New York - February 13, 1998 -- Louis O. Schwartz, president and founder of the American Sportscasters Association (ASA), and Dick Enberg, Chairman of the Board of ASA, announced today that the official opening of the ASA Hall of Fame will be on February 26, 1998, as part of and in conjunction with the MCI National Sports Gallery, in Washington, D.C.

"A Nation of Sports Lovers," the gallery's introductory exhibit, will blend in dimensional graphis, vintage film footage and historic artifacts with sound bites featuring the ASA sportscasters which will immerse visitors into the world of American sports. The ASA Hall of Fame will feature a Sportscaster Timeline, Hall of Fame Inductee Exhibit with memorabilia, a Fantasy Play-by-Play Booth and other interactive presentations.

"With the official opening of the ASA Hall of Fame, my main thrust and dream of obtaining a permanent home for the ASA Hall of Fame inductees has been realized," Schwartz said. "Our goal is to preserve the history and memorabilia of sportscasting and sportscasters for generations to come."

Dick Enberg stated, "The ASA Hall of Fame was established to honor those sportscasters who have achieved excellence in the field of sportscasting. Since 1984, annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies have been held to recognize the abilities of the world's top sportscasters. Their accomplisments will be recognized and perpetuated in the ASA Hall of Fame."

The ASA Hall of Fame inductees are: Mel Allen, Red Barber, Jack Brickhouse, Jack Buck, Harry Caray, Howard Cosell, Don Dunphy, Marty Glickman, Curt Gowdy, Ernie Harwell, Chick Hearn, Ted Husing, Keith Jackson, Clem McCarthy, Jim McKay, Graham McNamee, Lindsey Nelson, Chris Schenkel and Vin Scully and Bill Stern.