50 Facts About Al McCoy

Early Life and Inspirations

Al McCoy's journey to becoming the iconic voice of the Phoenix Suns began in humble surroundings. His early life and inspirations set the stage for a remarkable career in sports broadcasting.

1. Early Life: Al McCoy was born on April 26, 1933, in Williams, Iowa, a small town with no electricity or running water during his early childhood.

2. Farm Life: Growing up on a farm outside Williams, Iowa, McCoy entertained himself by reading comic books and listening to his family's battery-powered radio.

3. Inspirational Voices: The sounds of golden-age broadcasters like Bert Wilson, Don Dunphy, Bill Stern, Pat Flanagan, Jack Brickhouse, and Harry Caray inspired McCoy from an early age.

4. Fantasy Play-by-Play: As a boy, McCoy would often prop himself on the farm's fence posts and broadcast fantasy play-by-play for a crowd of the family's pigs and cattle, imagining himself at famous arenas like Chicago Stadium, Madison Square Garden, or Boston Garden.

5. World Series Attendance: In 1945, McCoy attended the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Detroit Tigers, an experience that likely influenced his future in sports broadcasting.

6. First NBA Game: In the fall of 1948, McCoy attended his first National Basketball Association (NBA) game as the Waterloo Hawks hosted league-MVP Don Otten's Tri-Cities Black Hawks.

7. George Mikan: He witnessed George Mikan play in-person during another game in Waterloo, which further fueled his interest in basketball.

8. Radio Enthusiast: McCoy continued to scan the radio dial every night to hear Joe Louis's big boxing fights, Cubs broadcasts, national football, basketball, or any other sport he could get tuned through his receiver.

High School and Early Career

McCoy's passion for sports and broadcasting continued through his high school years and into his early career. His dedication and talent began to shine through during this period.

9. High School Basketball: As an active youth with a basketball hoop propped up in a tree on the farm, McCoy made the starting line-up of his high-school basketball team for three seasons, playing the position of point-guard.

10. Coach Chuck Lovin: His high school Coach Chuck Lovin remembered McCoy as a "good shot" who was "intense" about everything he did in high school, from athletics to school plays.

11. Career Beginnings: After high school, McCoy began his career in broadcasting, likely influenced by his early exposure to sports and radio.

12. Early Broadcasting Experience: Details about his early broadcasting experience are scarce, but it is known that he worked in various local radio stations before moving to Arizona.

The Move to Arizona and the Suns

Al McCoy's move to Arizona marked the beginning of his legendary career with the Phoenix Suns. His dedication and unique style quickly made him a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.

13. Move to Arizona: In the early 1970s, McCoy moved to Arizona to pursue a career in sports broadcasting, which would eventually lead him to become the voice of the Phoenix Suns.

14. First Suns Game: On September 27, 1972, McCoy called his first game for the Phoenix Suns, marking the beginning of a remarkable 51-year tenure with the team.

15. Longest-Tenured Broadcaster: Al McCoy holds the record for being the longest-tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, calling Suns games for over five decades.

16. Play-by-Play Announcer: Throughout his career, McCoy served as the primary play-by-play announcer for the Phoenix Suns, providing color commentary and analysis that became synonymous with the team.

Broadcasting Style and Influence

McCoy's unique broadcasting style and influence on the industry set him apart from his peers. His catchphrases and engaging commentary made him a fan favorite.

17. Simulcast Era: Along with Chick Hearn, Hot Rod Hundley, and Kevin Calabro, McCoy was among the last of NBA broadcasters to be simulcast on both television and radio before league officials ended the practice in the mid-2000s.

18. Exclusive Radio Broadcasts: After the simulcast era ended, McCoy's broadcasts became exclusive to radio and online streaming via the Suns Radio Network.

19. Influential Style: Known for his fast-paced, classical broadcasting style coupled with his colorful use of catchphrases to distinguish plays, McCoy influenced a generation of sportscasters.

20. Legacy in Sportscasting: His influence can be seen in sportscasters like Mike Breen, who remarked during live ESPN coverage of the 2021 Western Conference Finals that McCoy was "one of my heroes".

21. Industry Recognition: Steve Albert described McCoy as being on par with Vin Scully and Ernie Harwell, all-time greats in the world of broadcasting.

Awards and Challenges

Despite his many accolades, McCoy faced challenges in his later years. His dedication to the Suns and the sport remained unwavering.

22. Awards and Accolades: Al McCoy is a Curt Gowdy Media Award winner and a member of the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor, recognizing his contributions to both the team and the sport.

23. Final Season Displacement: Despite his accolades, McCoy faced a challenging end to his career. In his final season (2022-2023), he was moved from his traditional courtside spot next to the Suns players' bench to a higher arena location, a change that garnered significant media attention.

24. Photo Gallery: The Arizona Republic published a photo gallery showing 90-year-old Al McCoy walking up the long flights of concrete steps to his new broadcasting position, symbolizing the end of an era.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond his professional achievements, McCoy's personal life and community involvement further highlight his character and dedication.

25. Personal Life: McCoy was married and had children, though specific details about his family life are not widely documented in public records.

26. Health Issues: In his later years, McCoy faced health issues that affected his ability to continue broadcasting at the same level. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his role as the voice of the Suns.

27. Community Involvement: Beyond his work with the Suns, McCoy was involved in various community activities and charitable events throughout his career in Arizona.

