Looking for the greatest sports personalities in Pittsburgh sports over the past 50 years?

Look no farther than the broadcast booth.

This city is unique that way. A big reason for the popularity of professionalsports teams in Pittsburgh has been the guys describing the action in their own unique way.

Pittsburgh has had its share of personality in the sports world during my lifetime.

Here are my top five selections:

• No. 1 — Bob Prince. The Gunner rates the edge over the next two guys solely because of the length of the baseball season.

His colorful clothing, the Green Weenie, Babushka Power and sayings like “Chicken on the Hill with Will” and “bug on the rug” will never be forgotten.

• No. 2 — Myron Cope. Yoi and Double Yoi! This man turned an irritating voice into a legend. His lighthearted way of providing color to Steeler broadcasts will never be approached, let alone equaled.

Besides, the guy gave us the Terrible Towel.

• No. 3 — Mike Lange. Aww, scratch my back with a hacksaw! Buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too. She wants to sell my monkey.

He beat him like a rented mule. ... All classic stuff. Lange is as synonymous with the Penguins as Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.

• No. 4 — Art Rooney. Known as The Chief, his rags to riches story as the Steelers owner, and how he never left his humble beginnings as a human being, left a legacy as one of the most beloved sports figures ever.

• No. 5 — Chuck Tanner. The Pirates had to trade Manny Sanguillen to Oakland, but they acquiired one of the most positive guys in baseball history.

Tanner’s outlook was always bright. He had a smile, a handshake and a story for every human being he ever met.

• Just missing — Hines Ward, Vince Laschied, Tiger Paul, Frenchy Fuqua and Arnold Palmer.

Ward wears a smile from ear to ear every Sunday, whether he’s catching a pass, getting drilled over the middle or drilling somebody himself with a crunching block. Laschied played unique tunes tied to the batter’s name for decades at Pirate games.

Tiger Paul was a fan who fired up Pitt fans at football and basketball games as an impromptu cheerleader, running up and down the sidelines. Fuqua had goldfish swimming inside his glass shoes and was the most flashy dresser to ever come through town. Palmer has been a gracious man and a true amabassador to golf and to this region.

• Best of the rest — “Badger” Bob Johnson, Andy Van Slyke, Bill Cowher, Mike Ditka and Jim Leyland.

The phrase “It’s a great day for hockey” says all you need to know about Johnson. Cowher had the jaw, Leyland the tears and Ditka the intensity.

Van Slyke was always good for a colorful quote and a practical joke. He was always a fan favorite as well.