Steelers announcer Cope retires after 35 years

By Kristian McHenry  |   Wednesday, June 22, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Pittsburgh Steelers
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After 35 years of being a team announcer for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Myron Cope is retiring. Over the past few years he has been experiencing some health problems and has decided not to spend another season as the announcer. Cope has a unique voice that is matched by no other. His voice may be considered screechy, but it has also filled the airwaves with an abundance of enthusiasm over the years.

Back in the 1970's, Cope became known a recognized voice throughout the US when the Pittsburgh Steeler's won a string of Super Bowl Championships. His popularity rivals that of baseball announcers who usually gain more recognition because there are so many more baseball games than football games to announce per season.

Cope is known for his unique phrases such as "Yoi!" He also added to team spirit with his creation of the Terrible Towel. To this day one can still see fans waving around their Terrible Towel at the games. The creation of the Terrible Towel made Myron Cope a "part of the team." This good luck charm of sorts was thought to ignite team spirit during crucial moments of Steelers' Games. There have been millions of dollars in sales of Terrible Towels over the years. Most proceeds have gone to charities.

Over the years Cope's announcing has inspired fans and the team. He is probably as popular and respected as the players he announces for. Cope never planned on being a sports announcer. In fact, it was not until he was 40 that he had the opportunity. At the time he was a sportswriter.

A WTAE radio executive brought up the idea for Cope to announce for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The executive thought that Cope's one of kind voice and sports knowledge could bring more recognition to the team who at the time was not as popular as they are today. Over the years, the fame of the Steelers grew, along with Cope's own popularity.

Myron Cope will be missed by players and fans alike. This year there will be two men announcing play-by-play action. Bill Hillgrove and Tunch Ilkin will announce from the radio Booth. Ilkin, who is an analyst, joined Cope in the booth a few years ago.
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