson Apologizes
Dickerson didn’t attempt to hide. He took ownership swiftly. In his apology, he emphasized that the outburst was not a reflection of how he feels about doing the game recap, but a visceral reaction to the situation.
“I want to sincerely apologize for swearing during a break in the post-game last night. Our mics were inadvertently left open, but I know better than to swear into an open mic,” Dickerson said. “It was said in a moment of frustration, and not a reflection about how I feel about doing the game recap–just how I felt about doing it in that moment after a five-hour, 15 inning, season-ending loss.
“I’m very sorry any fans had to hear it–my apologies again.”
Many Tigers fans echoed the sentiment that Dickerson vocalized exactly what they were feeling after such a brutal, heartbreaking finish. One X user commented, “No need for him to apologize. Dan is one of the best if not the best in the business. He was just echoing all of our frustrations after that game.”
Another said, “Dan Dickerson was feeling what we all were feeling. Which is exactly why we love having him call our games.”
Professional broadcasters often walk a fine line between objective narration and emotional investment. The best voices in the booth are those with deep passion for the game and team, but they also understand when to compartmentalize. Dickerson is no rookie in that regard; he’s been the Tigers’ lead radio voice since 2002. For a man with decades of experience, this moment is more misstep than scandal.
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