Al McCoy

When Al McCoy first hit the air on September 27, 1972, Valley fans had something special. From "Shazam" to "zing go the strings" to "heartbreak hotel," McCoy has cultivated an unparalleled style.

He celebrates his 31st season with the Suns in 2002-03, and will call play-by-play action on KTAR Radio and UPN45. McCoy's term with the Suns is the second longest with one team among current NBA broadcasters, trailing only Chick Hearn, who has been with the Lakers since 1965. He was recently honored with a Silver Circle Award from the Arizona chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Museum of Broadcasting.

McCoy's broadcasting career began in 1951 at KJFJ Radio in Webster City, IA. In 1958, he arrived in Arizona to do play-by-play for the Triple-A Phoenix Giants baseball club. He has also covered Phoenix Roadrunners hockey, Arizona State football and basketball and filled in as a back-up for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

A native of Williams, IA, McCoy received his degree in drama-speech from Drake University and performed graduate work at the University of Iowa. In 1994, McCoy received Drake's Alumni Achievement Award.

He and wife Georgia, a Valley artist, have three sons: Mike, and twins Jay and Jerry. A culinary critic, he is the club's expert on gourmet restaurants around the league. McCoy is an accomplished jazz pianist as well.