33 years is a long time and longer than Myron with the Steelers or Lange with the Pens. But Lanny will never enter the conversation with the other two as great Pittsburgh broadcasters. Prince will remain as the most beloved Bucco play by play man.Lanny Frattare, the voice of the Pirates for 33 years, is retiring.
Frattare, who began broadcasting the team's games in 1976, has called the team games longer than any other announcer, including the venerable Bob Prince.
"In the 122-year history of this proud franchise, nobody has brought the action to Pirates fans longer than Lanny," Pirates president Frank Coonelly said. "Lanny's positive impact on the Pirates and the Pittsburgh community reaches far beyond the broadcast booth. Whether it was the countless number of appearances he made in the community on behalf of the Pirates or his two decade-long personal push to raise funds for mentally challenged individuals in our area, Lanny is part of the fabric of this community."
To me, Lanny never really captured me. There were times when I got caught up in his excitement but too many others when he just didn't make the game exciting enough. Ok, maybe he had a difficult task considering most of the teams he covered. Still, I won't miss him that much, unless someone like Kent Dierdivanis replaces him.
I will of course miss the "And there was noooooooooooooo doubt about it!!!!" even after a 9th inning comeback.
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