Good bye, and thank you - Chick Hearns

[WebmasterMaryJo]

<font color=navy>It was just announced that long-time announcer for the Lakers, Chick Hearns, passed away this afternoon.

Chick Hearns was a sports newscaster for a Los Angeles television station in 1961 when Los Angeles Lakers owner Jack Kent Cooke asked him to announce Laker games. The rest is history. Hearns has been the play-by-play sportscaster for the Los Angeles Lakers since then. In fact, he has been the only sports announcer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Hearns announced 3,338 consecutive Laker games until he was forced to be absent for the December 20, 2001 game due to heart surgery. Although he has had to bow out of a few games halfway through, Hearns had not missed a single Laker game since November 20, 1965.

Chick Hearns was the first to use such basketball terms as "slam dunk," "air ball," "dribble drive," "finger roll," "garbage time," "give and go," "matador defense," "no-look pass," and "picked his pocket."

 

[Jeff in BigD]

I'm at a loss for words

 

[tiggerlover]

I had heard that he had taken a fall, but the way the news reports read the other day it sounded like he would be okay, but not announce any more games. How sad.

 

[supercarrie]

I just got home and read the news online. I am so upset...I grew up listening to Chick...he has been a part of my life for so many years...and now he is gone... Words cannot express what a loss this is to the basketball and sports communities...wow...I don't know what to say right now...

 

[Dan Murphy]

Very sad indeed, MJ. And thank you, Chick.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

I also had only heard about the fall and am so sorry to hear that he passed away. I lived in the greater LA area for a few years and enjoyed his commentary very much. So impressed with his longevity in the business. I'll miss him.

Thanks Chick.