History of Dick Vitale in Timeline

Dick Vitale, also known as "Dickie V", is a prominent American basketball sportscaster celebrated for his energetic and colorful commentary. He gained fame during his long tenure with ESPN, starting in 1979, where his enthusiastic style and signature catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy" became iconic. Before his broadcasting career, Vitale coached college and professional basketball. Beyond broadcasting, he's authored fourteen books and made appearances in various films, solidifying his presence in sports and entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 9, 1939: Richard John Vitale Born

On June 9, 1939, Richard John Vitale, also known as "Dickie V", was born. He later became a well-known American basketball sportscaster and former coach.

Others born on this day/year

1958: First Coaching Job

In 1958, Vitale began his coaching career at an elementary school in Garfield, New Jersey.

1958: Graduated from High School

In 1958, Vitale graduated from East Rutherford High School.

1962: Graduated from Seton Hall University

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

1964: Coached at East Rutherford High School

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

1971: Marriage to Lorraine McGrath

In 1971, Dick Vitale married Lorraine McGrath.

1971: Assistant Coach at Rutgers University

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

1971: Left East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Vitale ended his tenure at East Rutherford High School, having coached there since 1964, with a record of 131-47 and two state championships.

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

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

December 15, 1977: Bob Kauffman was Interim Head Coach

Bob Kauffman was interim Head Coach before Vitale took over.

1977: Led Titans to NCAA Tournament and Named Athletic Director

In 1977, Vitale led the University of Detroit Titans to the NCAA tournament and was subsequently named the university's athletic director after the season.

May 1, 1978: Vitale Becomes Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons

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

November 8, 1979: Vitale Fired by the Pistons

On November 8, 1979, twelve games into the 1979-80 season, Vitale was fired as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons after a 4-8 start.

December 5, 1979: Vitale Calls First College Basketball Game on ESPN

On December 5, 1979, Vitale called his first college basketball game on ESPN, a match between DePaul and Wisconsin, marking the start of his broadcasting career.

1979: Vitale Joins ESPN

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

1979: Pistons Acquire Bob McAdoo

In 1979, while Vitale was in charge of player personnel, the Pistons acquired Bob McAdoo from the Celtics in exchange for two 1980 first-round draft picks and compensation for M.L. Carr.

1980: Pistons Have Worst Season

In 1980, the Pistons had the worst season in franchise history.

1983: Vitale Gains Recognition

By 1983, Vitale's broadcasting career had taken off. He was being requested for autographs at the Final Four, solidifying his belief that he could succeed in broadcasting.

1984: Commentated NBA Playoffs

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

1985: Vitale Begins Broadcasting on ABC

In 1985, after the American Broadcasting Company acquired ESPN, Vitale started doing broadcasts on the ABC network as well.

1988: Cameo in The Naked Gun

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

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

In 1994, Dick Vitale lent his name, voice, and likeness to the Sega Genesis college basketball video game Dick Vitale's "Awesome, Baby!" College Hoops.

1999: Featured in "Hoops Malone" Promo Shorts

In 1999, Vitale was featured in a series of thirty-second promo shorts for a sitcom called "Hoops Malone" on ESPN, but the show was never produced.

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

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

2004: Doing Approximately 40 Games a Year

By the 2004 season, Vitale was commentating approximately 40 games a year for ESPN.

2004: Living a Dream Autobiography Release

In 2004, Vitale released his autobiography, "Living a Dream", co-written with Dick Weiss.

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 First NBA Game Since 1984

On January 7, 2009, Vitale called his first NBA game on television since the 1984 NBA playoffs, between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets.

2009: Vitale had Called Close to a Thousand Games

As of 2009, Dick Vitale had called close to a thousand games.

2010: NCAA Basketball Video Game Discontinuation

In 2010, the EA Sports' NCAA Basketball video game series, for which Vitale provided commentary, was discontinued.

February 2015: Removed from Duke-UNC Basketball Coverage

In February 2015, ESPN removed Vitale from covering Duke-UNC basketball games.

August 2021: Announced Melanoma Treatment

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

December 2021: Diagnosed with Pre-cancerous Dysplasia

In December 2021, Vitale was diagnosed with pre-cancerous dysplasia and ulcerous lesions on his vocal cords and lost his voice for four months after undergoing surgeries.