History of Dick Vitale in Timeline

Dick Vitale, or "Dickie V", is a renowned American basketball sportscaster celebrated for his energetic and passionate commentary. Best known for his 41-year career with ESPN, he is famous for catchphrases like "This is awesome, baby!" and "diaper dandy." Vitale's vibrant personality and colorful remarks have made him a popular figure in college basketball. Before broadcasting, he served as a basketball head coach at both the college and professional levels. He has also authored fourteen books and made appearances in movies, solidifying his presence in sports and entertainment.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

June 9, 1939: Richard "Dick" Vitale Born

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

Others born on this day/year

1958: Graduated from High School

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

1958: First Coaching Job

In 1958, Dick Vitale started his coaching career 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: Became 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: Left East Rutherford High School

In 1971, Dick Vitale ended his tenure at East Rutherford High School, where he had a successful record of 131-47 and led the team to two 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: Bob Kauffman leaves Detroit Pistons

On December 15, 1977, Bob Kauffman left the Detroit Pistons 4 1/2 months prior to Vitale's move.

1977: Led Titans to NCAA Tournament, Named Athletic Director

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

May 1, 1978: Became Head Coach of the Detroit Pistons

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

November 8, 1979: Fired by the 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.

December 5, 1979: First ESPN Broadcast

On December 5, 1979, Dick Vitale called ESPN's first college basketball game between DePaul and Wisconsin, marking his entry into broadcasting.

1979: Began Covering Duke-UNC Games

In 1979, Dick Vitale began covering every Duke-UNC game televised by ESPN.

1979: Bob McAdoo Acquired by the Pistons

In 1979, Dick Vitale, in charge of player personnel for the Detroit Pistons, acquired Bob McAdoo in a trade that would later be seen as detrimental to the team's future.

1980: Pistons Worst Season

In 1980, The Pistons would have the worst season in franchise history in 1979–80

1983: Vitale's Autograph at Final Four

In 1983, Dick Vitale realized his broadcasting career fit him when many people wanted his autograph at the Final Four.

1984: Covering NBA Games

During ESPN's first incarnation covering the NBA, Vitale regularly covered NBA games.

1985: Began Broadcasting on ABC

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

1988: Naked Gun Appearance

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

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

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

1999: Featured in "Hoops Malone" Promo Shorts

In 1999, Dick Vitale was featured in a series of promo shorts for "Hoops Malone" on ESPN, which was presented as a sitcom but never fully produced.

December 2002: Called St. Vincent-St. Mary's-Oak Hill Academy Game

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

2004: Doing Approximately 40 Games a Year

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

2004: Released Autobiography Living a Dream

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

January 7, 2009: Called 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 the Miami Heat versus Denver Nuggets game with Dan Shulman.

2009: Close to a Thousand Games

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

2010: EA Sports' NCAA Basketball Video Game Discontinued

In 2010, EA Sports' NCAA Basketball (formerly NCAA March Madness) video game series, for which Dick Vitale provided commentary, was discontinued.

February 2015: Removed from Duke-UNC Coverage

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

August 2021: Announced Melanoma Diagnosis

In August 2021, Dick Vitale announced that he was undergoing treatment for 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, and lost his voice for four months after undergoing surgeries.