DETROIT – Metro Detroit bid a fond farewell to one of its longtime radio friends Friday as Frank Beckmann retired after 48 years behind the microphone. Just shy of five decades, the one constant voice from the golden tower of the Fisher Building and WJR was that of Beckmann. He started out doing sports before he branched into talk radio. “I don’t even realize how much I’m going to miss it yet. Ad“I promise I’ve gotten more return for doing this job than I ever could have given and I’ve tried my hardest to give,” Beckmann said.

DETROIT – Detroit sports broadcasting legend Frank Beckmann has announced his plans to retire after 48 years with WJR. Beckmann has hosted “The Frank Beckmann Show” on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon for the last 18 years. Throughout his career, Beckmann is the only person to broadcast games for all four of Detroit’s major sports teams -- the Tigers, Pistons, Red Wings and Lions. “As a youngster growing up on the east side of Detroit, I always imagined sitting behind a microphone, announcing Lions and Tigers games,” Beckmann said. Beckmann was indicted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.