The Cleveland Indians will pay tribute Saturday night to radio broadcaster Mike Hegan prior to the second game of the Doubleheader against the Minnesota Twins.

Hegan, who is celebrating his 50th anniversary in professional baseball, will begin a transition following this season from his full-time broadcasting duties. He will continue to impact the Indians organization by joining the Indians Alumni Ambassador program, serving as a resource for Indians broadcasting, community and business initiatives.

The son of former Indians great Jim Hegan, Mike grew up in Cleveland and starred at St. Ignatius High School in both football and baseball. He spent a year on scholarship for both sports at Holy Cross before signing with the New York Yankees in 1961. His career, which began in 1962, was highlighted by 12 seasons in the Major Leagues, including an American League All-Star selection in 1969 and as a member of the 1972 World Champion Oakland Athletics.

When his playing career came to an end following the summer of 1977, he immediately moved into the Milwaukee Brewers TV booth as an analyst where he spent the next 11 seasons. In 1989, he moved back home to Cleveland and has spent the past 23 seasons broadcasting Indians baseball, both in the TV and Radio booths.

He was recently nominated along with Herb Score for the 2012 Ford C. Frick award for excellence in Major League Baseball broadcasting. Fans can take part in online voting for the award until 5PM ET on September 30 at the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/baseballhall). A 20-member electorate will vote this fall on the final 10-name ballot to determine the 2012 recipient.