For nearly fifty years, Dick Vitale has been a well-known and admired announcer for college basketball, and he is not yet ready to retire.
For Vitale’s 86th birthday, ESPN said it had signed him for another five years and was launching a tournament known as the Dick Vitale Invitational.
The opening event will be held on November 4 in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will highlight a big matchup between Duke and Texas.
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This tribute is right for a man whose voice has always been linked to college basketball since ESPN first started broadcasting in 1979.
Many times, honors and awards appear late in a person’s life, Vitale pointed out to the Associated Press. It feels fantastic to get it while you are alive and well.
A Person Who Changed the Face of Baseball
His well-known phrases, such as “Diaper Dandy!” and “It’s awesome, baby!” along with his lively and youthful enthusiasm made an impact on how many people watched college basketball.
Fans were able to rely on him as a close friend during each big game.
According to Clint Overby, vice president of ESPN Events, he is the voice of the sport. For a great many people, he is the perfect example of what college basketball stands for.
By growing up watching Vitale on television, Overby said people across the industry had talked for years about how to honor Vitale.
The concept of a namesake event was only formed in the last few years, and to Vitale, it was a “surprise” when told about it.
Back in the Sidelines—and Helping to Beat Cancer
His appearance on screen in the past few months has been very important. In February, the broadcaster came back to his job after beating cancer for the fourth time, including vocal cord cancer that had caused him to lose his voice. At some stage, he would use an eraser board to express himself.
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With his cancer removed as of December 2024, Vitale speaks positively and is looking ahead to joining his colleagues Dave O’Brien and Dan Shulman back on the sidelines. “Spending time with family is the greatest medicine there is,” he said.
He mentioned how much support meant to him while he was going through treatment.
Should you know anyone affected by cancer, send them a text or prayer to inspire them. I understand how it changed my life, so I want to share it with others. In my toughest moments, music picked me up a lot.
Starting a New Tradition with the Vitale Invitational
The Dick Vitale Invitational, which is put together by ESPN Events and the Charlotte Sports Foundation, will be launched by a top game between Duke and Texas.
According to Overby, the show can develop in the future by taking place over several nights or in different cities.
This event isn’t just about sports; it commemorates the big influence Vitale had on basketball. Even though he is mostly known for commentating, he did much more, like exposing basketball to many and helping raise funds for good causes.
A Person Invested in More Areas Besides Basketball
Away from the sport, Vitale is recognized for his help in the fight against cancer.
Because Valvano and Vitale were close friends, Vitale was present on stage as Valvano made his famous “Don’t give up” speech at the 1993 ESPYs, and he later helped to start the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
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Just recently, the 20th Dick Vitale Gala gathered $12.5 million for pediatric cancer research, increasing the overall amount to $105 million. He said that being a father was the most important and memorable experience in his life.
A Look Back at 50 Years at ESPN
Even during his 86th birthday and his exciting comeback to TV, Vitale is still working hard. In fact, Stephen wants to celebrate his 50th year with ESPN in 2029.
“I enjoy doing it and I feel that I am still mentally strong enough,” Vitale said. It is common for people to tell me, “You should take it easy.” They do not understand — it helps them relax! All games to me are a great way to relax.
For Vitale, being involved in college basketball is a passion that has lasted his whole life. Thanks to the Dick Vitale Invitational, his voice will keep being heard in arenas and people’s homes for many years.