Longtime Braves broadcaster Van Wieren dies after battle with cancer

Longtime Atlanta Braves broadcaster Pete Van Wieren died Saturday morning after a long battle with cancer, according to a news release from the Atlanta Braves. He was 69.

Van Wieren, a native of Rochester, New York, spent 33 years broadcasting Braves games. He and his longtime broadcasting partner, Skip Caray, were inducted into the Braves Hall of Fame together in 2004, joining partner and friend Ernie Johnson.

Van Wieren joined Turner Sports in December 1975 as a Braves broadcaster. He also broadcast games for the Atlanta Hawks, Atlanta Flames and Big Ten Conference football games, according to the release.

Van Wieren is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine, sons Jon and Steve, daughter-in-law Starla, and granddaughters Chaney, Grace and Becca.

The Braves released the following statement about Van Wieren’s death: “The Atlanta Braves are deeply saddened by the passing of Pete Van Wieren. He was such a large and important part of our organization. We, and all of our fans across Braves Country, fondly remember his soothing voice calling our games for 33 years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Elaine, his children and his grandchildren.”

This story was originally published August 2, 2014 at 11:28 AM with the headline "Longtime Braves broadcaster Van Wieren dies after battle with cancer ."