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Dick Vitale Shares Major Personal Update on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mathey Gibson | Last updated Jun 4, 2025 2:49 PM ET

Longtime ESPN college basketball analyst Dick Vitale is headed to yet another Hall of Fame—his 15th.

Vitale announced on Wednesday that he’s being inducted into the Tampa Sports Hall of Fame, a meaningful honor for the 85-year-old who has become synonymous with the city he calls home.

“I’m thrilled to be inducted tonight into the Tampa Sports Hall of FAME,” Vitale wrote on social media. “My family is joining me for this special honor. *Sold Out – amazing – this makes 15 Hall of Fames – not bad for a guy that can’t RUN – SHOOT – or JUMP & has a body by RIGATONI!”

Vitale is being inducted alongside a notable group that includes Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper, Rays legend Evan Longoria, longtime broadcaster Dave Mishkin, and several others who’ve helped shape Tampa’s vibrant sports scene.

I’m thrilled to be inducted tonight into the Tampa Sports Hall of FAME - My family is joining me for this special honor . *Sold Out - amazing - this makes 15 Hall of Fames- not bad for a guy that can’t RUN - SHOOT - or JUMP & has a body by RIGATONI! https://t.co/wqQFFu9ush
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) June 4, 2025

The event is hosted by the Sports Club of Tampa Bay, which plays a vital role in youth sports and the city’s professional sports landscape.

The plaques of this year’s inductees will be displayed at both Tropicana Field and the Ybor City Visitor’s Center.

Though best known nationally for his colorful catchphrases and decades of service with ESPN, Vitale has also been a tireless advocate for cancer research and a beloved figure across college basketball.

His battle with four different types of cancer in the past three and a half years hasn’t slowed him down—if anything, it’s only added to the reverence for his enduring passion and voice in the game.

Now, his hometown since the 1990's is giving him yet another standing ovation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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