Tribute To Chick Hearn

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Chick Hearn, a man who served as the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 42 years of his professional career as a sports broadcaster. His vibrant descriptions and ingenious perspective of the game transcended the sport as well as the art of broadcasting. Chick was not just the man behind the voice of the Lakers franchise but his career and accomplishments have also been devoted to his friends, family, and, more than anything else, his wife Marge.

Chick Hearn, a resident of Encino, recently passed away at the age of 85. However, his legacy will never be forgotten. During his career he set forth an astounding record that is unlikely to ever be touched. He established an amazing streak, from November 21, 1965, through December 16, 2001, by completing 3,338 consecutive Laker broadcasts. Although he underwent heart surgery and suffered from a broken hip shortly following the streak, he bounced back and returned to the court with full spirits and energy in order to see his Laker team attain a third consecutive world championship. Hearn's longevity surpassed that of any other sports broadcaster. He managed to only miss two games throughout his career and never called in sick due to his overwhelming love for the game.

Francis Dayle Hearn, a native of Aurora, Illinois born November 27, 1916, attended Bradley University. It was there where he first earned the nickname ``Chick'' when, as a young basketball player, he opened up a box of sneakers and instead a chicken came out. Shortly thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart Marge. He once said, ''I don't know what I would have done without her.'' It was her overwhelming support and unconditional love for her husband of 57 years that contributed to his so many achievements.

Chick Hearn received numerous awards during his tenure as the Lakers play by play man. He was a member of the American Sportscaster's Hall of fame and a recipient of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Fame's Curt Gowdy Media award. In 1965, he was presented an Emmy Award for Excellence in Basketball Coverage. Chick, a two time National Sportscaster of the Year, was not just notorious for his basketball insight but also for his work with the NCAA, NFL, UNLV basketball, PGA golf tournaments, and the first Ali-Frazier fight. Throughout his career he made several television appearances, and in 1986 he was commemorated with a star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame.

Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the legendary Chick Hearn, the man who set the standard for NBA announcers. A true icon who will be missed dearly by his family, friends, colleagues, fans and the City of Los Angeles.