Pittsburgh Penguins Announcer Mike Lange left a lasting mark on hockey. At the time of his passing, his estimated net worth was $10 million.
Mike Lange passed away on February 19, 2025, at his home in Pittsburgh at the age of 76. He left behind a legacy of remarkable contributions to hockey.
Highlights
- During the 1980s, national sports broadcasters, Lange for networks like ESPN, had higher earning potential, possibly $100,000 to $250,000 per year.
- His long-standing association with the Pittsburgh Penguins contributed to a total net worth of approximately $10 million before his passing.
- Lange’s remarkable 46-year career with the Penguins secured his status as an iconic sports broadcaster.
Mike Lange was a legendary play-by-play announcer for the Pittsburgh Penguins, known for his commentary and iconic catchphrases.
Starting his career with the Penguins in 1974, he remained with the team until his retirement in 2021.
After a few years, Lange’s voice became synonymous with the Penguins’ five Stanley Cup championships.
He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2001 for outstanding hockey broadcasting contributions.
The Penguins and their fans mourn the loss of this legendary broadcaster, whose unique style made every game an unforgettable experience.
Mike Had A Diverse Sports Broadcasting Career Beyond, The Penguins
Between 1985 and 1986, Lange broadcasted several NHL games for ESPN that did not feature the Pittsburgh Penguins.
At that time, National sports broadcasters for networks like ESPN had higher earning potential, possibly $100,000 to $250,000 per year for play-by-play commentators.
Additionally, in 1986 and 1987, he provided commentary for Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games on cable television, earning around $250,000 annually.
‘Legend’ doesn’t even begin to describe him. RIP Mike Lange. pic.twitter.com/1EpG3TBzs8
— Pittsburgh Clothing Co. (@PGHClothingCo) February 20, 2025
His long-standing association with the Pittsburgh Penguins contributed to a total net worth of approximately $10 million before his passing.
Well, he started his journey by managing the penalty box duties at local rinks and later transitioned into the position of public address announcer.
He has also worked with the San Diego Gulls and Phoenix Roadrunners of the Western Hockey League.
Mike’s Career Was Primarily Defined By His Long-Standing Association With The Pittsburgh Penguins
Mike became interested in hockey at a young age and studied broadcasting at Sacramento State University.
He joined the Penguins in 1974 and quickly became a broadcaster. He briefly left but returned in 1976.
Since then, he has been with the Penguins, where he became famous for his memorable phrases like “He beat him like a rented mule” and “Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.”
Further, he had called five Stanley Cup victories for the Penguins (1991, 1992, 2009, 2016, and 2017).
The Penguins organization joins the family, friends and fans of legendary broadcaster Mike Lange as we mourn his passing and remember his remarkable life. pic.twitter.com/UzQ2KREeWQ
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) February 20, 2025
Mike Lange also received The Foster Hewitt Memorial Award in 2001 for his exceptional work as an NHL broadcaster.
Despite his success, Lange remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his 46-year career.
He earned a substantial income during his long and successful career as a prominent sports broadcaster.
He lived a comfortable life with his family in Pittsburgh following his retirement from his broadcasting career.
However, he continued to make radio appearances and contribute voice work on a limited basis for various Penguins’ programming.
Additional Information
- On August 9, 2021, the Pittsburgh Penguins revealed that Mike Lange would be stepping down after an impressive 46-year tenure with the team.
- Mike Lange made a memorable appearance in the 1995 action movie Sudden Death, directed by Peter Hyams and starring Jean-Claude Van Damme.
- Lange had a vibrant array of unique and memorable expressions, affectionately dubbed “Lange-isms” by his fans.
- On October 8, 2019, just before a game against the Winnipeg Jets, Lange was honored with an autographed personalized jersey to celebrate his 45th year with the Penguins.
