"It's Awesome, Baby!" Dick Vitale is in the Hall of Fame without being a talented athlete. He was not a great coach, could not jump could not shoot but made it as the voice of college basketball. When Dick Vitale made it, we see passion for sports can still be rewarding no matter what talent you bring to the sport.

It all started for Dick Vitale broadcasting for ESPN during the 1979-80 season. There a maniac for college basketball was born. Before this he briefly coached the Detroit Pistons and the University of Detroit as a hap hazard coach that did not last very long. However the people of ESPM obviously saw something in him that still continue today a passion for basketball.

He was always the fan favorite, always smooshing the fans at games always bringing intensity and emotion that made you listen to college basketball. He became even more legendary when he started doing Duke versus North Carolina games. Those games along gave him the reputation of the voice of college basketball and everyone was feeling it when Dickie V entered a college basketball arena.

Dick Vitale was also a humanitarian as well. He and others helped found the V Foundation that donates money toward cancer research. Jim Valveno a legendary North Carolina State was the cause but Vitale would become the voice of the V foundation back in 1993. Vitale became an ambassador and a voice that explained why this was an important cause for all people to acknowledge because cancer does affect everyone. The V foundation now does an annual auction and a charity preseason basketball tournament that is dedicated to the legend of Jim Valveno and the spirit to find a cure for cancer.

The best aspect of Dick Vitlae was his pure energy and excitement as an analyst for ESPN. He made you feel like he was rooting for every team but not in a arrogant way. Every fan in every arena wanted Dick Vitale on their side as an added member of the 6th man. We will always remember all of those wacky sayings he had but truly he was a passionate man that loved the game of basketball.

Lastly, thanks ESPN for believing in those that might not be the best players or coaches that still can deliver quality entertainment. It makes others like a Dick Vitale believe that even thou you may not be the best athlete you still can follow your dreams as long as you have passion.

Learn more about this author, Kenneth Hofmann.
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