Braves broadcaster Van Wieren dies after bout with cancer

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Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

SAN DIEGO – Pete Van Wieren, the beloved and highly respected former Braves broadcaster, died Saturday morning following a long battle with cancer. He was 69.

Known as “The Professor” for his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, Van Wieren spent 33 years broadcasting Braves games on television and radio, and was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame in 2004 along with the late Skip Caray, his longtime broadcasting partner.

They formed an iconic broadcasting team, first with the late Ernie Johnson and later as a duo, on games heard across North America on Superstation TBS for much of their tenure.

“The Atlanta Braves are deeply saddened by the passing of Pete Van Wieren,” the team said in a statement. “He was such a large and important part of our organization. We and all of our fans across Braves Country fondly remember his soothing voice calling our games for 33 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Elaine, his children and his grandchildren.”

Read more: http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/braves-broadcaster-van-wieren-dies-after-bout-with/ngssg/

[BumRushDaShow]

1. Was listening to the Phillies - Nationals game last night

and heard the Phillies' broadcasters mention this during the game as their own "breaking news". For anyone who listens to baseball color commentary & play-by-play on the radio, it's a sad day to hear of any losses of these folks. They have some amazing trivia and often fun chatter to offer during these broadcasts.

[Archae]

2. Bob Uecker is getting up in years too.

We have Bob Uecker calling games on the radio for the Milwaukee Brewers, and he's getting older.

He used to appear often on the Johnny Carson show, and never failed to get a laugh.

[VA_Jill]

3. Damn

Nobody left now. And I can't even get the Braves telecasts where I live now Total suckery.