Dick Vitale Biography
Dick Vitale is an American basketball sportscaster, known as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN and for catchphrases such as “this is an awesome baby” and “diaper dandy.”
10 Quick Facts About Dick Vitale
- Name: Dick Vitale
- Age: 81 years old
- Birthday: 9 June
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
- Height: To be updated
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Basketball sportscaster
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: $3 million
- Net worth: $16 million
Dick Vitale Age
Vitale is 81 years old as of 2020. He was born as Richard John Vitale on 9 June 1939 in Passaic, New Jersey, United States. He celebrates his birthday on 9 June every year. His zodiac sign is Gemini.
Dick Vitale Early Life
He was raised up in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During school, due to an accident with a pencil, Vitale lost sight in his left eye. He began working at an elementary school in Garfield as a coach, New Jersey in 1958. He then moved up to the high school level to become head coach at Garfield High School and then at East Rutherford High School recording 131-47 from 1964 to 1971 and led his teams to two New Jersey state championships.
He moved to Rutgers University as an assistant coach in 1971, under head coach Dick Lloyd for two seasons. He was then hired by the University of Detroit as the head coach in 1973 and was named the university’s athletic director in 1977. He coached the Detroit Pistons of the NBA for the 1978 and 1979 season. He received his broadcasting career at ESPN cable network and called ESPN’s first college basketball game on December 5, 1979. He began doing broadcasts on the ABC network in 1985 after ESPN was acquired by ABC.
Dick Vitale Education
He studied and graduated from East Rutherford High School. He also graduated from Seton Hall University in 1963, with a bachelor of science degree in business administration. He later studied at William Paterson University and earned a master’s degree in education.
Dick Vitale Family
He was born to John Vitale, who was a piece work clothing press operator and a security guard and Mae Vitale, who worked in a factory as a seamstress and sewed coats.
Dick Vitale Wife
He is married to Lorraine McGrath. The couple married in 1971. They together have two daughters and five grandchildren. Their daughters are Terri Vitale and Sherri Vitale
Dick Vitale Salary
According to our reliable sources, Dick’s annual salary is $3 million.
Dick Vitale Net Worth
Dick Vitale has an estimated net worth of $16 million as of 2020, which he has earned through his successful career as a sports journalist. This includes his assets, money, and income. Through his source of income, Vitale has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Dick Vitale Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you do not want to miss about sports journalist, Vitale;
Dick Vitale Bio and Wiki
- Full Names: Dick Vitale
- Gender: Male
- Profession: Sports Journalist
- Nationality: American
- Race/ Ethnicity: White
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Dick Vitale Age and Birthday
- Age: 81 years (2020)
- Date of Birth: 9th June 1939
- Place of Birth: United States of America
- Birthday: June 9th
- Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Vitale Family and Relationship
- Father’s Name: John Vitale
- Mother’s Name: Mae Vitale
- Siblings: To Be Updated
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Lorrain McGrath
- Children/ Kids: Two
Vitale Body Measurements
- Height/ How tall?: To Be Updated
- Weight: To Be Updated
- Eye Color: brown
- Hair Color: white
Vitale Net Worth and Salary
- Net worth: $16 million
- Salary: $3 million
- Source of Income: Sports Journalist
Vitale House and Cars
- Place of living: USA
- Cars: Car Brand to be Updated
Dick Vitale Broadcasting
Upon his exit as the Detroit Pistons coach, Scotty Connal gave Vitale his first television role on the ESPN cable network, which was then in the making. Vitale accepted on a temporary basis until another coaching job became available. On December 5, 1979, when DePaul beat Wisconsin 90-77, he called ESPN’s first college basketball game. In 1985, after the purchase of ESPN by the American Broadcasting Company, Vitale also began broadcasting on the ABC network.
The films, broadcast on ESPN in heavy rotation, are presented as a sitcom featuring Vitale, George Gervin and others, including an “O’Hoolix” puppet. Vitale called a training game for St. Vincent-St. Mary’s – Oak Hill Academy in December 2002, featuring LeBron James, then high school phenom. Vitale is affiliated with ESPN through the basketball season of the university in 2021-22.
