Detroit's Sports Broadcasters

Book excerpt: Sports are as much a part of the fabric of Detroit, Michigan, as is the automobile. From its professional teams such as the Red Wings, Lions, Pistons, and Tigers, to its local collegiate programs, the Motor City takes its sports seriously. Television and radio stations blanket the area with coverage of the games, players, and off-the-field goings-on affecting these teams. Men and women behind the microphones provide the link between Detroit teams and Detroit fans, offering play-by-play, analysis, interviews, and candid comments. Detroit's Sports Broadcasters: On the Air takes the reader behind the scenes, tracing nearly 80 years of electronic reporting-from broadcast pioneer Ty Tyson to the talk show hosts and anchors of today. Recall Detroit's great sports moments through the eyes and words of the legendary Ernie Harwell, Van Patrick, Budd Lynch, Bruce Martyn, Bob Reynolds, Dave Diles, Al Ackerman, Ray Lane, Frank Beckmann, and George Blaha.