Van Patrick

Van Patrick (1916–1974) was a sports broadcaster, most notably for the Detroit Lions. Patrick served as Detroit Tigers baseball team play-by-play announcer from 1953–1959. [ [http://mlb.mlb.com/det/history/broadcasters.jsp The Official Site of The Detroit Tigers: History: Tigers All-Time Broadcasters ] ] He also did play-by-play for the National Football League's Detroit Lions from 1950 until his death in 1974. [ [http://www.athleticachievement.org/mshof/inductees/archives/patrick.html Van "The 'Ol Announcer" Patrick ] ] During the 1960s and 1970s, he was sports director for the Mutual Broadcasting System and broadcast Notre Dame football and "Monday Night Football" for the network. In addition, Patrick did TV sports news segments during news broadcasts on WJBK-TV in Detroit, Michigan.

Patrick had superb knowledge of both football and baseball, and was widely admired for his broadcasting skills during his radio heyday (1953-1959). He did not make the transition to television well, as he was naturally bald, and insisted on wearing a very inexpensive toupée in television appearances. "Van Patrick's toupée" was a source of many jokes in the Detroit area during that period.

At the time of his death, he owned four radio stations. [ [http://www.baseballlibrary.com/baseballlibrary/ballplayers/P/Patrick_Van.stm Van Patrick | BaseballLibrary.com ] ]

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