Long time Braves broadcaster Van Wieren retires
Sports Network | October 21, 2008
Atlanta, GA (Sports Network) - Pete Van Wieren, who was behind the microphone for Atlanta Braves broadcasts over the last 33 years, has retired.
The 64-year-old surprised the Braves with the announcement early Tuesday.
Van Wieren was part of the first national television broadcast crew for the Braves on Superstation TBS in 1976, alongside Ernie Johnson, Sr. and the late Skip Caray.
Caray, son of legendary play-by-play man Harry Caray, passed away this August at age 68, leaving Van Wieren as the lone remaining member of the original troika. Despite the sudden passing, Van Wieren gave no indication he'd leave his post, which included his current position as Braves radio play-by-play voice.
The native of Rochester, New York was named Atlanta's top sportscaster in 1977, and was also a 10-time winner of Georgia Sportscaster of the Year. For his efforts, Van Wieren was inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame along with Caray back in 2004. All three men were inducted into the Georgia Radio Hall of Fame last weekend.
During Van Wieren's tenure, the Braves' fortunes changed from being an also- ran in the National League to one of the powerhouse franchises in Major League Baseball.
He was present as Atlanta won NL West division titles in 1982 and 1991-93, along with NL East crowns from 1995-05 and a World Series championship following the 1995 season.
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