Evolution and Legacy

Al McCoy's career evolved with the times, but his legacy remains timeless. His contributions to sports broadcasting will be remembered for generations.

28. Broadcasting Style Evolution: Over the years, McCoy's broadcasting style evolved to keep pace with changing times and technological advancements in sports media. He adapted to new formats and platforms while maintaining his unique voice and style.

29. Catchphrases and Traditions: One of McCoy's most recognizable contributions was his use of catchphrases and traditions that became synonymous with Suns games. Fans would eagerly await his calls and reactions during games.

30. Impact on Fans: Al McCoy's presence in Suns games not only provided entertainment but also created a sense of community among fans. His voice became a constant companion for generations of Suns supporters.

Historic Moments and Relationships

Throughout his career, McCoy witnessed and narrated numerous historic moments in Suns history. His relationships with players and staff added depth to his commentary.

31. NBA History: As one of the longest-tenured broadcasters in NBA history, McCoy witnessed numerous milestones and historic moments in Suns history, including playoff runs and championship aspirations.

32. Player Relationships: Over five decades, McCoy developed close relationships with Suns players, coaches, and staff. His rapport with the team was evident in his ability to provide insightful commentary and analysis.

33. Suns Radio Network: Alongside former Sun Tim Kempton, McCoy continued to broadcast on radio and online web streaming exclusively through the Suns Radio Network.

Memorable Games and Highlights

McCoy's calls during memorable games and highlights are etched in the minds of Suns fans. His ability to capture the essence of the game made each broadcast special.

34. Game Highlights: On December 30, 2005, McCoy called a game that would be remembered for its dramatic finish, showcasing his ability to capture the essence of high-stakes basketball.

35. NBA Finals Coverage: During his tenure, McCoy covered several NBA Finals appearances by the Suns, providing play-by-play commentary that added to the excitement of these events.

36. Playoff Magic: His calls during playoff games were particularly memorable, capturing the intensity and drama of these high-pressure matches.

37. Regular Season Highlights: Beyond playoffs, McCoy's regular season calls were always highly anticipated by fans, who knew they could expect detailed analysis and engaging commentary from him.

Recognition and Mentorship

Al McCoy's contributions to the Suns and the community were recognized through various honors. His mentorship helped shape the next generation of broadcasters.

38. Suns Ring of Honor: In recognition of his contributions to the team, Al McCoy was inducted into the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor, a testament to his enduring legacy with the organization.

39. Community Recognition: The community in Phoenix and beyond recognized McCoy's impact on sports broadcasting. He received numerous awards and accolades for his service to the sport and the team.

40. Legacy Beyond Broadcasting: While his primary role was as a broadcaster, Al McCoy's influence extended beyond the realm of sports. He inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in broadcasting and sports journalism.

41. Inspirational Figure: For many aspiring sportscasters, Al McCoy served as an inspirational figure, demonstrating that dedication and hard work could lead to a successful career in sports media.

42. Mentorship: Throughout his career, McCoy likely mentored several young broadcasters who followed in his footsteps, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation.

Technological Adaptation and Fan Engagement

McCoy's ability to adapt to new technologies and engage fans set him apart. His broadcasts created a sense of connection and excitement for listeners.

43. Historical Context: Understanding the historical context of his career is crucial. The NBA has undergone significant changes since McCoy began calling games for the Suns in 1972, reflecting broader societal shifts and technological advancements.

44. Technological Advancements: From analog radio broadcasts to digital streaming, McCoy adapted to new technologies while maintaining his unique voice and style, ensuring that his broadcasts remained relevant across different eras.

45. Fan Engagement: One of the key factors in McCoy's enduring popularity was his ability to engage fans through his calls. He created a sense of connection between the game and its audience, making each broadcast feel personal and intimate.

Catchphrases and Game-Day Experience

McCoy's catchphrases and game-day experiences added an extra layer of excitement for fans. His personal touches made each broadcast memorable.

46. Catchphrase Legacy: His use of catchphrases became iconic, with phrases like "Suns are cooking!" or "Suns are on fire!" becoming ingrained in Suns lore and fan culture.

47. Game-Day Experience: For many fans, attending a Suns game was not just about watching basketball; it was also about experiencing Al McCoy's calls live, which added an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia to the event.

48. Post-Game Analysis: After each game, McCoy provided insightful post-game analysis that helped fans understand what had transpired on the court. His analysis was always balanced and informative, offering a deeper look into team dynamics and player performance.

49. Personal Touches: Beyond his professional duties, McCoy often added personal touches to his broadcasts, sharing stories about players or coaches that humanized the game and made it more relatable to listeners.

50. Enduring Legacy: Al McCoy's legacy extends far beyond his time as the voice of the Suns. He has left an indelible mark on sports broadcasting, inspiring future generations of sportscasters and cementing his place as one of the greatest voices in NBA history.

Al McCoy's Enduring Legacy

Al McCoy's career as the voice of the Phoenix Suns is nothing short of legendary. From his humble beginnings in Williams, Iowa, to becoming the longest-tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy's journey is a testament to passion and dedication. His unique style, memorable catchphrases, and deep connection with fans made every Suns game special. Even in his final season, despite facing challenges, McCoy's commitment never wavered. His influence extends beyond broadcasting, inspiring future sportscasters and leaving an indelible mark on the NBA. Al McCoy's legacy will continue to resonate with fans and the sports community for years to come. His voice, synonymous with Suns basketball, will always be remembered as a vital part of the team's history.