Al McCoy, who served because the “Voice of the Suns” for greater than 50 years, has died at age 91, the crew introduced Saturday.
McCoy started doing play-by-play for the Suns in 1972 and remained lively by means of the 2023 playoffs. A press launch from the crew cited his “distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep data of the sport,” which mixed to present him a mode that was beloved by followers in Phoenix and all through the NBA.
“From his first name in 1972 to his final in 2023, Al McCoy was there for each defining second in our historical past,” proprietor Mat Ishbia stated. “He was the heartbeat of our group, a cherished good friend, a mentor to many and a legend whose voice introduced numerous unforgettable moments to life for generations of Suns followers. We’re heartbroken by the passing of our beloved Al, the voice of the Phoenix Suns for over 5 many years. Our ideas exit to Al’s household, buddies and to our complete Suns group.”
In 2017, McCoy was welcomed into the Suns Ring of Honor, a distinction that’s reserved for franchise legends. The Naismith Basketball Corridor of Fame chosen him for the Curt Gowdy Media Award in 2007, and he was inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Corridor of Fame in 2004 and the Arizona Sports activities Corridor of Fame in 2009.
McCoy’s radio profession started in 1951 at Drake College. He got here to Phoenix in 1956 as an announcer for a minor league baseball crew and landed a job with the Suns 4 years after they have been based.
Amongst these sharing their remembrances of McCoy was Corridor of Famer Steve Nash, who was twice named MVP throughout his time in Phoenix.
“I started working with the nice Al McCoy for 10 unbelievable years,” Nash stated. “His power and spirit have been unmatched and I’ll always remember all of the conversations and laughs we shared. He was the teammate that by no means wore a jersey. He liked his Phoenix Suns as a lot as anybody and his legacy will endure the generations of Suns followers to return. A lot of like to the one and solely Al McCoy.”
Our condolences exit to Al’s household and buddies.
