I went on a huge campaign last year for Dickie V to get into the hall, and it didn’t work. I’m pretty sure it was just Bob Knight and myself that thought that he should have gotten in because most of you commenters seemed against it and the same with MSM. This goes down every year and every year he’s denied from induction. Well he’s up again and this year could make four years in a row….
Dick Vitale, in the midst of his 29th season as an ESPN college basketball analyst, has been named a finalist for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor to the sport. The list of finalists for the Class of 2008 was announced Friday. Hall of Fame contributors are described as those who have made significant contributions to the game and its growth.
The inductees will be announced at the NCAA Men’s Final Four in San Antonio on Monday, April 7, with Enshrinement Ceremonies to be held at the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. September 5.
“It’s absolutely always a thrill to learn that you’ve been nominated for the most prestigious honor in your profession – the National Basketball Hall of Fame,” Vitale said. “To be mentioned in the same breath with the likes of Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, Pat Riley and all the others that have been nominated just brings me great joy.”
It’s another tough class for Vitale to be up against, but in the end he only needs support from 18 of the 24 voters. I still think his contributions to the Sport and all the work he’s done with the V Foundation should be enough, but many seem to disagree. We’ll see what happens in April. In the meantime ESPN has put together a handy PDF of things to consider when deciding on Vitale….
* He’s an outspoken advocate for the sport and as enthusiastic a promoter of basketball as there has ever been, unafraid to offer opinions and push for reform when appropriate.
* He works dozens of the top games each season and votes on the Naismith and Wooden Awards, plus the AP poll.
* With Vitale enthusiastically leading the way, ESPN has become a college basketball fan’s best friend.
* He’s created a lexicon filled with phrases such as ‘Get a TO’ and ‘Awesome Baby’ which are now a part of the vernacular.
* He connects with fans through many mediums, providing insight for “SportsCenter,” ESPN Radio, USA Today, Basketball Times and his web site (http://espn.com/dickvitale). He’s also authored seven books.
* He’s played an integral role in building the concept of “March Madness.”
That’s just the first paragraph of the four page document.
(Via ESPN PR)
