Detroit sportscasting legend Al Ackerman dies

DETROIT – Detroit sportscasting legend Al Ackerman died Monday at his home in Florida, family members said in a statement. He was 90.

Read: Carmen Harlan: Coaches expected tough questions from Al Ackerman

His family released his obituary Tuesday:

Devotedly by his side was Terese Ann, his wife of 40 years.  He is also survived by daughter Suzanne McGlone Drake (husband Stuart and grandson Evan) of Great Falls, Virginia; daughter Trudy McGlone (granddaughters Lauren and Leah Draland) of Chicago; and sister-in-law Mary Handleman (husband Philip) of Birmingham and Oxford, Michigan.  He was preceded in death by son Michael.

Al was a fixture in Detroit sports journalism and television broadcasting for many years.  As the longtime sports anchor at the area’s leading television stations, he was noted for his lively and fair reporting, characterized by a twinkle in his eye, a lilt in his voice, and usually a nod to the underdog. His thought-provoking commentaries captured the real news behind each story.

In connection with the Detroit Tigers, Al coined the memorable rally cry 'Bless You Boys that stuck with the team through its 1980s losing streak to eventual World Series triumph. He was not afraid to stand up for what he felt was right and always called it like he saw it.  One of his greatest honors was his induction into the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame."

'Bless You Boys'

Ackerman adopted the "Bless You Boys" phrase for the now legendary 1984 Detroit Tigers. The Tigers started that season hot with a 35-5 record, then never looked back on their way to their first World Series title since 1968.

More: Mort Crim: Al Ackerman originally used 'Bless You Boys' sarcastically

Local 4 still unleashes "Bless You Boys" during Tigers playoff runs.

Private services were held for Ackerman, who emphasized before his death that there be no memorial service. Instead, Ackerman requested:

Take your family to a ball game."