Mike Lange (March 3, 1948 – February 19, 2025) was a legendary American sportscaster, best known for his 46-year career as the play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). With his raspy voice, colorful expressions, and unique goal calls, Lange became an iconic figure in Pittsburgh sports broadcasting, earning him the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001 for his outstanding work as an NHL broadcaster.
Mike Lange’s distinct “Lange-isms” — quirky catchphrases that became synonymous with Pittsburgh Penguins hockey — made him a fan favorite and a household name among hockey enthusiasts. From “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh” to the iconic “Elvis has left the building”, Lange’s voice was the soundtrack for the Penguins’ five Stanley Cup championships and countless memorable moments featuring stars like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, Sidney Crosby, and Evgeni Malkin.
In this article, we will explore in-depth details about Mike Lange, including his age, career journey, net worth, early life, family, physical appearance, and lesser-known facts. We will also highlight his impact on the NHL, his iconic broadcasting style, and the legacy he leaves behind after his passing at the age of 76.
Mike Lange Short Details
| Full Name | Mike Lange |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Mike Lange |
| Profession | Sportscaster, Play-by-Play Announcer |
| Hometown | Sacramento, California, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1948 |
| Date of Death | February 19, 2025 |
| Age at Death | 76 |
| Height | Not Available |
| Weight | Not Available |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Notable Achievements | Foster Hewitt Memorial Award (2001) |
| Other Notable Info | 46 years with Pittsburgh Penguins |
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Early Life
Mike Lange was born on March 3, 1948, in Sacramento, California. He attended Sacramento State University, where a chance invitation from a friend to attend a hockey game would unknowingly set the stage for a historic broadcasting career. Before that moment, Lange had never attended a hockey game, but the experience sparked a lifelong passion for the sport.
Early Broadcasting Experiences
Lange began his career by working in the penalty box at local hockey arenas, where he coordinated penalty times with the public address announcer. His natural broadcasting ability emerged when he replaced the PA announcer, whose request for a raise went unmet. Lange’s play-by-play skills soon found a platform on college radio, marking the beginning of a remarkable career.
Professional Career
Western Hockey League and Early Broadcasting Work
Before joining the NHL, Mike Lange honed his skills as a commentator for teams like:
- San Diego Gulls
- Phoenix Roadrunners (Western Hockey League)
These early roles helped Lange develop the distinctive voice and colorful style that would later define his career.
Pittsburgh Penguins (1974, 1976–2021)
Initial Stint with the Penguins (1974–1975)
Lange joined the Pittsburgh Penguins as a radio announcer in 1974. However, after just one season, he left due to the team’s financial troubles and lack of job security.
Return and Rise to Prominence (1976–2006)
Lange returned to Pittsburgh for the 1976–77 season, embarking on a 30-year run where he never missed a single game. His energetic play-by-play style, peppered with memorable catchphrases, made him a fan favorite. Lange provided the soundtrack for the Penguins’ Stanley Cup runs and the rise of hockey legends such as:
- Mario Lemieux
- Jaromir Jagr
- Sidney Crosby
- Evgeni Malkin
Some of his most iconic calls include:
- “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh!”
- “He beat him like a rented mule!”
- “Elvis has left the building!”
- “Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, get me the brandy!” (after the Penguins’ 1992 Stanley Cup win)
Move to Radio and Later Career (2006–2021)
In 2006, Fox Sports Pittsburgh (now SportsNet Pittsburgh) decided not to renew Lange’s television contract, a decision that was widely unpopular among fans. Lange, however, continued as the radio voice of the Penguins, calling their Stanley Cup victories in:
- 2009
- 2016
- 2017
He retired in August 2021, after an incredible 46-year career, with the Penguins honoring him later that year. Lange reflected on his career with gratitude, stating:
“I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved.”
Family and Personal Life
While Mike Lange kept his personal life private, he was known for being a kind and loyal friend. His longtime broadcast partner, Phil Bourque, described Lange as:
“One of the kindest, most loyal and loving humans I’ve ever met.”
