Dick Vitale, born on June 9, 1939, in Passaic, New Jersey, is a prominent American basketball coach and sportscaster. He gained fame for his enthusiastic commentary as a college basketball analyst with ESPN since 1979. Throughout his career, Vitale has been known for his catchphrases like “This is awesome, baby!” and “diaper dandy” to describe outstanding freshman players.
Before broadcasting, Vitale had a coaching career, including stints with the Detroit Titans and the Detroit Pistons. He was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
In recent years, Vitale has faced significant health challenges, battling multiple cancers. Despite these struggles, he has remained active in fundraising for cancer research and continues to inspire many with his resilience and optimism.
As of March 2025, Vitale continues to be a beloved figure in the basketball community, celebrated for his contributions both on and off the court.