Dick Vitale

About

Richard John Vitale (; born June 9, 1939), also known as “Dickie V”, is an American basketball sportscaster and former head basketball coach. He is well known for his tenure since 1979 as a college basketball broadcaster for ESPN. He is known for catchphrases such as “This is awesome, baby!” and “diaper dandy” (outstanding freshman player), as well as his enthusiastic and colorful remarks during games. He has also written fourteen books and appeared in several films.

Vitale was born in Passaic, New Jersey, and grew up in Garfield, New Jersey. He moved to East Paterson (now Elmwood Park) in his freshman year of high school. His father, John, was a piecework clothing press operator and had a second job as a security guard. His mother, Mae, worked in a factory as a seamstress and sewed coats until she suffered a stroke.
Vitale graduated from East Rutherford High School in 1958. He attended Seton Hall University and graduated with a degree in business administration in 1962. He later earned a master’s degree in education from William Paterson University, formerly known as Paterson State College.

Vitale took his first…