Tigers PA announcer Jay Allen dies after cancer fight

DETROIT (AP) — The Detroit Tigers said Jay Allen, the team’s public address announcer, has died.

“Everyone admired Jay’s faith, determination and positive mindset during his fight with cancer,” the team said in a statement Friday. “His vocal passion for the Tigers and sports across the state of Michigan endeared him to millions of fans, and his impact will never be forgotten.”

Allen joined the Tigers as Comerica Park’s public address announcer last year. His experience also included minor league baseball, arena football and high school sports.

The Detroit Free Press reported in August that Allen, who was then a couple weeks shy of his 60th birthday, had been diagnosed with Stage 4 bile duct cancer.

“I’ve had this calmness about me,” he told the newspaper then. “There’s no panic, there’s no worry — my wife does enough of that — it’s just a very surreal place for me right here.”