Many of his calls live in Pittsburgh lore, including:
“Elvis has just left the building”
“It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh”
“Michael, Michael motorcycle”
“Look out Loretta”
“Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too”
“Get in the fast lane, grandma, the bingo game is ready to roll”
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Lange was too ill to attend Jaromír Jágr’s number retirement ceremony last year. Knowing this, Jagr drove to Lange’s home to see him. Lange wanted to attend the ceremony but said he wasn’t comfortable appearing at PPG Paints Arena in his condition. When Jagr played for the Penguins from 1990 through 2001, he typically sat with Lange on the team bus.
He was 76. He retired in 2021 due to health issues. He started calling Pens games in 1974
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“He’s just a great man, and you automatically associate his voice with our team,” Crosby said upon learning of Lange’s retirement in 2021. “The passion, expression and words he used to describe things are just so original to him. I will miss seeing him around the rink, but his calls will always be linked with the great memories. He’s always going to be a part of our team.”
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Lange was too ill to attend Jaromír Jágr’s number retirement ceremony last year. Knowing this, Jagr drove to Lange’s home to see him. Lange wanted to attend the ceremony but said he wasn’t comfortable appearing at PPG Paints Arena in his condition. When Jagr played for the Penguins from 1990 through 2001, he typically sat with Lange on the team bus.
I grew up watching as much Penguins hockey as I could because Jaromir Jagr was my favorite player and hearing Mike Lange on the broadcast with his random sayings, creating so much confusion for a young kid like me, was a highlight of those memories.
Location: Wondering when # became hashtag and not a number sign.
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Mario released this statement
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Mike was a Penguins legend and one of the most important figures in franchise history. It was my honor to have him call virtually every goal of my career and play a key role in all five of our Stanley Cup championships. Mike was a one-of-a-kind broadcaster, a tremendous ambassador for the city of Pittsburgh, and, most importantly, a great friend. He will be missed.
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He was awesome. Much like Rick Jeanneret in Buffalo he was very unique which is a turn off to some. Now they are both gone.
__________________ I am in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love." - John Steinbeck
RIP Mike Lange
