<"THE GREEN WEENIE" A device invented by the Gunner to jinx and perhaps spook opposing players, the green weenie was the size and shape of a hot dog. When pointed at the opponents and shaken, it rattled and supposedly put a jinx on them. p>Bob Prince was a broadcaster for the Bucs from 1948-1975. He was known for his colorful commentary and rapid fire delivery. Because of his quick tongue, he became affectionately known as "The Gunner".
During Prince's years with the Bucs, listeners either loved him or hated him, but they were always amused by him. He was a great Pirates fan, and he saw the club through some dark years as well as through a few championships. On May 3, 1985, after a 10 year abscence, Prince returned to the Pirate broadcast booth for one encore as a Pirate announcer. At 68 years old, he was fighting and losing a battle with cancer, but during his encore broadcast, the magic returned, and the Bucs responded with a nine-run 4th inning on their way to a 16-2 victory over the Dodgers. Prince was only strong enough to announce two of his scheduled three innings, but he received three standing ovations from the crowd. A month later. Bob Prince lost his battle with cancer. His name was displayed proudly in the Pirates broadcast booth at Three Rivers Stadium.
Bob Prince was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame as a broadcaster in 1986. He will live in our Pirate memories and our personal hall of fame forever.
Prince was known for his unique style of broadcast lingo. A new listener might need an English-to-Prince dictionary to understand his broadcasts. Here is a sampling of Bob Prince sayings and nicknames which we affectionately call "Gunnerisms".
SMALL, BYOP.........