Legendary Suns broadcaster Al McCoy celebrates 89th birthday
Apr 26, 2022, 7:59 AM | Updated: 8:33 am
Longtime play-by-play voice of the Phoenix Suns and Valley legend Al McCoy turned 89 years old on Tuesday.
McCoy has been calling games for Phoenix over the past 50 years and is the longest-tenured broadcaster for an NBA team. He was honored for his time with the team this past March.
The legendary play-by-play guy coined the phrases “Shazam!” and “Oh brother!” and brought them to everyday basketball life.
McCoy holds a spot in many Valley sports fans’ hearts as he not only has called every memorable play over the years but also takes the time to connect with the fans around the city.
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“The fans have always been the most important part of my broadcast,” McCoy told Arizona Sports Bickley & Marotta in March. “I love the fans and I always want to thank them for accepting me the way they have. The fans have made it a special 50 years, no doubt about it.”
The 89-year-old broadcaster first began calling Suns games in September of 1972.
McCoy was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2017 and received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.
In honor of his dedication to the team, the Suns named their press room the Al McCoy Media Center in 2007.
As for a birthday present? A Game 5 win over the New Orleans Pelicans would surely suffice.
The Suns and Pelicans are back in action Tuesday night at 7 p.m. Tune to 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station for all the action.