In the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament, Vitale was approached by CBS to do color, but ESPN would not permit it. ESPN dropped Vitale from the Duke-UNC basketball coverage in February 2015. On January 7, 2009, when the Miami Heat played the Denver Nuggets as ESPN switched the NBA and NCAA teams, Vitale called his first NBA game on television since the 1984 NBA playoffs.
Dick Vitale House
He does have one lavish mansion in Bradenton, Flordia, and there are videos on YouTube of him offering tours of the home. It has, for instance, a huge sign on the wall that says “It’s Showtime Baby!” as well as a movie theatre and a pool and all other kinds of lavish things you would expect.
Dick Vitale Cancer
He helped raise money for pediatric cancer research. He raised more than $21 million for The V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Dick Vitale Books
2018 Dick Vitale’s Mount Rushmores of College Basketball: Solid Gold Prime Time Performers from My Four Decades at ESPN
2014 It’s Awesome, Baby! 75 Years of Memories and a Lifetime of Opinions on the Game I Love
2012 Getting a W in the Game of Life
2012 Vitale’s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball
2003 Dick Vitale’s Living a Dream: Reflections on 25 Years Sitting in the Best Seat in the House
2011 Dickie V’s ABCs and 1-2-3s: A Great Start for Young Superstars
2008 Dick Vitale’s Fabulous 50 Players & Moments in College Basketball: From the Best Seat in the House During My Years at Espn
2000 Campus Chaos: Why the Game I Love is Breaking My Heart
1995 Holding Court: Reflections on the Game I Love
1993 Tourney time–it’s awesome baby
1991 Time out, baby!
1988 Vitale: Just Your Average Bald, One-Eyed Basketball Wacko Who Beat the Ziggy and Became a Ptp’Er
1988 Dickie V’s top 40 all-everything teams
Dick Vitale Gala
Dick Vitale’s 15th Annual Gala is already on the horizon! On May 8, 2020, another memorable evening in support of pediatric cancer research will be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota in Florida.
Dick Vitale will honor Mark Few, basketball coach of Gonzaga University, ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith, and Bruce Arians, head football coach of Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Vitale will also recognize NFL Hall of Famer Jim Kelly and author, speaker and former Orlando Magic executive Pat Williams with the John Saunders Courage Award. The Gala will feature Kevin Negandhi from ESPN as an emcee and will host as a special guest the best-selling writer Mitch Albom.
The Dick Vitale Gala’s mission is to raise funds across the nation for premiere pediatric cancer research while at the same time fostering awareness of pediatric cancer and how devastating it is for our children and their families. As in prior years, net funds raised are utilized for the best research nationwide so one day no child will have to experience this horrific disease.”
Dick Vitale Quotes
- “I learned from my mom and dad, who didn’t have a formal education but had doctorates of love. They told me that if you gave 110 percent all the time, a lot of beautiful things will happen. I may not always be right, but no one can ever accuse me of not having a genuine love and passion for whatever I do.”
- “Glue guys aren’t superstars. They’re not the No. 1 option. They just do things only coaches really appreciate. The stars get the headlines, but glue guys help you get in the winner’s circle. I don’t think you can win without having that kind of player.”
- “Today in coaching, it’s a two-way street. They can fire you whenever they want. Bottom line: It’s all about what you can do to better yourself professionally. This is a better move.”
- “I’m absolutely shocked. I can’t believe he went that high.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dick Vitale
Who is Dick Vitale?
He is an American basketball sportscaster
How old is Dick Vitale?
He is 80 years old as of 2019. He was born in 1939
How tall is Dick Vitale?
His body height measurements are not recorded
Is Dick Vitale married?
He is married to his lovely wife Lorraine McGrath
How much is Dick Vitale worth?
He is an accomplished sportscaster with an estimated net worth of $16 million.
How much does Dick Vitale make?
His annual salary was estimated to be$3 million in 2018
Where does Dick Vitale live?
He lives in the United States of America
Is Dick Vitale dead or alive?
He is still alive and in good health.
Where is Dick Vitale now?
He is working as a basketball sportscaster.
Dick Vitale Social Media Accounts
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