History of Dick Vitale in Timeline

Dick Vitale, known as "Dickie V", is a celebrated American basketball sportscaster and former coach. Since 1979, he has been a prominent college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, recognized for his energetic commentary and signature catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy." Vitale's enthusiastic style has made him a popular figure in sports broadcasting. Beyond his broadcasting career, he has authored fourteen books and made appearances in films, solidifying his presence in pop culture and sports entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 9, 1939: Richard Vitale's Birth

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

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1958: Graduated from 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: Assistant Coach at Rutgers University

In 1971, Dick Vitale became an assistant coach at Rutgers University under head coach Dick Lloyd.

1971: End of Coaching Tenure at East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale concluded his coaching 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.

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

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

December 15, 1977: Herb Brown Dismissal

On December 15, 1977, Herb Brown was dismissed as coach of 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 was subsequently named the university's athletic director.

May 1, 1978: Named Head Coach of Detroit Pistons

On May 1, 1978, Dick Vitale left the Titans to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons, succeeding Bob Kauffman. He signed a 3-year contract with a $100,000 annual salary and a new Cadillac.

November 8, 1979: Fired as Head Coach of Detroit Pistons

On November 8, 1979, twelve games into the 1979–80 season, Dick Vitale was fired as head coach of the Detroit Pistons after a 4–8 start. Assistant coach Richie Adubato was promoted to replace him on an interim basis.

December 5, 1979: First ESPN Broadcast

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called his first college basketball game for ESPN, where DePaul defeated Wisconsin 90–77, alongside Joe Boyle.

1979: Began Covering Duke-UNC Basketball

In 1979, Dick Vitale began covering Duke-UNC basketball on ESPN.

1979: Began Broadcasting Career with ESPN

In 1979, Dick Vitale began his career as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN, becoming known for his enthusiastic commentary and catchphrases.

1979: M.L. Carr Signed with Boston

In 1979, M.L. Carr signed with Boston as a free agent, spawning a transaction in which the Pistons, with Vitale in charge of player personnel, demanded Bob McAdoo as compensation. This move contributed to Vitale's downfall with the Pistons.

1980: Pistons Had Worst Season in History

In 1980, the Pistons had the worst season in franchise history and their pick became the first overall pick in the 1980 draft.

1983: Recognition at the Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale realized the impact he was making in broadcasting when many people wanted his autograph at the Final Four.

1984: Covered NBA Games

In 1984, during ESPN's first incarnation covering the NBA, Dick Vitale regularly covered games.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

In 1985, Dick Vitale began broadcasting on the ABC network in addition to ESPN, after the American Broadcasting Company acquired ESPN.

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, Dick Vitale lent his name and voice to the Sega Genesis video game Dick Vitale's "Awesome, Baby!" College Hoops.

1999: Featured in "Hoops Malone" Promo Shorts

In 1999, Dick Vitale was featured in a series of promo shorts for a sitcom called "Hoops Malone" on ESPN, which ultimately never produced any actual episodes.

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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: Announced 40 Games Per Year

By the 2004-05 season, Dick Vitale was broadcasting approximately 40 college basketball games a year.

2004: Released Autobiography "Living a Dream"

In 2004, Dick Vitale released his autobiography, co-written with Dick Weiss, entitled "Living a Dream", which discusses his experiences with the Pistons and ESPN.

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: Called NBA Game on Television

On January 7, 2009, Dick Vitale called his first NBA game on television since the 1984 NBA playoffs, commentating on the 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 games as a color commentator.

2010: NCAA Basketball Video Game Series Discontinuation

In 2010, the EA Sports NCAA Basketball video game series, for which Dick Vitale provided commentator voices with Brad Nessler, was discontinued.

February 2015: Removed from Duke-UNC Coverage

In February 2015, ESPN removed Dick Vitale from covering Duke-UNC basketball, ending his streak since 1979.

August 2021: Underwent Treatment for Melanoma

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

December 2021: Diagnosed with Pre-Cancerous Dysplasia

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