Early Life and Education of Dick Vitale: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dick Vitale. A timeline of key moments.

Dick Vitale is a legendary American sportscaster and former basketball coach, widely regarded as the voice of college basketball. After coaching stints at the University of Detroit and the NBA's Detroit Pistons, he joined ESPN in 1979, the year of the network's inception. Vitale became synonymous with the sport through his exuberant broadcasting style, infectious energy, and signature catchphrases like 'Awesome, baby!' His passionate commentary and deep knowledge of the game transformed college basketball coverage, turning him into a cultural icon. Throughout his career, he has been a relentless advocate for the sport and a prominent fundraiser for pediatric cancer research through the V Foundation. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, Vitale remains one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in sports media history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 9, 1939: Birth of Dick Vitale

On June 9, 1939, Richard John Vitale, later widely recognized as the sportscaster and coach Dickie V, was born.

Others born on this day/year

1958: First Coaching Position

In 1958, Dick Vitale began his coaching career by accepting his first job at an elementary school located in Garfield, New Jersey.

1958: Graduation from East Rutherford High School

In 1958, Dick Vitale successfully completed his secondary education and graduated from East Rutherford High School.

1962: Graduation from Seton Hall University

In 1962, Dick Vitale earned his bachelor's degree in business administration from Seton Hall University.

1964: Head Coaching Tenure at East Rutherford Begins

Beginning in 1964, Dick Vitale assumed the role of head coach at his alma mater, East Rutherford High School, where he would go on to coach until 1971.

1971: Marriage to Lorraine McGrath

In 1971, Dick Vitale married Lorraine McGrath, a union that would lead to them raising two daughters, Terri and Sherri, and eventually becoming grandparents to five children.

May 1, 1978: Dick Vitale Hired as Detroit Pistons Head Coach

On May 1, 1978, Dick Vitale officially transitioned from coaching the Titans to becoming the head coach of the NBA's Detroit Pistons, securing a three-year contract.

1979: M.L. Carr Transaction and Trade for Bob McAdoo

In 1979, M.L. Carr signed with the Boston Celtics as a free agent. As compensation, Dick Vitale, who was overseeing player personnel for the Detroit Pistons, orchestrated a trade to acquire Bob McAdoo from the Celtics, sending two 1980 first-round draft picks along with Carr to Boston.

1980: Pistons Record-Setting Season and Draft Pick Implications

During the 1979-80 season, the Detroit Pistons recorded the worst season in their franchise history. Because of the previous trade, the pick they surrendered became the first overall selection in the 1980 NBA Draft, which Boston eventually traded to the Warriors to acquire Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.

2004: Release of Living a Dream

In 2004, Dick Vitale published his autobiography, titled Living a Dream, which was co-authored by Dick Weiss and features reflections on his career at ESPN, his time coaching the Detroit Pistons, and his friendship with Jim Valvano.

Dick Vitale's Living A Dream: Reflections on 25 Years Sitting in the Best Seat in the House

Check it on Amazon

August 2021: Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment

In August 2021, Dick Vitale announced that he was undergoing medical treatment to remove melanoma after it was discovered by his doctors.

December 2021: Vocal Cord Health Challenges

In December 2021, Vitale was diagnosed with pre-cancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions on his vocal cords, leading to a four-month period where he lost his voice following surgery.