Al McCoy, beloved Suns radio announcer, passes away at 91

Al McCoy, the beloved voice of the Phoenix Suns for over fifty years, has passed away at the age of 91. The team announced his death on Saturday, alongside a heartfelt statement from his family. While details regarding the cause of death have not been made public, McCoy’s legacy as a sports broadcaster is undeniable.

McCoy holds the record for the longest tenure as a team broadcaster in NBA history, having called Suns games for an incredible 51 seasons. His journey began with his first game on September 27, 1972, and he continued to bring games to life until his final broadcast on May 11, 2023. Throughout his long career, he witnessed and narrated the Suns’ appearances in the NBA Finals during 1976, 1993, and 2021, sharing those momentous occasions with fans far and wide.

The loss of McCoy resonates deeply within the Suns organization. Former Suns star Charles Barkley expressed his sorrow in a statement, highlighting how McCoy embodied the essence of Phoenix and the love for basketball that connects the community. Barkley stated, “This is a sad day for the Suns and the Suns family. Al McCoy represented everything that is great about Phoenix, the Phoenix Suns, and people who love basketball. I was blessed and honored to work with Al, and I’m gonna miss him.”

Throughout his illustrious career, McCoy received numerous accolades, including a place in the franchise’s Ring of Honor. He was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, and in 2007, he was honored with the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, further solidifying his impact on the sport.

Born in 1933 in Williams, Iowa, McCoy began his broadcasting career in 1951 as a freshman at Drake University, landing his first radio job in Webster City, Iowa. He moved to Arizona in 1956 to become the play-by-play announcer for the Triple-A Phoenix Giants baseball team. This move marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him become the defining voice for the Suns over decades.

Known for his colorful catchphrases including “Shazam,” “Zing Go the Strings,” and “Heartbreak Hotel,” McCoy became a fixture in the lives of Suns fans. His signature style and enthusiasm illuminated countless games, drawing in audiences and building a fanbase that cherished every moment he broadcasted.

Suns star Devin Booker shared his thoughts, reflecting on the privilege of having McCoy narrate the early years of his career. He noted that McCoy’s induction into the Ring of Honor during Booker’s second season helped him realize just how special McCoy was as a broadcaster and as a person. Booker expressed gratitude, saying, “We will miss Al, and I am so glad our legacies in Phoenix are forever connected.”

McCoy’s contribution to sports broadcasting and the impact he had on the Phoenix Suns community cannot be overstated. His voice not only narrated games but also encapsulated the spirit of basketball in Phoenix, creating connections between fans and their beloved team.

As memories of McCoy continue to inspire, many in the basketball community are left reflecting on the joy and passion he brought with every call he made. His presence will be profoundly missed, yet his legacy will endure in the hearts of many basketball enthusiasts.