1986 – Bob Prince

Born in Los Angeles, California, on July 1, 1916, legendary Pittsburgh sportscaster Bob Prince was the voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates for 28 years. Prince’s sportscasting career began in 1941, when he was hired by Pittsburgh radio station WJAS to host a sports show. Then when a position opened in the Pirates broadcasting box following the 1947 season, Prince was hired by KDKA radio to fill the spot. A position he held until 1975. During his time calling pirates games, Prince earned the nickname “The Gunner” for his rapid-fire delivery style. He was also known for his raspy voice, colorful vocabulary, and use of nicknames. While at KDKA, Prince also broadcast Pittsburgh Steelers and University of Pennsylvania Football games. After leaving the KDKA Prince worked in a variety of positions, including broadcasting Houston Astros games for a year, co-hosting ABC’s Monday Night Baseball, and announcing Pittsburgh Penguins games. In 1985, shortly before his death, Prince returned to the Pirates, receiving three standing ovations during the two innings he announced. For his outstanding career, Prince received the Ford C. Frick Award, from the Baseball Hall of Fame, posthumously in 1986. He was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame on April 8, 1986.