"The
American Sportscasters Association's
Hall of Fame is very
fortunate.
Each year a new star joins the ranks.
This year it is Jack
Whitaker.
He adds so much luster. We welcome you, Jack."
|
-Don
Dunphy |
|
Jack Whitaker
is a brilliant sports essayist. He has taken sports commentary on television
to a new level rivaled by only a few of the greatest sportscasters. He
has the uncanny ability to see and interpret events, give them context
and perspective and deliver his impressions in a way that leaves a lasting
impact upon viewers.
Whitaker began his professional
broadcasting career in 1947 on a Philadelphia-area radio station. He then
joined WCAU in 1950 as a sportscaster and served as a play-by play announcer
for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants. From 1961-1981,
he worked for CBS Sports where he hosted the anthology series "Sports
Spectacular" before joining ABC in 1982. At ABC, Whitaker served
as a reporter for both news and sports divisions. He was a part of ABC's
sports team at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games and the 1984 Winter and Summer
Olympic Games. He has also reported sports for ABC's "World News
Tonight", "ABC News Nightline", and "20/20".
Whitaker has covered
all three thoroughbred racing's Triple Crown Events, golf's four major
championships, and everything from the Super Bowl, to the U.S. Open, to
heavyweight championship fights. He also has announced NASL soccer, AAU
track and field championships and major league baseball.
Whitaker won an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Sports Personality"
in 1979 and received the Maryland Jockey Club's 1983 Hilltop Award for
"outstanding coverage of thoroughbred racing for over 20 years".
He was named "Best Announcer" by Sports Illustrated in 1976
and received the Kentucky Owners and Breeders, Inc. Engelhard Award in
1973. Whitaker was also honored by his alma mater, St. Joseph's University
in his native Philadelphia. He has received honorary Doctor of Arts and
Doctor of Humanities Degrees from St. Joseph's and Scranton University,
respectively.
|
