Dick Vitale
Dick Vitale at the dedication of Dick Vitale Court at the University of Detroit Mercy's Calihan Hall in 2011
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| Sport(s) | Basketball |
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| Biographical details | |
| Born |
June 9, 1939 Passaic, New Jersey |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| 1963–1964 | Garfield HS |
| 1964–1971 | East Rutherford HS |
| 1971–1973 | Rutgers (assistant) |
| 1973–1977 | Detroit Titans |
| 1978–1979 | Detroit Pistons |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | NCAA: 79–29 NBA: 34–60 |
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Basketball Hall of Fame Inducted in 2008 |
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College Basketball Hall of Fame Inducted in 2008 |
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Richard John "Dick" Vitale (/vaɪˈtæl/; born June 9, 1939), also known as "Dickie V", is an American basketball sportscaster. A former head coach in the college and professional ranks, he is well known as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN. He is known for catchphrases such as "baby" and "diaper dandy" (outstanding freshman player), as well as enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games, and has authored nine books and appeared in several movies.
Vitale was born in Passaic, New Jersey and grew up in East Rutherford, New Jersey. His father, John, was a piece work clothing press operator and had a second job as a security guard. His mom, Mae, worked in a factory as a seamstress and sewed coats until she suffered a stroke. In kindergarten, Vitale lost the vision in his left eye due to an accident with a pencil. Vitale graduated from East Rutherford High School, and in 1963, he graduated from Seton Hall University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He later earned a master's degree in education from what is now William Paterson University.
Vitale took his first job as a coach at an elementary school in Garfield, New Jersey in 1959. Eventually he moved up to the high school level to become head coach at Garfield High School for one season, and then at East Rutherford High School (his alma mater).
In 1971, Vitale moved to Rutgers University as an assistant coach under head coach Dick Lloyd. After two seasons there, he was hired in 1973 by the University of Detroit to become its head coach. Vitale took Detroit to the 32-team NCAA tournament in 1977. Vitale had a 78–30 record during his tenure at Detroit, which included a 21-game winning streak during the 1977 season. During that streak the Titans defeated the eventual champion Marquette on the road in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following the 1977 season, his fourth as Detroit head coach, Vitale was named the university's athletic director.
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