History of Dick Vitale in Timeline

Dick Vitale, or "Dickie V", is a celebrated American basketball sportscaster renowned for his passionate and exuberant commentary. He spent 41 years at ESPN. Before broadcasting, he coached at both college and professional levels. Vitale is famous for his signature catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy," which, along with his colorful personality, made him a prominent figure in college basketball broadcasting. Beyond broadcasting, he's a published author with fourteen books and has made appearances in films.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 9, 1939: Dick Vitale Born

On June 9, 1939, Richard "Dick" John Vitale, later known as "Dickie V", was born. He would become a famous American basketball sportscaster and former coach.

Others born on this day/year

1958: Graduated from East Rutherford High School

In 1958, Dick Vitale graduated from East Rutherford High School.

1958: First Coaching Job

In 1958, Dick Vitale took his first job as a coach at an elementary school in Garfield, New Jersey.

1962: Graduated from Seton Hall University

In 1962, Dick Vitale graduated from Seton Hall University with a degree in business administration.

1964: Head Coach at East Rutherford High School

In 1964, Dick Vitale became the head coach at East Rutherford High School, his alma mater.

1971: End of Tenure at East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale ended his tenure at East Rutherford High School with a record of 131-47 and two New Jersey state championships.

1971: Married Lorraine McGrath

In 1971, Dick Vitale married Lorraine McGrath. They have two daughters, Terri and Sherri.

1971: Assistant Coach at Rutgers University

In 1971, Dick Vitale moved to Rutgers University as an assistant coach under head coach Dick Lloyd.

March 31, 1973: Named Head Coach at University of Detroit

On March 31, 1973, Dick Vitale was named head coach at the University of Detroit (now Detroit Mercy).

December 15, 1977: Herb Brown Dismissed

On December 15, 1977, Herb Brown was dismissed from coaching the Detroit Pistons.

1977: Led Titans to NCAA Tournament and Named Athletic Director

In 1977, Dick Vitale led the Detroit Titans to the NCAA tournament and achieved a 21-game winning streak. Following the 1977 season, his fourth as Detroit head coach, Vitale was named the university's athletic director.

May 1, 1978: Head Coach of Detroit Pistons

On May 1, 1978, Dick Vitale became the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, signing a 3-year contract.

November 8, 1979: Fired from Detroit Pistons

On November 8, 1979, after a 4-8 start to the season, Dick Vitale was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

December 5, 1979: First ESPN Broadcast

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called ESPN's first college basketball game between DePaul and Wisconsin with Joe Boyle.

1979: Carr signs with Boston, McAdoo traded to Pistons

In 1979, M.L. Carr's decision to sign with Boston as a free agent triggered a transaction in which the Pistons demanded Bob McAdoo in exchange for Carr and two 1980 first-round draft picks.

1980: Pistons Have Worst Season

In 1980, the Pistons had the worst season in franchise history, leading to Boston trading their acquired draft picks for Robert Parish and Kevin McHale.

1983: Public Recognition at Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale experienced public recognition at the Final Four, realizing the impact of his broadcasting career.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

In 1985, after the American Broadcasting Company acquired ESPN, Dick Vitale began doing broadcasts on the ABC network.

1988: Appearance in The Naked Gun

In 1988, Dick Vitale made a cameo appearance as a baseball color commentator in The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!.

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1994: Dick Vitale's "Awesome, Baby!" College Hoops Release

In 1994, the Sega Genesis video game Dick Vitale's "Awesome, Baby!" College Hoops, featuring Dick Vitale's name, voice, and likeness, was released.

1999: Featured in "Hoops Malone" Promo Shorts

In 1999, Dick Vitale was featured in a series of promo shorts for a proposed sitcom called "Hoops Malone" on ESPN, although no actual episodes were produced. Vitale later turned down an offer to do an actual sitcom.

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December 2002: Called St. Vincent – St. Mary's–Oak Hill Academy prep game

In December 2002, Dick Vitale, along with Dan Shulman and Bill Walton, commentated a St. Vincent – St. Mary's–Oak Hill Academy prep game featuring LeBron James.

2004: Announcing Approximately 40 Games a Year

By the 2004-05 season, Dick Vitale was announcing approximately 40 college basketball games a year for ESPN and ABC.

2004: Released Autobiography "Living a Dream"

In 2004, Dick Vitale released his autobiography "Living a Dream," co-written with Dick Weiss, discussing his experiences with the Pistons, ESPN, and memories of Jim Valvano.

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

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January 7, 2009: First NBA Game Since 1984

On January 7, 2009, Dick Vitale called his first NBA game on television since the 1984 NBA playoffs, commentating on a Miami Heat versus Denver Nuggets game with Dan Shulman.

2009: Called Close to a Thousand Games

As of 2009, Dick Vitale had called close to a thousand college basketball games. He typically partners with Mike Patrick and Dan Shulman.

2010: Discontinuation of NCAA Basketball Video Game Series

In 2010, EA Sports discontinued the NCAA Basketball (formerly NCAA March Madness) video game series, for which Dick Vitale provided commentator voices with Brad Nessler.

February 2015: Removed from Duke-UNC Coverage

In February 2015, ESPN removed Dick Vitale from covering the Duke-UNC basketball game, ending a long streak since 1979.

August 2021: Undergoing Treatment for Melanoma

In August 2021, Dick Vitale announced that he was undergoing treatment to remove melanoma.

December 2021: Diagnosed with Dysplasia and Lost Voice

In December 2021, Dick Vitale was diagnosed with pre-cancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions on his vocal cords, resulting in a four-month loss of voice after surgeries.