Al McCoy, a member of the Phoenix Suns Ring of Honor and the longtime legendary radio play-by-play announcer passed away at the age of 91 this weekend.
The longest tenured team broadcaster in NBA history, McCoy served 51 seasons as the voice of the Suns, calling his first game on September 27, 1972 and his final game on May 11, 2023.
His many contributions to basketball and sports broadcasting were recognized when he received the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007. The first play-by-play announcer inducted into the Arizona Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2004 and a 2009 inductee into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame, McCoy earned the team’s highest honor when he became the 15th person inducted into the Suns Ring of Honor in 2017.
In a statement the McCoy family said, “As a father, he taught us the value of respect, loyalty, hard work, and love – both on and off the court. His passion, dedication and kindness touched countless lives, and while he may be gone, the impact he made will be felt for generations to come.”
“From his first call in 1972 to his last in 2023, Al McCoy was there for every defining moment in our history,” said Suns owner Mat Ishbia. “He was the heartbeat of our organization, a cherished friend, a mentor to many and a legend whose voice brought countless unforgettable moments to life for generations of Suns fans. We are heartbroken by the passing of our beloved Al, the voice of the Phoenix Suns for over five decades. Our thoughts go out to Al’s family, friends and to our entire Suns community.”
Fellow Suns Ring of Honor Member Charles Barkley said, “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.”
McCoy is survived by his three sons and their wives along with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