Family Details
| Family Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Not Available |
| Children | Not Available |
| Siblings | Not Available |
Physical Appearance
While not much is publicly known about Mike Lange’s physical appearance, he was often recognized by:
- His gray hair
- Distinctive raspy voice
- Energetic personality that shined through his broadcasts
Net Worth and Income Sources (2025)
As of 2025, Mike Lange’s net worth was estimated at $3 million. His primary sources of income included:
Income Sources:
- Broadcasting Salary:
- Earnings from his 46-year tenure as the play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
- Media Appearances:
- Guest appearances on sports shows, including ESPN and NHL Network.
- Film Appearance:
- Lange made a cameo in the 1995 action film “Sudden Death”, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, where he delivered some of his famous catchphrases.
Net Worth and Income Table
| Net Worth (2025) | $3 Million (USD) |
|---|---|
| Primary Income Sources | NHL Broadcasting, Media Appearances |
| Additional Income Streams | Film Cameos, Public Speaking |
Lesser-Known Facts About Mike Lange
- Started in the penalty box: Lange began his hockey career working in the penalty box at local games.
- Iconic catchphrases: His unique calls, known as “Lange-isms”, became cultural staples among Penguins fans.
- Foster Hewitt Memorial Award: Received the NHL’s highest broadcasting honor in 2001.
- Cameo in Hollywood: Appeared in the Jean-Claude Van Damme movie “Sudden Death” (1995).
- Loved by fans and peers: His phrases were even mimicked by broadcasters like Keith Olbermann.
- Soccer commentator: Lange briefly called Washington Diplomats soccer games.
- Worked with ESPN: Commentated NHL games for ESPN in the mid-1980s.
- Pirates baseball experience: Called Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games in 1986 and 1987.
- Longest-serving Penguins announcer: Called Penguins games for 46 years, the longest tenure in the franchise’s history.
- Memorialized in Pittsburgh: Pittsburgh honored Lange for his 50th year in broadcasting in October 2021.
FAQs About Mike Lange
- Q: How did Mike Lange die?
A: Mike Lange passed away peacefully at his home in Pittsburgh on February 19, 2025, at the age of 76. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed. - Q: How long did Mike Lange broadcast for the Pittsburgh Penguins?
A: Mike Lange broadcasted Penguins games for an incredible 46 years, from 1974 and then continuously from 1976 to 2021. - Q: What is Mike Lange’s most famous catchphrase?
A: Lange’s most iconic phrase is “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh!”, often used at the start of Penguins games. - Q: Did Mike Lange receive any broadcasting awards?
A: Yes, Lange received the Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001, the NHL’s highest honor for broadcasters. - Q: Was Mike Lange ever featured in movies?
A: Yes, he had a cameo in the 1995 film “Sudden Death”, where he delivered his trademark hockey calls. - Q: Why did Mike Lange switch from TV to radio?
A: In 2006, Fox Sports Pittsburgh chose not to renew Lange’s television contract, prompting him to continue exclusively on radio broadcasts. - Q: What were Mike Lange’s contributions to the Penguins’ Stanley Cup wins?
A: Lange was the voice behind all five of the Penguins’ Stanley Cup championships (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, 2017), providing iconic calls that defined each victory.
Conclusion
Mike Lange’s legacy transcends the world of sports broadcasting. His unmistakable voice, witty catchphrases, and passion for hockey made him an icon not only in Pittsburgh but across the NHL. For five decades, Lange narrated the story of the Pittsburgh Penguins, bringing the thrill of hockey into the homes of fans with unmatched energy and enthusiasm.
Lange’s passing marks the end of an era, but his voice and “Lange-isms” will continue to echo in the hearts of Penguins fans and hockey lovers worldwide. His story is one of dedication, authenticity, and love for the game, a true testament to what it means to be a legend in sports broadcasting.
“I didn’t get cheated in my quest to do what I have always loved.” — Mike Lange
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.”
