• Slug: Sports-Suns McCoy, 790 words
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By CHRISTOPHER WHITCOMB
Cronkite News

PHOENIX — The Valley’s NBA team is known for its orange and purple colors, the Suns Gorilla mascot, Hall of Fame players such as Connie Hawkins, Charles Barkley and Steve Nash.

And Al McCoy’s voice.

McCoy, who came to Arizona to call Triple-A baseball games, found a home broadcasting Phoenix Suns games and has been behind the mic since the 1972-1973 season.

He has broadcast baseball, hockey, Arizona State sports and roller derby. He served as a ring announcer for boxing events and pro wrestling cards.

But McCoy became synonymous with Suns basketball because of his connection with fans, energetic personality and unique catchphrases such as “Shazam!” or “zing goes the string” on made shots and “Oh, brother!” or “Heartbreak Hotel!” on a miss.

On March 3, McCoy will be honored for his place in the franchise’s history when he is inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at Talking Stick Resort Arena during a game between the Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder. He is the 15th person to be inducted.

Continue reading “Shazam! Suns’ Al McCoy is headed to the team’s Ring of Honor”