Watch Stoney's sign-off on 97.1 The Ticket: Mike Stone says thank you

So long, Stoney! At least, until March 1, when he'll be on call from the bullpen whenever needed at WXYT-FM (97.1) The Ticket.

Friday morning was Mike Stone's final run as a full-time radio host, a career that began more than 30 years ago.

Stone, 65, announced in August he would step down after the NFL season, and transition to a spot starter and reliever for at least two years, filling in where needed on air. He will continue to do Detroit Lions postgame, and has a few podcasts.

Stone, a Philadelphia native, came to Detroit in the 1980s as a sports producer for WDIV-TV. His radio career in Detroit started in 1988 on WLLZ-FM (98.7) on "The Sunday Sports Albom" with Free Press columnist Mitch Albom, who also became his roommate.

Jim Costa will take Stone's seat alongside Jon Jansen and Heather Park for the station's morning show, weekdays from 6-10 a.m.

Watch and listen to Stone's extended sign-off Friday:

THE GODFATHER: Mike Stone (Stoney) reigns as Detroit's 'godfather of sports radio'

Stone spent the past 14 years at WXYT, co-hosting the morning show, first with Bill McAllister and then with the late Jamie Samuelsen. He was the afternoon drive-time host on WDFN-AM, first with Rob Parker and then with current Detroit News columnist Bob Wojnowski, from 1994-2009.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Watch Stoney's sign-off on 97.1 The Ticket: Mike Stone says thank you