If you watched the game on TV or on social media, you would have to be pretty cold to not have a salty discharge from your tear ducts for Dick Vitale, who is currently battling cancer. Vitale had a melanoma removed earlier this year before he was diagnosed with lymphoma. He was cleared to return to the mic by the doctors after he was treated for cancer.
I have not watched college sports in almost two decades. Those who really care about them are even weirder. They are part of the group. Vitale has found a niche that made him famous and very rich, but it has always seemed genuine and from the heart. He loves the game and his excitement during a good game or talking about the tournament never felt forced. It was who he is.
Vitale was in favor of the players when the issue of whether they should be paid finally came to a head. When talking about a celebrity, you always worry about getting too far out over your skis, but Vitale has had his heart on his sleeve from the moment you first saw him. Maybe the phrases got annoying at times, maybe there were times when it felt like he was trying too hard. He made what he was doing better. His genuine enthusiasm was only five percent of what was forced.
You can see that he is appreciative of what he has and what he means to the fans and them when you watch this video. Even if he only gets this game, you can't help but be happy for him, to enjoy and appreciate what he's made his life about in a way few of us get to.
I might be biased. I sat behind him at Wrigley years and years ago when he took his family to the park because he wanted to enjoy the game. We were talking about the Preakness later that day. We both had Louis Quatorze win. Vitale was interested in talking to me. Even though he was with his grandsons, he was welcoming with anyone who stopped by to talk to him.
Vitale seems like a guy who still can't believe he's gotten so much from just doing what he'd be doing anyway, talking about basketball. He is happy to share his joy and surprise with anyone who wants to join him. If he doesn't share that joy, he might wake up from a dream.
Hope you get to do more at Dickie V. Sports.
