ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale is adding a place in the sportscasters and sportswriters Hall of Fame to his already-esteemed resume.
Vitale, a 2008 inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, will be honored in June as part of the 54th annual National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Awards weekend in Salisbury, N.C., making him a member of 12 Halls of Fame.
Detroit Free Press columnist and author Mitch Albom will also be honored as the Hall's sportswriter inductee.
"I can't tell you how blessed I've been in my life and career," Vitale said. "A loving mom and dad, a fantastic wife of 42 years and two tremendous daughters. I've been lucky to work with a fantastic team at ESPN that includes announcers; reporters; researchers, led by my guru Howie Schwab; producers and all the behind-the-scenes people."
Vitale joined ESPN in 1979 -- shortly after the network's launch -- following a college and pro coaching career.
"None of this would be possible without my support system," Vitale said. "And that support has come from all the kids on the college campuses who have allowed me to work a job where I can still be a kid myself. Thank you to all of you. And a special thank you for all the support in my newest mission and passion -- to raise awareness and money to help kids battle cancer."