Mike Stone

Last Friday (2/16), longtime WXYT-FM (Detroit) morning host Mike Stone (aka "Stoney") said goodbye to listeners for the last time on the "Stoney and Jansen" morning show with an emotional speech in which he thanked at least 100 people by name.

"I never thought I'd be here three years," Stone said, "let alone 38. It's been awesome.

"I am somewhat sad that I will not be on the air every day," continued Stone, during a 13-plus minute farewell, "but I know that sadness ends when there's no fricking alarm at 4:30 in the morning."

After a long run at crosstown WDFN-AM, Stone joined The Ticket in December 2009, first working with Bill McAllister (with Sara Fouracre), and then Jamie Samuelsen (with Heather Park).

Stone announced his retirement in August, stating that it would take place after the Super Bowl.  Stone isn't leaving the station altogether.  He said he will stay with The Ticket as a regular fill-in host for at least the next two years as well as cohosting the Lions postgame show with WJBK-TV's Jennifer Hammond.

Replacing Stone as morning co-host with Jon Jansen will be Jim Costa. Stone praised Costa as a "good person" who "knows his stuff," and encouraged listeners to give the show a fair chance.

Watch Jim Stone's goodbye below: