- Born
- Birth nameRichard John Vitale
- Height5′ 9″ (1.75 m)
- This New Jersey native is to college basketball what fireworks and watermelon are to the 4th of July. Known as Dickie V to his legions of fans all over America, his coaching career started at East Rutherford High School in the late 60s. As his career progressed he went on to coach the University of Detroit and the Detroit Pistons of the NBA. Fired in 1979 as coach of the NBA Pistons he immediately took a job at the start up cable network ESPN, pairing with Jim Simpson to call its first ever college basketball game for $350 that same year. As the popularity of college basketball took off in the 80s, Vitale's fame also soared as ESPN's #1 color analyst. Still working for ESPN, Dick has fan clubs on college campuses all over America and is often more popular with the fans than the game he is covering. He is famous for his catch phrases such as "DIAPER DANDY" (a freshman) or screaming "THATTA WAY" after a great play or slam dunk. Dick is in high demand as a motivational speaker. He is also the author of several books including "Vitale: Time Out, Baby!" and "Campus Chaos: Why the Game I Love is Breaking My Heart". The Seton Hall grad currently lives in the Tampa area, where he has season tickets to the Devil Rays, with his wife Lorraine.
- IMDb mini biography by: patmcmahon67@hotmail.com
- SpousesLorraine Vitale(May 22, 1971 - present) (2 children)Joann Lillian Smith(July 27, 1963 - 1969) (divorced)
- Known for his high-energy commentary and expressions such as "Awesome, Baby!" and "Unbelievable!"
- He has two daughters named Terri and Sherri.
- Is on the Board of Directors of The V Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for cancer, which was founded in 1993 by his late friend and former ESPN colleague Jim Valvano.
- Often eats at the Broken Egg restaurant on Siesta Key, Florida.
- Lost vision in his left eye in an accident with a pencil when he was a child.
- Recipient of the Curt Gowdy Award (awarded to members of the electronic and print media for outstanding contributions to basketball) in 1998.
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