Cardinals, Diamondbacks pay tribute to Al McCoy

Cardinals play-by-play radio announcer Dave Pasch honored McCoy with his signature “SHAZAM!” call on the first and only Cardinals’ touchdown of the day when Kyler Murray found Marvin Harrison Jr. from 10 yards out.

On Saturday, Arizona Diamondbacks play-by-play announcer Chris Garagiola also paid tribute to McCoy with a “SHAZAM!” call on Jose Herrera’s first-career home run in the D-backs’ 5-0 shutout victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

“McCoy was widely known as the ‘dean of NBA broadcasters’ for his years of service and unique broadcasting style,” the Suns said Saturday in a release on McCoy’s passing. “He served 51 seasons as ‘The Voice of the Suns,’ calling his first game on September 27, 1972 and his last on May 11, 2023. McCoy’s unforgettable calls of the most memorable moments in Suns history, including three trips to the NBA Finals, and his trademark phrases from ‘Shazam!’ to ‘Zing Go the Strings’ to ‘Heartbreak Hotel’ have cemented his legacy throughout Arizona and the NBA. His distinctive voice, vivid descriptions and deep knowledge of the game created a unique style that remained a staple for more than five decades. McCoy will forever be known as the Voice of the Phoenix Suns.”

The Cardinals, Diamondbacks, Pasch and Garagiola were among thousands to post heartfelt messages about McCoy after the news of his death.

Devin Booker was also in attendance for the Lions-Cardinals game and wrote a statement on the death of McCoy.

“I had the privilege of Al McCoy narrating the first eight years of my career,” Booker said. “He was inducted into the Ring of Honor my second season, and it was then I really understood what a special talent he was. And over the course of my career, I’ve learned what an even more special person he was. We will miss Al, and I am so glad our legacies in Phoenix are forever connected.”

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