Pittsburgh Mourns Passing of Legendary broadcaster Mike Lange
Table of Contents
- Pittsburgh Mourns Passing of Legendary broadcaster Mike Lange
- The Voice of the Penguins: A Tribute to Legendary broadcaster Mike Lange
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- Senior Editor: Mike Lange’s journey from Sacramento, California, to becoming a beloved figure in Pittsburgh is nothing short of remarkable. What elements of his career do you believe made him a standout broadcaster?
- Senor Editor: Lange’s award-winning career saw him being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Why do you think he was given the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for Broadcasting Excellence?
- Senior Editor: How did Lange’s contributions impact the perception of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ brand and identity?
- Senior Editor: Besides his broadcasting skills, could you shed light on Lange’s character and how it influenced his work and relationships?
- Conclusion
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Pittsburgh lost a beloved icon on Wednesday with the passing of Hall of Fame broadcaster Mike Lange at age 76. The Pittsburgh Penguins confirmed the news, though the cause of death was not released. lange’s distinctive,raspy voice and unforgettable calls were synonymous with Penguins hockey for nearly five decades,shaping the auditory experience of generations of fans.
The Penguins’ association released a statement praising Lange’s unique talent: “Mike was a wordsmith — a magician behind the mic,
” they said, adding, “only Mike could make the biggest names in hockey seem more magical with just his voice.
” This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of lange’s contribution. His calls weren’t just descriptions; they were performances, imbued with a personality and flair that captivated listeners.
Former Penguin Phil Bourque, who shared many years with lange in the radio booth, offered a heartfelt tribute: “One of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met.
” This speaks volumes about the man behind the microphone, revealing a depth of character that extended beyond his legendary broadcasting career.
Lange’s career spanned nearly five decades, witnessing the Penguins’ remarkable conversion from an also-ran team to a five-time Stanley Cup champion. His unique delivery and memorable phrases, such as “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh,” “Elvis has left the building,” and “He beat him like a rented mule,” became instantly recognizable and deeply ingrained in the city’s hockey culture. He provided the soundtrack to iconic moments featuring hockey legends like Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr,and more recently,sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
His contributions to the sport were formally recognized in 2001 when the Hockey Hall of Fame inducted him, awarding him the prestigious Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for broadcasting excellence. This award cemented his place among the greats in hockey broadcasting history.
One notably memorable moment came in 1992 when Pittsburgh secured thier second consecutive Stanley Cup victory against Chicago. lange’s exuberant call, “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy,
” perfectly captured the team’s triumph and the city’s jubilation.
Born in Sacramento, California, on March 3, 1948, Lange’s journey to Pittsburgh was not a straight line. He began his broadcasting career in the Western Hockey League before a brief stint with the Penguins in 1974. Financial difficulties led to his departure, but he returned to Pittsburgh in 1976, beginning an unbroken 30-year run as the team’s lead broadcaster across television and radio.His dedication to the Penguins was unwavering, a testament to his passion for the team and the city.
Lange’s influence extended beyond Pittsburgh. His unique calls were frequently imitated by other sportscasters, including former ESPN anchor Keith Olbermann, who occasionally used a variation of Lange’s classic phrase, “he beat him like a rented goalie.
” Lange’s fame even reached the silver screen, with an appearance as a broadcaster in the 1995 film “Sudden Death,” a Jean-Claude Van Damme action movie set during a Stanley Cup game between the Penguins and the Chicago Blackhawks.
In 2006,Lange transitioned to radio broadcasting full-time,continuing to call games and celebrate the Penguins’ Stanley Cup victories in 2009,2016,and 2017. He finally retired in August 2021 after 46 years with the team, marking 50 years in broadcasting.Reflecting on his career, Lange stated, “I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved.
” His words perfectly encapsulate a life dedicated to his passion.
The Penguins honored lange in October 2021, a fitting tribute to a man who indelibly shaped the team’s identity and the city’s love for hockey.His legacy will live on through the countless memories he created for Penguins fans and the enduring impact of his distinctive voice.
The Voice of the Penguins: A Tribute to Legendary broadcaster Mike Lange
The passing of Mike Lange, the legendary broadcaster whose voice defined the Pittsburgh Penguins’ legacy, marks the end of an era. Known for his distinctive raspy voice and remarkable talent, Lange left an indelible mark on the world of hockey broadcasting. In this exclusive interview, we delve into the extraordinary life and career of Mike Lange with a renowned expert in sports broadcasting history.
Senior Editor: Mike Lange’s journey from Sacramento, California, to becoming a beloved figure in Pittsburgh is nothing short of remarkable. What elements of his career do you believe made him a standout broadcaster?
Expert: Mike Lange’s career is a compelling narrative of resilience and excellence. his ability to transform game commentary into theatrical performances set him apart. Unlike typical play-by-play work, lange crafted a narrative that engaged the audience emotionally, whether it was chanting, “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy,” after a Stanley cup win or delivering iconic phrases like “he beat him like a rented mule.” His dedication to the Penguins’ story and the depth of his character allowed him to embed himself not just in the hearts of fans, but in the very cultural identity of Pittsburgh hockey.
Senor Editor: Lange’s award-winning career saw him being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. Why do you think he was given the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award for Broadcasting Excellence?
Expert: Lange was recognized not only for his signature phrases but for his innate ability to capture the essence of the moment.The Foster Hewitt Memorial award is reserved for broadcasters who have demonstrated exceptional contribution to the sport, much like Hewitt did for hockey in Canada. Lange’s calls were characterized by a combination of excitement,creativity,and timing,which elevated the game’s storytelling. His induction into the Hall of Fame was a testament to his considerable influence on hockey broadcasting, reinforcing that his work transcended mere play-by-play reporting.
Senior Editor: How did Lange’s contributions impact the perception of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ brand and identity?
Expert: Mike Lange was a master craftsman of pittsburgh penguins identity. His commentary didn’t just describe the action on the ice but rather became synonymous with the excitement and fervor surrounding the team. Through Lange’s lens, fans experienced every victory, every goal, and every Stanley Cup triumph as a shared, vibrant narrative. His deep integration with Penguins lore meant that Lange didn’t merely report hockey—he lived and celebrated it with the city, enriching the collective memory of every hockey night in Pittsburgh.
Senior Editor: Besides his broadcasting skills, could you shed light on Lange’s character and how it influenced his work and relationships?
Expert: Beyond his microphone talent, Lange was known as a kind-hearted person with a remarkable sense of loyalty. Phil Bourque’s tribute, describing him as “one of the kindest, moast loyal and loving humans,” underscores the depth of his character. Lange treated every interaction as meaningful, grateful for the relationships he built over decades, whether with fellow broadcasters or players. This authenticity and genuine warmth resonated with listeners, creating a connection that became an integral part of his broadcasts. His personal integrity and passion infused his work with authenticity, fostering trust and admiration.
Conclusion
Mike Lange’s influence on hockey broadcasting and the cultural fabric of Pittsburgh is immeasurable.His enduring legacy is preserved through the many iconic words and phrases he left behind, continuing to inspire broadcasters and delight fans around the world. cling to the stories, cherish the memories, and celebrate the magical voice that made hockey nights in Pittsburgh legendary.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and memories of mike Lange in the comments section below or on social media. his legacy extends beyond the rink, resonating with anyone who appreciates the art of great broadcasting.