Suns broadcaster Al McCoy to be honored by Rocky Mountain Emmys
Sep 9, 2022, 7:45 PM
PHOENIX, AZ - JANUARY 17: Phoenix Suns radio broadcast announcer Al McCoy during the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center on January 17, 2014 in Phoenix, Arizona.(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Longtime Phoenix Suns voice Al McCoy will be inducted into the gold circle of the Rocky Mountain Emmys Southwest Chapter this month.
The induction dinner takes place on Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. MST at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix.
The gold circle is for “significant contributions made by these individuals to our industry” with 50-plus years in the industry on the job, according to the organization’s website.
McCoy’s career began in the 1972 preseason and his popularity remains very high in the Valley. Last year, Phoenix Magazine readers voted him as the best play-by-play announcer for the 23rd year in a row.
That’s not the only recognition of McCoy’s illustrious career. The longest-tenured NBA team broadcaster has won several awards, including the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2007.
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He also was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, the Iowa Hall of Pride in 2015 and the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017. He’s also the first play-by-play announcer to be inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
“I could never imagine what I’ve been able to do and the breaks that have been mine,” McCoy told Arizona Sports’ Bickley & Marotta in March. “I grew up on a farm. I was always a big sports fan. I listened to radio broadcasts night and day.”
Among his famous catchphrases are “Shazam!” after a Sun makes a three-point shot, and “Heartbreak Hotel!” after a close Suns defeat. The style of McCoy has remained popular among Suns fans for generations.
