After 17 seasons, the relationship between Detroit Tigers play-by-play man Mario Impemba and his broadcast partner Rod Allen finally reached a boiling point which ultimately resulted in both men being fired prior to the end of the 2018 season. Embed from Getty Images Since the altercation, which allegedly included Allen “choking” Impemba, both men have been rather silent. That is until now as Impemba has tweeted out a message thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time. “The last three months have been challenging for both myself and my family. I would like to thank the countless Tigers fans who have reached out to me to offer support. I would also like to thank my broadcasting colleagues who have provided both support and encouragement.  “It was always my intention to return to the Tigers booth in 2019, but that decision was out of my hands.  “As a native Detroiter, I grew up in this city and chose to raise my family here. I will always view Detroit as my home.  “I have spent 32 years building my professional reputation in broadcasting and stand by that reputation today. I truly appreciate the opportunity I had to broadcast for my home town team the last 17 seasons.  “I look forward to what the new year may bring and to my next opportunity. Again, to those that have reached out, thank you for all of your support.”  To all Tigers fans: pic.twitter.com/0OkfXzX5BM — Mario Impemba (@mario_impemba) December 12, 2018 There is no question about it that Mario Impemba is pure class and we certainly wish him the best of luck. BONUS CONTENT: Could this former All-Star return to the Detroit Tigers? The 2018 Major League Baseball Winter Meetings are officially underway, which means the rumors will be flying around for the next few days. Embed from Getty Images For the Detroit Tigers, adding a shortstop during the offseason is priority No. 1 but general manager Al Avila has said the team will also be open to adding a second baseman if it makes sense. As it stands, Dawel Lugo is probably the odds-on favorite to land the starting second baseman job out of Spring Training, but at just 23 years of age, he could probably use a bit of seasoning. So, which second baseman could the Tigers bring in, not only to bridge the gap but to potentially deal at the 2019 Major League Baseball trade deadline? To read the rest, please click on the link below. Could this former All-Star return to the Detroit Tigers?   CHECK IT OUT - Other articles you might enjoyJUST IN: Ron Gardenhire reveals Detroit Tigers starting catcher for 2019 seasonDecember 12, 2018December 12, 2018625BREAKING: Detroit Tigers sign shortstop Jordy Mercer for 2019 seasonDecember 12, 2018December 12, 2018788BREAKING: Mario Impemba breaks silence for first time since altercation with Rod AllenDecember 12, 2018December 12, 2018777REPORT: Los Angeles Dodgers interested in trading for Tigers’ Nicholas CastellanosDecember 10, 2018634