Jason Benetti's previous criticism of division rival can lift Tigers fans' spirits

It's been easy for Detroit Tigers fans to make fun of the Chicago White Sox over the last two years. The White Sox were once believed to be the next great force in the American League, but their contention window came crashing down due to regression from their entire core.

Current Tigers' broadcaster Jason Benetti, formerly with the White Sox, was one of the bright spots for the South Side Chicago team that became incredibly unlikable in recent seasons. Benetti's departure from the organization was believed to be the last straw for many White Sox fans.

Chicago allowed Benetti, who called White Sox games for eight years, to interview for the Tigers' broadcasting job shortly after the 2023 season, and Detroit wasted no time hiring him in November of that year. Benetti has quickly been embraced by Tigers fans, and to everyone not named Pat Caputo, his style of calling games has been refreshing.

Jason Benetti’s shade toward old team is exactly why Tigers fans love him

In other words, Benetti is feeling the very thing he didn't have with the White Sox: being accepted for who he is. Shortly after taking the job with the Tigers, Benetti mentioned that his motivation was "finding the people who really want you for you".

Tigers fans may not fully realize that White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf hates all things that resemble fun. Reinsdorf and his outdated ideologies of how baseball needs to be presented couldn't stand the fact that Benetti was eating food during the White Sox's broadcast. Mind you, Benetti was eating food that was sold at the concessions of White Sox home games. In other words, he was bringing attention to the very reason why fans were still showing up to games, even though it became clear that the White Sox were a disappointment on the field. But, for Reinsdorf and his boomer cronies, that act was "disgusting".

Needless to say, with the Tigers playing meaningful baseball since his arrival, Benetti likely has no regrets over his decision to join the White Sox's rival. Meanwhile, Benetti's replacement, John Schriffen, has been oft-scrutinized since becoming the new voice of the White Sox, and some of the most prominent Chicago outlets are begging for him to be replaced.