Hall of Fame broadcaster Dick Vitale began calling Duke Blue Devils men's basketball games for ESPN during the 1980-81 college basketball season, and has been on the call for dozens of Duke telecasts over the ensuing 42 years. Vitale has also enjoyed a close personal friendship with Blue Devils coach Mike Krzyzewski, who will retire at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season. On the occasion of Coach K's final home game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, Vitale wrote a letter to pay tribute to Krzyzewski.
Dear Mike:
Wow! It seems like yesterday back in my second year at ESPN, your first at Duke, when I wanted to find out what this young guy from West Point was all about. Even though you had a rough first few years -- it was STRUGGLE CITY to put it mildly -- after meeting you, I was so impressed and felt that you were going to get Duke back to the elite of the ACC.
As I reflect upon your achievements, I am completely in awe. Every coach dreams of one trip to the Final Four. You've been to 12 of them. Let's face it -- we all expected you to be there, year after year. In an era of fierce competition, you collected more Ws than anyone. On top of that, you cut down the national championship nets five times. And let's not forget Olympic gold medals.
Even with different players each season, the common thread was YOU. Talk about a legacy of greatness.
Whether at Duke or at the Olympics, you had some of the game's greatest superstars and you always found a way to get them all to buy into your team-first approach. You blended teams better than anyone who has ever graced the sidelines, according to my VBDI (Vitale Bald Dome Index).
Your coaching record is proof of the Solid Gold Hall of Famer you are. But I know Mike "The Man" and Man, YOU are special. When planning my first Gala 17 years ago, I called and said, "Coach, I want to raise $1 million for kids battling cancer, can we honor you for the benefit of the V Foundation?" Without hesitation you said "Dick, just give me the date." We raised over a million dollars that year, and have been rolling ever since.
It's been an honor to be teammates on the V Foundation board, where we do our best to keep Jimmy V's dream alive. I will never ever forget the night of the first ESPYs when only we knew how sick Jimmy was and how he requested one thing of us -- "Just get me up on the stage," he said. He delivered that historic speech, as his message of "DON'T GIVE UP -- DON'T EVER GIVE UP!" has inspired so many, including me, in fighting that dreaded disease.
Now, as I have endured a six-month fight with several cancers, I have felt your caring way. Your countless messages have lifted my spirits like you can't even imagine. Yes, my friend, you are the GOAT as a coach, but you are also one of the best people I have ever met. I'm praying that the journey you and your "general manager," Mickie, will now take includes health and happiness.
Like millions of other fans, I feel it's been a privilege to watch you in action all these years. I'm lucky to have been in the building for many of your biggest moments. You are a true legend. Yes, in "Vitalese" I would simply say, You have been AWESOME BABY, with a Capital A!
God Bless,
Dick
The 17th annual Dick Vitale Gala, benefiting the V Foundation, will be held May 6, 2022, at the Ritz-Carlton in Sarasota, Florida. For more information, visit dickvitaleonline.com.