John Mason (announcer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Mason is the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons games at the Palace of Auburn Hills. He is known for his colorful introductions, and is credited with coining the popular chant "Deeeeee-troit basketball!" [1]His flamboyant voice has been requested at many sporting events, and he was chosen to serve as the PA announcer at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vagas.
Mason is also a legendary radio personality in Detroit. He was the host of the extremely Popular "Mason in The Morning" on WJLB for 18 years. He was also host of his own radio show on 102.7/105.9 KISS-FM (WDMK). Mason left WDMK in July 2006 as his contract had expired. Mason has since signed with WGPR 107.5FM, however, he cannot appear on the station due to a non-compete clause in his contract. This issue has now been resolved. Mason was offered an intriguing contract from the Clevland Cavs, his home city. He declined the offer, saying that the Pistons gave him so many opportunities, and it was his new home.
[edit] Some sound bites
- "DEEEEEEEETROIT BASKETBAAALLL!!
- Piston fans from across the great state of Michigan and those who are attending the palace tonight from around the world; STAY ON YOUR FEET! ITS TIME TO MEET, AND GREET, THE BAALLERS REPRESENTING YOUR DEE-troooit PISTONS(echo)! [right before introduction]
- "Piston fans stay on your feet...time to meet and greet, the ballers, representing the Dee-Troit PISTONS!"
- "B-b-b-b-b-b-b-ben W-w-w-wallace!" — Ben Wallace, former starting center
- "Feed the need for Rasheed!", "Is the world ready to see... The Sheed!" — Rasheed Wallace, starting power forward
- "R-r-r-r-richard Rip (echo) Ha-mil-ton!" — Rip Hamilton, starting shooting guard
- "Chauncey B-b-b-illups" — Chauncey Billups, starting point guard
- "It's Palace Time for the 6'9", Numba 22, T-a-a-a-a-yshaun Prrrrrrrr-inccceee(echo)!" — Tayshaun Prince, starting small forward
- "And it's Pistons basketball back down the court."