LISTEN: Late Great Mike Lange Doing Pirates’ Play-by-Play

Legendary Pittsburgh Penguins play-by-play announcer Mike Lange died on Wednesday. He was 76 years old.

Lange served as Penguins’ broadcaster in 1974 and again from 1976 to 2021 before announcing his retirement. Known for his unique sayings, such as “Get in the fast lane grandma, the bingo game is ready to roll,” and “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building,” Lange served as the Penguins’ voice for generations of fans.

A recipient of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001, Lange is most known for his outstanding broadcasting skills in hockey. But did you know, he also did some Pittsburgh Pirates’ play-by-play?

Here’s a clip of Lange on the mic in 1986, courtesy of 1986-92 Pittsburgh Pirates on Twitter/X.

7/20/86: The great Mike Lange on the mic 🎙! W/#Pittsburgh #Pirates leading 4-2 in the 8th, Tony Gwynn drew a leadoff walk vs Larry McWilliams, but was doubled off 1B when Kevin McReynolds flied to #Buccos’ rookie CF Barry Bonds who threw Gwynn out! #LetsGoBucs 🏴‍☠️ #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/vdSiHyK1fQ

— 1986-92 Pittsburgh Pirates (@1992Pirates) January 8, 2022

The Pirates issued the following statement on Lange’s passing:

We join the Pittsburgh and global sports community to mourn the loss of legendary announcer Mike Lange.

Mike was a fixture in our city for decades and will remain in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/bpShiQXYmf

— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) February 20, 2025

Greg Brown, the Pirates’ current play-by-plan man who calls games on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan, also took to social media to address Lange’s death.

Difficult to process right now. His friendship was marrow deep. Will miss him beyond words, but taking comfort in knowing his suffering is over. I love you, Mike Lange. Rest In Peace, Michael Michael. Will see you on the other side. pic.twitter.com/C4mSrOvb0B

— Greg Brown (@gbrowniepoints) February 20, 2025

On a personal note, I only had the chance to meet Mike Lange once in my life. Lange was a friend of my uncle and came to my grandfather’s viewing in 2009. I was a few days shy of turning 11 years old, but Lange’s appearance meant a lot to my family and had me a bit starstruck.

Though I only had a brief meeting 16 years ago, Lange was by all accounts a terrific man in addition to being a world-class broadcaster. Pittsburgh Baseball Now sends our sympathies to all those who knew him.