Pirates Voice Lanny Frattare Retires

Longtime PITTSBURGH PIRATES radio and television broadcaster LANNY FRATTARE has announced his retirement after 33 seasons with the team. FRATTARE joined the PIRATES in 1976 And will be honored with an on-field ceremony during the 2009 season.

"In the 122-year history of this proud franchise, nobody has brought the action to PIRATES fans longer than LANNY. For 33 seasons his voice has been, and always will be, synonymous with PIRATES baseball," said PIRATES President FRANK COONELLY. "LANNY's positive impact on the Pirates and the PITTSBURGH community reaches far beyond the broadcast booth. Whether it was the countless number of appearances he made in the community on behalf of the PIRATES or his two decade-long personal push to raise funds for mentally challenged individuals in our area, LANNY is part of the fabric of this community."

"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. It was a difficult and emotional decision, but in the end, I decided it was time," said FRATTARE. "It has been a privilege and an honor to bring PIRATES baseball to the fans for more than 33 years. I owe it all to the strong support of my family, my broadcast partners, all of my colleagues throughout the years and, perhaps most importantly, 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. I look forward to remaining an active part of the PIRATES family and the PITTSBURGH community."

The PIRATES are heard on CLEAR CHANNEL Talk WPGB/PITTSBURGH.

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