Legendary Broadcaster Dick Vitale Set to Make Triumphant Return to ESPN
In a heartwarming turn of events, Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale is poised to make his much-anticipated return to the broadcasting booth. This Saturday, fans will hear his iconic voice once again as he calls the game between No. 2 Duke and Clemson at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN. It’s a moment that many have been eagerly awaiting, as Vitale has been absent from the airwaves for nearly two years.
Vitale, who is now 85 years old, has been courageously battling cancer for the past 3½ years. The good news came on January 8 when he announced that he was cancer-free. This announcement was a beacon of hope for his fans and the sports community, who have been following his journey with bated breath.
However, Vitale’s return to the microphone was not without its hurdles. Initially, he was scheduled to call the Duke-Wake Forest game on January 25. Unfortunately, an accident at his home led to a postponement. Vitale had to be hospitalized after a fall at his Florida residence, delaying his comeback.
Over the past few years, Vitale has faced an arduous battle with four different types of cancer. His most recent challenge involved surgery in the summer of 2024 after a biopsy of a lymph node in his neck revealed cancer. This was just one chapter in his ongoing fight, which began in 2021 when he was diagnosed with lymphoma. This diagnosis came only months after he had undergone multiple surgeries to remove melanoma. In 2022, he joyfully announced that he was cancer-free, only to face another diagnosis in 2023 with vocal cord cancer, which required radiation treatment.
Vitale’s last game assignment was nearly two years ago, on April 3, 2023, when he called the international broadcast of the San Diego State vs. UConn national championship game for ESPN. He once again announced he was cancer-free in November 2023, a testament to his resilience and fighting spirit.
A Storied Career
Vitale’s career with ESPN began during the 1979-80 season, just after the network’s launch. He had the honor of calling ESPN’s first major NCAA basketball game on December 5, 1979. Since then, he has become a beloved figure in sports broadcasting, having called well over 1,000 games. His contributions to the field were recognized in September 2024 when he was inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame.
- Vitale joined ESPN in the 1979-80 season.
- He called ESPN’s first major NCAA basketball game on December 5, 1979.
- Inducted into the Broadcasting+Cable Hall of Fame in September 2024.
As Vitale prepares to return to the booth, the excitement is palpable. His passion for the game and his infectious enthusiasm have made him a cherished figure in the world of sports. Fans are eager to hear his signature phrases and spirited commentary once more. This Saturday’s game between Duke and Clemson is not just another matchup; it’s a celebration of Vitale’s indomitable spirit and his unwavering love for the game.
So, mark your calendars and tune in to ESPN at 6 p.m. ET this Saturday. It’s not just a game; it’s the return of a legend. Welcome back, Dick Vitale!
Originally Written by: Jeff BorzelloJeff BorzelloESPN StaffJ.J. PostESPNESPN
