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Great Balls of Fire: Mike Lange to Cut Back Travel

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Mike Lange Pittsburgh Penguins
By Michael Miller (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Oh no, Eddie Spaghetti. She wants to sell my monkey. And scratch my back with a hacksaw. The often imitated radio voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mike Lange has decided to scale back his travel dates for the 2017-18 season. Lange will do all 41 home games, but only 15 of the 41 road contests.

The Hall of Fame broadcaster who has inspired hockey play-by-play callers across the globe is 69 years-old. Via press release, Lange said it was time to “start reducing my travel a bit.”

Josh Getzoff will handle duties in Lange’s absence. Getzoff has been calling preseason games over the past two years, “We’re all very fortunate to have a talented young broadcaster like Josh Getzoff to step in and do play by play when I’m not in the booth,” said Lange.

Getzoff brings a smooth quality and flow to the booth. He has excelled amongst the spate of young broadcasters hired in the wake of Bob Grove’s unpopular departure three years ago when Grove was unable to meet the time requirements of additional broadcast demands.

“The opportunity to meet, watch and learn from the great Mike Lange over the past two years has been a dream come true,” said Getzoff.

When Getzoff is in the radio booth, Paul Steigerwald will return to the Penguins radio network as the pre and postgame host. Fans will remember “Steigy” as the long-serving color commentator back when the games were simulcast on radio and TV. Steigerwald transitioned to Penguins radio play by play and eventually, TV play by play for the Penguins broadcasts on Root Sports.

The Penguins have played 213 games, including regular season and playoffs, over the past two years–the most in history. While it certainly took its toll on the players, it also took its toll on Lange. “And, I think this might prolong his career,” said current Penguins color commentator, Phil Bourge.

We hope so, Bourqy.  We hope so!