Pirates broadcaster Frattare retiring

Oct 1, 2008 - 10:43 PM PITTSBURGH (Ticker) -- Lanny Frattare, a broadcaster for the Pittsburgh Pirates for the past 33 seasons, has announced his retirement.

The longest-tenured broadcaster in the team's history, Frattare joined the Pirates in 1976 following the firings of Bob Prince and Nellie King.

Frattare, 60, was under contract through the 2009 season but decided to retire during the team's final road trip.

"The decision to retire from the Pirates' broadcasting booth was something I have been thinking about and have discussed for some time," he said. "It was a difficult and emotional decision, but in the end, I decided it was time."

Frattare was in the booth for the Pirates' last World Series title in 1979 and their string of three straight National League East Division titles from 1990-92. He also called nearly every game during the team's current streak of 16 consecutive losing seasons.

"In the 122-year history of the Pittsburgh Pirates, nobody has brought the action to Pirates fans longer than Lanny," Pittsburgh president Frank Coonelly said. "Lanny is a part of the fabric of this community."