Tonite on espn, 6:40 I know he isn’t everyone’s style, but I love the guy. I’m thrilled he is back, and that I’ll hear him call a game.
I love the guy. He’s not my favorite announcer, not even in the top half but.. He’s authentic Honest Passionate Clearly adores the game Genuinely humble Loves his audience
Watching him now at Clemson. He actually cried he was so happy. The opposite of a blow dried corporate smooth as silk typical network guy.
I found the game with 4 minutes remaining just flipping channels and was surprised to hear Duck Vitale calling the game. He certainly has his style, and fans, and a few detractors. Count me as a fan. Sitting here a bit misty eyed as a stage 4 lymphoma survivor; and glad that he can do what he so loves to do after his cancer battle(s). edit. On a related note… whenever I come across the Jimmy V ESPY speech I stop what I’m doing and watch. That damn speech makes my eyes more than misty!
For those of us that have been given the dreaded C word diagnosis, it changes you. My journey was easy, my burden light compared to so many but I have a soft spot for survivors, esp those that go deep into the valley of the shadow of death, as Dickie did.
Was he even-keeled or pro Duke as usual? He’ll go into his Duke love fest even when Duke is not playing
I love Dickie V (in small doses)! So proud of his recovery and return to the game. There was a point in the second half last night when he and the other announcers were gushing on so much about Duke and Cooper Flagg I just had to mute the TV. So happy to see Clemson get the W!
Here's my Dickie V story: Many years ago, we had a Triangle (NC) Gator Club meet-up at a hotel lobby in Durham. Coach Spurrier was playing in a charity golf tournament there. We could never schedule him to talk at an event, but we were able to schedule a few minutes of his time as he finished his round and returned to the hotel. There were about 30 of us sitting around on lobby furniture and Coach Spurrier talked to us for a while. I love the guy, but you could tell he wasn't really into it. That's where things changed. While Spurrier is talking, Dickie V walks up. He gives Spurrier a big hug and joins him. Vitale was so energetic and engaged, like he had been the scheduled speaker. He was as genuine of a person as you'll ever meet. At the time, I was so excited to see Coach Spurrier in person, but to this day, Dicky V left a much bigger impression on me.
i agree 100%. I take nothing and no day for granted and am thankful for every minute I get here to enjoy life and my kids and grandkids. Love seeing and hearing Dickie V back for basketball season.
Any video from the broadcast? I got a newborn and don't get to watch much these days. Was it an exciting game?
that’s a great way to look at it. Longevity runs in our family and I’ve always been healthy and always expected to live well into the 90s. I got my stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis in December and you can’t imagine. The good news is that, for many, it’s not a death sentence, but a long-term chronic condition.
No doubt he is a wonderful, gracious, and generous with his time human being. But don't enjoy his announcer shtick.
