Lanny Frattare was the voice of the Pittsburgh Pirates for 33 years and is now the special assistant to the University Relations and Assistant Professor of Communication at Waynesburg University.
So, when he speaks about play-by-play, he knows what he’s talking about.
He stopped in at the end of The Fan Morning Show on Friday to share who he believes should take over as the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers after it was announced Thursday that Bill Hillgrove is retiring.
Frattare’s top three candidates:
West Virginia football and men’s basketball play-by-play man Tony Caridi
“The guy that has the most experience is Tony Caridi in West Virginia and there is a precedent for a West Virignia announcer being the voice of the Steelers in Jack Fleming,” said Frattare.
SportsNet Pittsburgh and longtime sports personality Rob King.
“One of the best sportscasters in Pittsburgh, if not the best,” said Frattare. “Rob has shown tremendous versatility in his time here in Pittsburgh.”
KDKA-TV Sports legend and Steelers preseason play-by-play announcer Bob Pompeani.
“Contacts with the Steelers, his knowledge of the Steelers,” said Frattare.
Wild Card picks:
Grandson of Bill Hillgrove and sportscaster for WTOV in Steubenville, Ohio, Jack Hillgrove.
“I doubt whether Jack’s ready right now,” said Frattare, but believes his future is bright.
Pitt women’s basketball, KDKA Radio high school basketball and several other play-by-play announcer Josh Rowntree.
“Josh Rowntree has become an outstanding broadcaster over the last several years, and I know that because I’ve worked with Josh,” said Frattare.