Frank Beckmann, longtime Michigan play-by-play broadcaster, has passed

Sad news to pass along: Frank Beckmann, a longtime play-by-play broadcaster for Michigan, passed away this weekend. A tribute by Neal Rubin of The Detroit News revealed that Beckmann died Saturday night of vascular dementia, according to his wife, Karen.

Beckmann was with Detroit’s WJR-AM for 48 years, beginning in 1973 as a reporter. He later launched Sportswrap and spent decades calling play-by-play for Michigan football. Beckmann also called games for the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers. Beckmann hosted a 9 a.m. weekday talk show the last 17 years.

Beckmann was an inductee of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame and the Michigan Broadcasting Hall of Fame. He was 72.

Frank Beckmann 1949-2022. Thank you my friend for all you were, and all you became. It was my good fortune to share with you some of the time you had on the planet. You ran a great race, Rest in peace, you’ve earned it. pic.twitter.com/NVpJF8lt2S

— Jim Brandstatter (@jimbrandstatter) February 13, 2022

Frank was “the” voice of Michigan football, and his contribution to fall in Ann Arbor will be dearly missed. “Shoelaces flapping in the wind…” https://t.co/2IfUtZe6X9

— Jordan Acker (@JordanAckerMI) February 13, 2022

Andrew Olson

A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.