Tributes are pouring in all across Pittsburgh after the news of legendary sports broadcaster Stan Savran’s death. He was 76.
He revealed last year that he was battling lung cancer but continued to work. He revealed this past April that he had to have his leg amputated.
Last week, Savran was put into hospice.
The “Godfather” of Pittsburgh sports talk, Savran, born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1947, came to Pittsburgh in 1976.
He’s probably best known as the co-host of “Sportsbeat” which started on cable channel KBL, along with Guy Junker. The two remained close friends throughout the show and beyond.
“Stan, Guy…love the show” was the famous catchphrase from the program, but Stan was also a longtime radio host, along with stints on TV at WTAE and he also wrote columns in the Post-Gazette.
Stan also hosted pre-game shows for sporting events on now AT&T Sportsnet.
While Stan was known for his sports knowledge, it was the friendship that he developed with his peers and co-workers that made him a Pittsburgh icon.
Paul Alexander of 93.7 The Fan and KDKA Radio shared his thoughts on Stan’s passing:
I’m stunned. Stan was my hero. He personified everything I loved about the business and working along side him fulfilled my wildest dreams. Words can’t describe what it meant to earn his respect and to share an office and call him friend.
Pittsburgh has been blessed with amazing and talented broadcasters. For me, Stan was the Godfather and the best of the best. No bullsh**. No schtick. Blood and guts sports journalism. Which is sadly a lost art. I’m so so sorry we lost him.
Larry Richert of the KDKA Radio morning show and former colleague of Stan at WTAE:
I met Stan 40 years ago when he was part time of WTAE-TV’s “Front Four” with Bill Hillgrove, Myron Cope & John Steigerwald. He also had a sports talk show following Myron Cope on the radio. In spite of his big-time status he made the new young guys like me feel like we were part of the team.
From the day I met him and throughout his career, Stan was a pro’s pro at his profession. I still loved his takes and insights and really enjoyed his work as a friend and fan. Stan will be sorely missed.
My thoughts are with his family and countless friends.
93.7 The Fan.com’s Andrew Limberg:
I never got to work with Stan professionally, but I met him one time as a fan.
He was hosting the Antwaan Randel-El radio show at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Robinson Township.
Everyone was going up to Randel-El, but I knew who the real star was. I went up to Stan and shook his hand and had a few brief words with him before moving on.
He was kind and courteous and was then, as he will always be a Pittsburgh legend.
The Steelers, Penguins and Pirates released statements following Savran’s passing.