Thursday, 07 May 2026

    Dick Vitale

    • Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Commentators 2026
    • Embed from Getty Images
    • Sport(s): Basketball
    • Statistics & Accolades: National Sports Media Association Hall of Fame
      Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame
      Curdy Gowdy Media Award
      Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
      College Basketball Hall of Fame
      Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
      Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award
    • We could argue that being fired by the Detroit Pistons was the best thing that happened to Dick Vitale. It was also the best thing that happened to college basketball.

      Months after he was let go by Detroit, Vitale was working for ESPN and called their first college hoops game. Initially, Vitale did not want to be a broadcaster, but it became very clear, very quickly, that this was what he was meant to do.

      Whether anyone loves college basketball more than Vitale does is debatable, but nobody shows more exuberance while calling it. Vitale has a style and a vernacular all his own. “Awesome, baby” is a regular catchphrase of Dickie V, as is “Diaper Dandy” for an outstanding freshman. From anyone else, it might sound corny, but Vitale’s energy is so infectious, you have to scream them along at home.

      We are proud to nominate Dick Vitale for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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