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

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Baseball Now
By Danny Demilio | Last updated Feb 20, 2025 12:39 PM ET

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.

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

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.

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.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Baseball Now and was syndicated with permission.

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