John Keating, longtime Red Wings and Tigers broadcaster to retire at end of season

John Keating at Comerica Park.

A longtime commentator of the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers and a common voice heard in the coverage of the team before and after their games will be retiring at the end of the hockey season.

John Keating announced his plans to retire from TV on social media, telling fans he made the decision earlier this year.

"A couple of years ago, I was out for a ginger ale with my boss, Jeff Byle, who is a longtime pal and he graciously told me at the time, "You tell us when you want to be done. You've earned that."

His opinion on the opportunity? "Trust me. In this biz? That's as good as it gets."

"It was a wistful getting through the end of the Tigers season and now that the Red Wings season is ongoing, it just feels like it's time to share the decision."

Keating has been a face of Detroit sports in both the NHL and MLB for decades, winning more than a dozen emmys during his time with FOX Sports Detroit and later Bally Sports.

He also served as a color analyst and play-by-play commentator at times.

During his 45-year career in the field, he was around for some of the most memorable moments in Detroit sports history, including four of the Red Wings' Stanley Cups as well as the Pistons' championship in 2004.