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Pete Van Wieren retires

Caray, Munson, Van Wieren...there's the trifecta of great Georgia sportscasters who left the airwaves this year.
 
I am saddened to hear he is retiring. I truly enjoyed his work on the air. A class act. Braves games will not be the same without him.
 
In the words of the Great Grizzard, "Elvis is dead, and I don't feel to good myself".
 
It already wasn't going to be the same without Skip...but now, gosh. To me, it wasn't a Braves game unless I heard Pete.

Hats off to you, Professor.
 
A fan from Roswell just shed a tear... A lot of people hated those comments from Skip, but I loved it. These two had to be the best baseball broadcasting duo in history. Even when the Braves suck, Skip and Pete's commentary (as well as their BBQ at the game) kept us tuned in. So, as day follows the night...
 
A well-deserved retirement for one of the most solid, best prepared baseball announcers ever. Pete was always a true professional and a man with a lot of class. In my opinion, he ranks right up there with hall of fame announcers like Vin Scully, Ernie Harwell and Milo Hamilton. Pete was also part of a great team, with Skip Caray and Ernie Johnson for a long time. All 3 have been honored individually by the Georgia Association of Broadcasters.The Georgia Radio Hall of Fame had the foresight to induct these three guys as a team. Perhaps, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame and the National Baseball Hall of Fame could follow their lead and induct all 3 as a team.
 
I have very mixed emotions on this. I wish the Professor the very best in his retirement, I hope it is long and very enjoyable. Pete along with Ernie and Skip have brought me many enjoyable moments over the years, and were the best Baseball team I ever had the privilege to hear on the radio. Pete's preparation and knowledge of the game always enlightened me, and he was never condescending towards those who knew less about the game than he did, unlike some other well known announcers.

On the other hand, I am deeply saddened to hear this because I have learned over the past few years just how good we Braves fans have had it, and how lacking, and in some cases just plain BAD the announcers for some other major league teams are. On XM radio, they carry the broadcast of the home team, and when the braves are on the road, I discovered that some of the broadcast teams are just plain unlistenable.

Now while I wish Pete the best in retirement, I am wondering if I will be able to listen to the Braves on Radio next year? I hope so, but I am wondering right now.
 
Connie19 said:
The "Elder Statesman" is leaving. I sure hope the whole thing was truly Pete's idea.
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He had his birthday just over two weeks ago-- I am thinking this was probably he and his wife's idea.
 
stargazerlily said:
Connie19 said:
The "Elder Statesman" is leaving. I sure hope the whole thing was truly Pete's idea.
Click to expand...

He had his birthday just over two weeks ago-- I am thinking this was probably he and his wife's idea.
Click to expand...

I know for a fact that the Braves tried very, very hard to get him to do at least a partial schedule. They really wanted him to do a farewell tour, but he declined.

It should also be noted that before the year, the Braves offered Pete (and Skip, BTW) a lifetime contract and he politely declined, asking to revist the issue following the season. For all of their failings as an organization, the Braves knew how much the voices meant to the fans and were willing to do what was necessary to keep them.
 
I'am sad to see Pete leave too,the only link to the old TBS days and the run of division titles is Joe Simpson. I hear Bill Sample is avaliable.
 
Pete truly does leave at the top of his game. I'll really miss listening to him. After all the years and success, he still treated the fans with respect.
 
I send greetings from Pete's hometown of Rochester, NY. Pete was a joy to listen to on the TBS broadcasts of Braves baseball. He will be missed. :(
 
I think the Braves should take this opportunity to overhaul their announcing staff. After listening for a couple of weeks on the AL playoffs I find Chip Caray to be horrible. A complete bore. No personality or enthusiasm whatsoever. He is like a robot.
 
RTibbs said:
I think the Braves should take this opportunity to overhaul their announcing staff. After listening for a couple of weeks on the AL playoffs I find Chip Caray to be horrible. A complete bore. No personality or enthusiasm whatsoever. He is like a robot.
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I don't care for Chip Carey either. But I highly doubt they'll release him for obvious reasons.
 
Yes... Chip Carey is awful, but we are probably stuck with him.

Pete wasn't the same after Skip died. You could hear it in his delivery. I imagine Skip's passing was a huge smack upside the head for a guy who has, as he himself said, been away from his family an awful lot for 30+ years. I'm happy he will be able to enjoy the fruits of his labor.

Joe Simpson and Jon Schiambi make a very good team, but are best suited for TV. The Braves "radio voice" will be totally unfamiliar in '09. It'll be strange for fans like me who love the pictures of the game painted across the airwaves by audio artists.
 
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