Lanny Frattare, a Pittsburgh Pirates play-by-play announcer since 1976 and a beloved figure during spring training at McKechnie Field, has announced his retirement from his television and radio duties after 33 years.
Frattare was the 2007 recipient of the "Pride of the Pirates" award, which recognizes a member of the Pirates family who has demonstrated the qualities of sportsmanship, dedication and outstanding character during a lifetime of service.
"The decision to retire from the Pirates broadcast booth was something I have been thinking about and have discussed for some time, but a decision I did not make until after the final road trip of the season," Frattare said in a statement released by the Pirates.
"It was a difficult and emotional decision, but in the end I decided it was time. It has been a privilege and an honor to bring Pirates baseball to the fans. Without the support and approval of the fans, I could not have realized my dream of calling baseball games for the Pirates for such an extended period of time."
For the past 21 years, Frattare has hosted the Pittsburgh area's Family Links Golf Classic. The event has raised more than $1 million in support of more than 32,000 children, families and mentally challenged individuals served yearly by the Family Links Staff.
The remainder of the Pirates' broadcast team, which includes play-by-play man Greg Brown and color analysts Bob Walk, Steve Blass and John Wehner, will return in 2009. Pirates president Frank Coonelly said an exhaustive search will be conducted to hire a replacement for Frattare.
"For 33 seasons his voice has been, and always will be, synonymous with Pirates baseball," Coonelly said. "I ask the Hall of Fame voters to give serious consideration to Lanny's many contributions to the city, the Pirates and the game of baseball and consider him for recognition in the broadcasters wing of the Hall of Fame."
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