LOS ANGELES – The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today, at NBA All-Star Weekend, that the “Voice of the Clippers,” Ralph Lawler, alongside longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein, is a 2019 Curt Gowdy Media Award recipient. Lawler will be acknowledged for his contributions to basketball media during the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement events Sept. 5-7 in Springfield, Massachusetts – the birthplace of basketball.
“I can hardly believe this is happening. Never in my wildest dreams did I dare to imagine that my career would culminate with this ultimate honor,” said Lawler. “My wife and I are thrilled and humbled to be joining the elite group that preceded me with the Curt Gowdy Award. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a reality.”
The Curt Gowdy Media Award is named in honor of the late Curt Gowdy, a legendary sports broadcaster and former Hall of Fame Board member and President. This prestigious award is presented annually to members of the electronic and print media whose longtime efforts have made a significant contribution to the game of basketball.
“As we celebrate Ralph’s final season calling Clippers games, it is only fitting that we also get to celebrate him as a recipient of the Curt Gowdy Media Award,” said Clippers Chairman Steve Ballmer. “He has always been a Hall of Famer in my book, and this honor is beyond well-deserved. Clipper Nation calls him the ‘Voice of the Clippers,’ but Ralph is so much more than that; he is our heart and soul. Congratulations Ralph!”
“It is a very well-earned honor for Ralph to receive this award; he has always been a Hall of Famer to Clippers fans,’” said Clippers Head Coach Doc Rivers. “Ralph has been a pioneer in his field, and we have been fortunate to hear him for 40 years. His love for the game and this team are on display every night. Congratulations Ralph on this very well-deserved award.”
Lawler is in his 40th season broadcasting Clippers games and has kept fans tuned-in for more than 3,140 broadcasts with his off-the-cuff style. He currently does Clippers telecasts for Prime Ticket and Fox Sports San Diego and has announced that he will retire at the end of this season. Lawler is well known for his “Lawler-ism” catchphrases that have become a fixture in Clippers broadcasts and across the NBA, and fans tune in to hear “Bingo!,” “Oh Me, Oh My” and “Lawler’s Law.” The impact that Lawler has had on the Clippers organization and the broadcasting community across his four decades with the team is immeasurable.
Over the course of his 40 seasons, Lawler has also been awarded with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, three Emmys, a Telly Award and inductions into the Southern California Sports Broadcasters (SCSB) Hall of Fame (2006) and the California Sports Hall of Fame, and this season has been honored with the Television Play-by-Play Award by the SCSB and the California Sportscaster of the Year honor by the National Sports Media Association. A native of Peoria, Illinois, Lawler has distinguished himself as one of the broadcasting industry’s elite, as he is one of a very few announcers who has called games in each of the four major U.S. Sports Leagues: NFL (Chargers), MLB (Phillies), NHL (Flyers) and NBA (Clippers and 76ers).
The Clippers will conclude the regular season by hosting Ralph Lawler Night at Staples Center on Wednesday, April 10 at 7:30 p.m. The first 10,000 fans at the game will receive Ralph Lawler bobbleheads, presented by CarMax, and the evening will feature special guests, ceremonies and a celebration of Lawler’s career. Fans can visit the Instagram page honoring Lawler (@Ralph) to reflect on his storied career and share their favorite Lawler memories. Additional Lawler facts, photos, quotes and more can be found HERE.
About the L.A. Clippers
Led by Chairman Steve Ballmer, the L.A. Clippers in 2018-19 are competing in the franchise’s 49th season and 35th in Los Angeles. They recently extended a franchise record, completing their seventh consecutive winning season in 2017-18. The team has logged the NBA’s 5th-best record over the course of head coach Doc Rivers’ five-year tenure. The Clippers are committed to the city of Los Angeles and through the L.A. Clippers Foundation, provide resources and opportunities that make a positive difference toward leveling the playing field for youth in Southern California. Visit the Clippers online at www.clippers.com or follow them on social media @LAClippers.