Mike Lange Height, Weight, Religion, Net Worth, Age, Biography

About (Profile/Biography): 
Mike Lange is a legendary American sports broadcaster best known as the radio and television play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League. Born in Sacramento, California, in 1948, Lange became synonymous with Pittsburgh hockey through his colorful catchphrases and energetic broadcasting style. His distinctive calls like "Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one too!" and "Scratch my back with a hacksaw!" have become deeply embedded in hockey culture. Serving the Penguins from 1975 to 2021, his unique broadcasting style revolutionized how hockey games were called.
Early Career of Mike Lange
• The young broadcaster started his journey calling minor league hockey games for the Phoenix Roadrunners in the Western Hockey League, where he developed his signature style that would later captivate millions of fans.
• Before joining the Penguins, "The Voice" worked as a radio announcer for the San Diego Gulls and actually turned down his first offer from Pittsburgh in 1974 due to his commitment to San Diego.
• Our play-by-play maestro spent one season calling games for the Virginia Wings of the American Hockey League in 1973, laying the groundwork for his future NHL career.
Iconic Catchphrases of Mike Lange
• The phrase master shocked audiences in 1975 with "She wants to sell my monkey!" - a call that almost got him fired early in his career but later became one of his most beloved catchphrases.
• The witty announcer created "Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has just left the building!" specifically for Mario Lemieux's goals, showing his knack for personalizing calls for different players.
• Hockey's wordsmith would spend hours in local Pittsburgh diners, listening to conversations and collecting unique phrases from locals to incorporate into his broadcasts.
Awards and Recognition received by Mike Lange
• The voice of hockey received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001 for his outstanding contributions to hockey broadcasting, earning his place in the Hockey Hall of Fame.
• The legendary announcer was honored with the Penguins' "Pride of the Penguins" award in 2007, becoming only the second non-player to receive this prestigious recognition.
• Our beloved broadcaster earned his star on the Pittsburgh Walk of Fame in 2015, cementing his legacy as one of the city's most influential cultural figures.
Lesser-Known Facts about Mike Lange
• The broadcasting legend actually studied to become a Catholic priest in his youth before discovering his true calling in sports broadcasting through a college radio station.
• Pittsburgh's favorite voice performed as a stand-up comedian in small clubs during off-seasons in the 1980s, using this experience to improve his quick-witted broadcasting style.
• The veteran broadcaster keeps a secret notebook of unused catchphrases that he's never revealed, planning to publish them only after his retirement.
Controversy around Mike Lange
• In 1995, Lange faced backlash for his catchphrase "Beat 'em like a rented mule!" when animal rights activists claimed it promoted animal cruelty, though he continued using it with strong fan support.