Myron Cope

Myron Cope (born January 23, 1929 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), whose given name is Myron Sydney Kopelman, was a color commentator for the Pittsburgh Steelers' radio broadcasts for 35 years. He is known for his nasal voice and a level of excitement rarely exhibited in the broadcast booth.

Related Topics:
January 23 - 1929 - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Color commentator - Pittsburgh Steelers - Radio

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Cope was born in Pittsburgh. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and the University of Pittsburgh. He was originally a journalist before becoming a broadcaster. His first job was in Erie, Pennsylvania with the Daily Times. Later, Cope would freelance, most notably for Sports Illustrated.

Related Topics:
University of Pittsburgh - Erie, Pennsylvania - Daily Times - Sports Illustrated

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In the late 1960s, Cope was being heard on the radio in Pittsburgh. His unique nasal voice was noticed by the Steelers' brass. He was made a member of the Steelers' radio team in 1970. As the Steelers won the Super Bowl four times, Cope gained a measure of fame. His gold towel, called The Terrible Towel, has become a rallying tool for the black and gold.

Related Topics:
1960s - 1970 - Super Bowl - The Terrible Towel

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Like other sports announcers in Pittsburgh, particularly the late Pirates announcer Bob Prince, Cope has a repertoire of unique catchphrases employed in his broadcasts such as "Hum-Hah!" and "Okel Dokel" (his version of "okey dokey"). Cope often uses Yiddish expressions, especially "Feh!" and "Yoi!" (sometimes multiplied as "Double Yoi" or "Triple Yoi").

Related Topics:
Pirates - Bob Prince - Catchphrase - Yiddish

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In keeping with his comic personality, a series of television commentaries on WTAE TV saw Cope calling himself "Doctor Cope" and wearing a white lab coat while pretending to examine the opposing team's strengths and weaknesses through a microscope he called "the Cope-roscope".

Related Topics:
WTAE TV - Lab coat - Microscope

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Cope has also created nicknames for key players. It was Cope who gave Steelers running back Jerome Bettis the highly marketable nickname of "The Bus." Cope's style was an important influence on Pittsburgh Penguins announcer Mike Lange and ESPN commentator Chris Berman.

Related Topics:
Nickname - Running back - Jerome Bettis - Pittsburgh Penguins - Mike Lange - ESPN - Chris Berman

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Cope used a wide range of nicknames for other teams including "Bungles" (Cincinnati Bengals), "Cleve Sandlotters" and "Cleve Brownies" (Cleveland Browns), "Mini Vikes" (Minnesota Vikings) and "Redfaces" (Washington Redskins).

Related Topics:
Cincinnati Bengals - Cleveland Browns - Minnesota Vikings - Washington Redskins

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Cope's autobiography Double Yoi was published in 2002.

Related Topics:
Autobiography - 2002

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Cope announced his retirement from broadcasting on June 21, 2005, citing his recent health concerns. His retirement was major news in the entire Pittsburgh area. On June 28, 2005, it was announced Cope would receive the Pete Rozelle Award for long time exceptional contributions to pro football in television and radio.

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He is a member of Rolling Hills Country Club, south of Pittsburgh.

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