Mike Lange Reveals His Secrets to Broadcasting

There are 3 generations of Pittsburgh hockey fans who know the comfortability that comes with Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange. His unique style his his trademark on the game which, in my opinion, transcends the game to the point that it never really feels like a Penguins game without him.

But even though the seasons have piled up on the veteran broadcaster, Lange still keeps up with the changing lineups adapting to the constantly changing updates with the teams.

"You have to do your due diligence, you have to do your work. You have to find out what is going on with that team, how much they have changed? They could have a coaching change. What's the philosophy?" Lange said.

Watching the interview video from KDKA actually feels like it should be required viewing for any broadcasting student. Learning from Lange's routines and dedication to his craft is what makes a standout broadcaster even better.

[Via: KDKA]

[Cross-posted at Mike's Adventures in Broadcasting]

Mike Lange's Career Options

There seems to be a bit of another hurdle to overcome in the 'burgh these days. If the city could rally around to get what was so desperately needed, then surely they should come together to help one of their adopted own.

I was working at PNC Park the day that it was announced that Mike Lange was to be replaced. I could remember a feeling of shock and terrible disappointment. The Penguins just aren't the same without him. He is the voice that IS the Pittsburgh Penguins brand of hockey.

Despite having gone back to work on the radio side, Mike swallowed his pride and commenced the season with dignity befitting a Hall-of-Fame broadcaster. What Mike wasn't saying on the air (or anywhere else during this time), was how unhappy he was knowing there was more money to be had working the TV side. Lately, things have been tipping towards a clash of yet unknown proportions. Mike has come out claiming how unhappy he was not doing TV.

"I won't lie to you," Lange said in February. "There is more money in TV. I took a gigantic hit.

"I do love Pittsburgh, but the scene has changed for me. There isn't any doubt about that. I've been turned aside from TV. I'm not their No. 1 guy anymore. I have to do what's best for me. I have to consider my career."

According to a Bob Smizik article, the Phoenix Coyotes have let go their TV play-by-play announcer, Curt Keilback, leaving an opening for Mike to pursue his options out west. It would be appealing as a Phoenix job would bring him closer to his hometown of San Francisco.

But I wonder just how much Pittsburgh loves Mike Lange to protest his "demotion" by playing the radio audio over top the TV video. Are the head office people at FOX Sports Pittsburgh station aware of this? I know it has a pretty big groundswell to even have the WXDX DJ admit to cooperating with the audio by syncing up things to offset the 3 second delay.

If Pittsburgh were to lose Mike Lange's talents, I would hope that perhaps a national broadcast team would pick him up. He would then be exposed to the rest of the hockey fans and they would get to enjoy his quirky-yet-endearing style.

On a more personal level, I would have to say that I am torn over which side to take. Mike Lange has been the only broadcaster I have really known. It just wouldn't be the same without him. Taking in the fact that he is a Hall of Fame credentialed broadcaster, his tenure demands that he go out on his own terms. But on the other hand, if the older veteran broadcasters don't step down soon, then there really is no hope for the future and fresh young blood like oh... say... me.... to take over the jobs in the Pittsburgh market. Maybe it is time for Lange to just retire.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Mike Lange to Return to Penguins on Radio

I was working at PNC Park the day that I heard of Mike Lange being let go by FSN-Pittsburgh. It was insider information then, but I didn't have access to a computer to drop the news here or on one of the other blogs.

The firing of Lange stunned his legion of supporters, to whom he had acquired legendary status as the longtime voice of the Penguins. In the pre-Mario Lemieux days, Lange often was the best thing the team had to offer. He played a large role in educating Pittsburgh fans to the sport.

I'm not sure why it was a large task for Mike Lange to return to Penguins broadcasting. The man has achieved everything he can in broadcasting - and then some. He's a well known and respected play-by-play guy who's now in the Hall of Fame in the broadcaster's wing. He could simply walk away from the game and retire. He deserves it. He could have also chosen to step aside and give another young broadcaster a chance.

"I have to put the headset back on and get in the booth," he said. "I ain't dead yet."

Good for you, Mike. Your legendary voice means a lot to the Pittsburgh community and it won't be the same without you.

[Via: Pittsburgh Post Gazette & Pittsburgh Tribune Review]

Dan Snyder Remembered

Tonight, the Thrashers organization paid tribute to #37. Dan Snyder was tragically killed in a car accident. "He'll have to live with that the rest of his life," said Pens Hall of Fame announcer Mike Lange during the game about the perp responsible, Danny Heatly.

Also, Kovalchuk was going for a 40 goal season. You could tell how hard he was trying when all of his teammates were just serving it up to him every chance they got. Ilya had 8 or 9 shots all by himself in the first period. He was so visibly frustrated at how Pens goalie J.S. Aubin covered him well by stopping every chance.

However, Kovalchuk would not be denied! He got a goal with less than 30 seconds remaining in the game to make it an even 40 goals during the regular season. Hollywood can't come up with such natural drama!

He gets one more chance to tack on more goals during the Thrashers last game of the year against their division rival Tampa Bay.

Mike Lange Bobblehead @ Mellon Arena

The one night that I had marked on my calendar was today. The Atlanta Thrashers were in Pittsburgh tonight and as a special promotion, the gave away Hall of Famer and Penguins Broadcasting voice Mike Lange talking bobbleheads. I was sure to go to see the game at the Mellon Arena.

However, I found out later that my plans would change when my sister was already scheduled to have a Graduation ceremony at Penn State the same day.

Oh well, there's always a next time.