by John M. Curtis
(310) 204-8700

Copyright August 6, 2002
All Rights Reserved.

eaving his mark on the NBA, Francis Dayle "Chick" Hearn [1916-2002], famed announcer of the Los Angeles Lakers, finished his earthly work, after sustaining a fatal fall at his home in Encino, Calif. on Aug. 2. Chick never regained consciousness but his unique gift for language opened the minds of basketball fans lucky enough to catch his broadcasts. A man of humble beginnings, Chick had an uncommon bond with fans from Beverly Hills to East LA. Though eminently successful, his approachable style made him a great mass communicator. His fatherly—yet spunky— personality earned him unqualified respect of fans from all walks of life. To players, he was a great support, celebrating the American Dream of recognizing talent only in its purest form. He respected ability and high achievement—not excuses about disadvantaged status or walks of life. To Chick, the playing field was leveled by hard work and determination.

      Battling back from heart valve and hip replacement surgery to announce the Lakers stunning three-peat in June, the 85-year-old legend ended a brilliant career, begun with the Lakers in 1961. Since 1965, Chick broadcasted 3,338 consecutive games, until disabled by medical problems in late 2001. His boyish spunk, acerbic wit and trademark lightening reporting, remained consistent, despite occasional lapses in recent years. "He was a perfectionist," said his broadcast partner Stu Lantz, reflecting on Chick's phenomenal talent at painting his "words eye view." Like others of his generation, Chick's uncanny ability to paint word pictures was second to none. With little imagination, you could "see" the games on the radio. His infectious enthusiasm helped transform a second rate game into a primetime sport, capable of competing with Major League Baseball and Professional Football. "What Chick has meant to the Lakers and the popularity of NBA basketball in Los Angeles can never be overestimated," said Laker owner Jerry Buss, expressing gratitude for Chick's hand in the Lakers' success.

      Chick's broadcast talents were second to none, only exceeded by his purist interest in the sport, not just his role of promoting Laker basketball. Fans counted on Chick to tell it like it was, not simply-rubber stamping upper management. Often a critic of both players and the front office, he earned his credibility speaking his mind and reporting factually. Not prone toward political correctness, he boldly expressed his opinions with unabashed honesty, getting the respect of fans, journalists and Laker ownership. Chick showed a superb talent for interviewing players, transforming ordinary athletes into bigger than life personalities. His many pre-game, half-time and post-game interviews, made players household words, developed their off-court images, hyped their media status and secured lucrative deals for otherwise mortal athletes. Chick's classy approach to basketball helped elevate athletes and the game to legendary status.

      Unlike other superbly talented sports announcers, Chick's man-in-the-street approach and, at times, slightly irreverent tone, made him a fan favorite. No one chided—or praised—his team with more equanimity than Chick. Part of what veteran NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw called "the greatest generation," Chick embodied a tireless work ethic, drive for perfection and rock solid professionalism, sadly missing in today's generation. "His personality, character, and professionalism will be greatly missed . . . " said Vin Scully, the legendary octogenerian announcer of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Missing from Chick's impressive credentials were arrogance, conceit and selfishness too often found in celebrities and sports figures. Distinguishing himself from the pack, he invented a rich toolbox filled with catchy phrases and one-liners. Known as "Chickisms," like "slam dunk" or "it's in the refrigerator . . ." his freshly minted expressions found their way into popular culture.

      Chick never forgot his Midwestern roots, born in the small town of Buda, Ill., eventually moving to Aura, near Chicago, where he met his wife of 64 years, Marge, and played basketball at Aura High. Family hardships pushed college out of reach. After a brief stint playing AAU basketball where he was nicknamed "Chick," he served in the Philippines during World War II, getting his first broadcast experience on U.S. Armed Forces Radio Network. Chick clutched his first microphone and never let go, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 1951, working for CBS radio calling USC football games. He debuted in March 1961, calling his first playoff game in St. Louis at the invitation of then Laker owner Bob Short. Call after call, game after game, Chick assured his eventual place in Basketball's Hall of Fame. But, despite all the accolades, kudos and celebrity, Chick never forgot his pedestrian roots, improving his talents one game at a time. Like another Midwestern native, Ronald Reagan, Chick developed uncanny communication skills—and an unquenchable thirst for success.

      Chick's extraordinary humanness far exceeded his technical skills at calling fast-paced basketball games. Inventing flowery expressions also doesn't get to the heart of his immense talent at transcending racial and economic barriers, treating his adoring audience with utmost respect. Players and fans alike can't help marvel at how this "color blind" saint measured all people by their God-given abilities, showing unquestioned tolerance at a time of great social upheaval. Few public figures lived and acted with more class and professionalism, elevating his sport to primetime status. Laker fans will miss his knowledge, wisdom, common sense and self-deprecating sense of humor. Though Chick rarely discussed the pain of losing his two children, he generously became a loving father figure to many people. "You made us all stars . . ." said former Laker star and Clipper general manager Elgin Baylor, acknowledging Chick was the best promoter the game has ever seen. Judging by the outpouring of love, he not only left his mark on the NBA, he touched a lot of lives.

About the Author

John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He's a consultant and expert in strategic communication. He's author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.

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