This browser does not support the Video element.
Phoenix Suns icon Al McCoy dies at age 91
Al McCoy, the legendary Phoenix Suns play-by-play broadcaster for 51 years, has passed away. FOX 10 remembers the beloved Phoenix icon.
PHOENIX - Al McCoy, the legendary voice of the Phoenix Suns, has passed away at the age of 91.
The news was announced on the Phoenix Suns website on Saturday, Sept. 21.
McCoy was the longest tenured team broadcaster in the history of the NBA, serving as the "Voice of the Suns" for 51 years. His extraordinary career began in 1972 and included three trips to the NBA Finals.
He was best known for calling out 3-pointers with his famous "Shazam!" tag line.
He also coined many other trademark quotes like "Zing to the Strings," "Heartbreak Hotel" and others.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Phoenix Suns fans react to the death of Al McCoy
Phoenix Suns fans have started to mourn the death of play-by-play broadcaster Al McCoy who brought the Suns story to the airwaves for 51 years. FOX 10's Lauren Clark has the story.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 28: Former Suns broadcaster Al McCoy is introduced to the new Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor during the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Footprint Center on October 28, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Jazz 126- …
McCoy was born in Williams, IA on April 26, 1933. He began broadcasting in radio at age seven and earned his first job in 1951.
He began doing play-by-play for the Phoenix Giants Triple A baseball team in 1956, before landing as the job of his life with the Suns in 1972.
He was given the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007, was inducted to Suns Ring of Honor in 2017 and was the first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004. he was also inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2009.
"We are heartbroken by the passing of our beloved Al, the Voice of the Phoenix Suns for over five decades. Our thoughts go out to Al's family, friends and to our entire Suns community," said Suns owner Mat Ishbia.
"As a father, he taught us the value of respect, loyalty, hard work, and love – both on and off the court. His passion, dedication and kindness touched countless lives, and while he may be gone, the impact he made will be felt for generations to come," McCoy's family said in a statement.