Theta Chi Fraternity is saddened to report that Hall of Fame Sports Announcer and “Voice of the Phoenix Suns,” Al McCoy (Gamma Tau/Drake 1954) has joined the Chapter Eternal.
The team made the announcement on Saturday and released a statement from his family.
Brother McCoy served as the play-by-play announcer for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns for over 50 years and served as the team’s Senior Vice President of Broadcasting. McCoy was called the dean of NBA play-by-play announcers and is known for famous catchphrases such as “Shazam”, “Zing Go the Strings” and “Heartbreak Hotel”. In 2007, he received the 18th Annual Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the House of Broadcasting and was inducted as the 15th member of the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor in March 2021.
McCoy attended Drake University where he pledged Gamma Tau chapter. He graduated with a degree in drama-speech and received their Alumni Achievement award in 1994. Theta Chi Fraternity presented him the Distinguished Achievement Award in 2016.
“Al McCoy was a master of his craft. He entertained generations of fans with his distinct delivery and unbridled love for the game and was a beloved friend to so many of us in the NBA community” – NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver.
McCoy was the longest-tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, calling Suns games for 51 years. Brother McCoy was as synonymous with the Suns as Charles Barkley, Steve Nash, and Devin Booker. The first game he commentated on was Sept. 27, 1972 and the last game he commentated on was May 11, 2023. His career presence included Phoenix’s NBA Finals appearances in 1976, 1993 and 2021.
He began his broadcasting career at KJFJ Radio in Webster City, Iowa in 1951. Besides working for the Phoenix Suns McCoy also did play-by-play for the now defunct Phoenix Giants and Phoenix Roadrunners along with Arizona State (football and basketball) and the Arizona Diamondbacks.
You can read more about Brother McCoy's illustrious life and career using the articles below.
https://www.nba.com/news/al-mccoy-phoenix-suns-announcer-dies-91