American Sportscasters Association

The American Sportscasters Association (ASA) was founded in 1979 by broadcaster Dick London and associate attorney Harold Foner as a non-profit association to represent sportscasters by promoting and supporting the needs and interests of the professional sports broadcaster.

History

In 1980, Louis O. Schwartz was asked to revitalize the association by London and Foner and was named executive director. In 1983, a board of directors was established consisting of Jack Brickhouse, Don Dunphy, Dick Enberg, Curt Gowdy and Schwartz. Enberg was elected as chairman and Schwartz as president.

Halls of Fame

In 1984, Schwartz established the ASA Hall of Fame to honor those who have achieved excellence in the field of sports broadcasting. Inductees include:

• 1984 – Red Barber
• 1984 – Don Dunphy
• 1985 – Curt Gowdy
• 1984 – Ted Husing
• 1984 – Graham McNamee
• 1984 – Bill Stern
• 1985 – Mel Allen
• 1985 – Jack Brickhouse
• 1986 – Lindsey Nelson
• 1987 – Clem McCarthy
• 1987 – Jim McKay
• 1989 – Harry Caray
• 1990 – Jack Buck
• 1991 – Ernie Harwell
• 1992 – Vin Scully
• 1993 – Howard Cosell
• 1993 – Marty Glickman
• 1994 – Keith Jackson
• 1995 – Chick Hearn
• 1996 – Chris Schenkel
• 1997 – Pat Summerall
• 1997 – Jack Whitaker
• 1998 – Ray Scott

In 1987, the association established an International Hall of Fame. Its first inductee was Masao Hazama, one of Japan's first television sports broadcasters. Other inductees include BBC Sports boxing correspondent Harry Carpenter (1989) and Song Shixiong, sports commentator for China Central Television (CCTV) for over 30 years (1995).

Recognizing sportcasters and notable individuals

A "Sportscaster of the Year" award has also been given to top sportscasters, including Marv Albert, Chris Berman, Bob Costas, John Madden and Al Michaels.

The association has also recognized sports greats and other notable individuals who have had an impact on society and the world of sports, including Muhammad Ali, Arthur Ashe, Joe DiMaggio, Larry King, Henry Kissinger, LeRoy Neiman, and U.S. President Ronald Reagan

Events

It has had fourteen Hall of Fame dinners with over 500 attendees at each one.

Board of directors

As of 2016, its board of directors included Enberg, Jon Miller, Jim Nantz, Schwartz and Bill Walton.

External links

• americansportscastersonline.com, the association's official website