Mike Lange - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Mike Lange is a renowned sports broadcaster who is best known for his work as the play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team.
- 2. He was born on March 3, 1948 in Sacramento, California and grew up in Kingsburg, a small town in the San Joaquin Valley.
- 3. Lange began his broadcasting career in the 1970s, calling games for various minor league hockey teams before eventually landing a job with the Penguins in 1974.
- 4. He quickly became a fan favorite for his colorful and energetic style of announcing, often incorporating catchphrases and clever wordplay into his commentary.
- 5. Lange's most famous catchphrase is "Scratch my back with a hacksaw!" which he often uses to describe a particularly impressive goal or play by the Penguins.
- 6. Over the years, Lange has won several awards for his broadcasting work, including the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001, which recognizes outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting.
- 7. In addition to his work with the Penguins, Lange has also called games for other sports teams, including the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball team and the Pittsburgh Maulers football team.
- 8. He is known for his distinctive voice and delivery, which has been described as both entertaining and informative by fans and colleagues alike.
- 9. Lange is also a talented musician and has released several albums of original music, showcasing his skills as a singer and songwriter.
- 10. Despite facing health challenges in recent years, including a battle with cancer, Lange continues to be a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting, with fans eagerly awaiting his trademark calls during Penguins games.