Chick Hearn

Date of Birth: November 27, 1916

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: August 5, 2002

Biography

Francis Dayle “Chick” Hearn was an iconic American sportscaster, widely known for his long tenure as the play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His career with the Lakers spanned from 1961 until his death in 2002, making him one of the most enduring voices in sports broadcasting. Hearn was known for his rapid-fire delivery, his unique ability to capture the essence of a game, and his numerous catchphrases, many of which have become part of basketball lexicon. Born in Aurora, Illinois, Hearn initially pursued a law degree but found his calling in broadcasting. He began his career in radio before moving into television, where he became a household name. Hearn’s style was characterized by his clear and concise play-by-play commentary, which brought the excitement of Lakers games to fans in a way that was both informative and entertaining. Hearn’s streak of 3,338 consecutive Lakers games broadcast from 1965 to 2001 is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. His contributions to sports broadcasting were recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

5 Interesting Facts about Chick Hearn

1. Chick Hearn coined the popular basketball phrases “slam dunk,” “air ball,” and “no harm, no foul.”

2. He called Lakers games for an unprecedented 42 years, creating a unique bond with the team’s fans.

3. Hearn’s streak of broadcasting 3,338 consecutive Lakers games is one of the longest in sports history.

4. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003.

5. Chick Hearn was one of the first broadcasters to simulcast games on both television and radio, bringing the action to a wider audience.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Chick Hearn

1. “This game’s in the refrigerator: the door is closed, the lights are out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard, and the Jell-O’s jiggling.”

2. “He faked him into the popcorn machine.”

3. “That shot was an air ball.”

4. “The mustard’s off the hot dog.”

5. “He’s got ice water in his veins.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Chick Hearn’s net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

Chick Hearn and his wife Marge had two children, a son named Gary and a daughter named Samantha. Tragically, both of their children predeceased them, with Gary passing away in 1972 and Samantha in 1991.