Glenn
06-21-2008, 01:06 PM
For Blaha, a higher calling
Long-time Pistons announcer joins Michigan’s Hall of Fame
Britt Braudo / The Detroit News
http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=C3&Dato=20080621&Kategori=SPORTS07&Lopenr=806210404&Ref=AR&Q=100&MaxW=344&MaxH=344&noborder
DETROIT -- Pistons broadcaster George Blaha cemented his place in Michigan sports history Friday.
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame announced during a news conference at GM River Days that Blaha is one of 11 members of its 2008 class of inductees.
Blaha and fellow inductees Rick Leach, former Michigan football star; and ex-Lions receiver Herman Moore and placekicker Eddie Murray were present to accept the honor at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Road Trip '08 exhibit at GM River Days.
Other inductees are former Grand Rapids Press sports editor Bob Becker; the late "Wide World of Sports" host Bill Flemming; former Greco-Roman wrestling Olympic gold medalist Steve Fraser; Red Wings co-owner and youth sports supporter Marian Ilitch; former LPGA champion Meg Mallon; NASCAR team owner Jack Roush and former U-M and Olympic swimming coach Jon Urbanchek.
Hockey supporter and NHL team owner Peter Karmanos, elected to the class of 2007, also will be inducted. He was unable to attend last year's ceremony because of prior commitments.
Blaha, raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, and Grayling, Mich., got his start in 1971 as a broadcaster at Michigan State before joining the Pistons broadcast team five years later. He does play-by-play on television and radio for each game and hosts a Pistons weekly television program.
"There were terrific people at Michigan State who let me get started," Blaha said. "Everyone from the Pistons has stayed with me since I started with the team in 1976, and their loyalty has allowed me to develop some loyalty among the great fans in this state."
Blaha, who lives in Troy, has missed three games in his 32 years as the Pistons announcer.
"The fans all over the state of Michigan are the reason I'm fortunate enough to be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame," Blaha said. "In the end, it's the fans you have to thank. They make the team, and they definitely make the broadcast."
Long-time Pistons announcer joins Michigan’s Hall of Fame
Britt Braudo / The Detroit News
http://cmsimg.detnews.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Avis=C3&Dato=20080621&Kategori=SPORTS07&Lopenr=806210404&Ref=AR&Q=100&MaxW=344&MaxH=344&noborder
DETROIT -- Pistons broadcaster George Blaha cemented his place in Michigan sports history Friday.
The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame announced during a news conference at GM River Days that Blaha is one of 11 members of its 2008 class of inductees.
Blaha and fellow inductees Rick Leach, former Michigan football star; and ex-Lions receiver Herman Moore and placekicker Eddie Murray were present to accept the honor at the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame Road Trip '08 exhibit at GM River Days.
Other inductees are former Grand Rapids Press sports editor Bob Becker; the late "Wide World of Sports" host Bill Flemming; former Greco-Roman wrestling Olympic gold medalist Steve Fraser; Red Wings co-owner and youth sports supporter Marian Ilitch; former LPGA champion Meg Mallon; NASCAR team owner Jack Roush and former U-M and Olympic swimming coach Jon Urbanchek.
Hockey supporter and NHL team owner Peter Karmanos, elected to the class of 2007, also will be inducted. He was unable to attend last year's ceremony because of prior commitments.
Blaha, raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, and Grayling, Mich., got his start in 1971 as a broadcaster at Michigan State before joining the Pistons broadcast team five years later. He does play-by-play on television and radio for each game and hosts a Pistons weekly television program.
"There were terrific people at Michigan State who let me get started," Blaha said. "Everyone from the Pistons has stayed with me since I started with the team in 1976, and their loyalty has allowed me to develop some loyalty among the great fans in this state."
Blaha, who lives in Troy, has missed three games in his 32 years as the Pistons announcer.
"The fans all over the state of Michigan are the reason I'm fortunate enough to be inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame," Blaha said. "In the end, it's the fans you have to thank. They make the team, and they definitely make the broadcast."