1. Van Patrick was an American sportscaster, best known for his play-by-play work with the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers.
12 Facts About Van Patrick
1. 2.
Self-nicknamed "the Ole Announcer", Patrick called Lions games from 1950 until his death in 1974.
3.
Van Patrick had two stints with the Tigers, broadcasting for the team for one season in 1949 and then again from 1952 to 1959.
4.
Van Patrick graduated from Texas Christian University, where he played football with future Washington Redskins quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Sammy Baugh.
5.
Van Patrick called the World Series along with celebrated sportscaster Red Barber.
6.
Game 2 of that Series announced by Van Patrick, won by the Indians, made television history.
7.
From 1949 to 1953, Van Patrick was sports director at Detroit station WJR.
8.
Van Patrick did TV sports news segments during news broadcasts on Detroit's WJBK-TV.
9.
Van Patrick was widely admired for his broadcasting skills during his radio heyday.
10.
Van Patrick did not make the transition to television well, as he was naturally bald and insisted on wearing an inexpensive toupee in television appearances.
11.
Van Patrick died of cancer while preparing to call a Notre Dame football game in South Bend, Indiana.
12.
Van Patrick is a Past President of the Detroit Sports Media Association.