1997 – Francis Dayle “Chick” Hearn

Born Francis Dayle Hearn, in Aurora, Illinois, legendary Lakers announcer Chick Hearn broadcast a record 3,338 consecutive games during his 42 year career. His streak of consecutive games began in 1965 and only ended when he needed surgery in 2001. Hearn Joined the Lakers in 1961 when the franchise moved from Minneapolis to Los Angeles, and continued in his roll as the team’s play-by-play announcer until his death in 2002. While behind the microphone, Hearn made expression like “Slam Dunk” and “Air Ball” common basketball terminology. He was also known for saying “You can put this one in the refrigerator. The door’s closed, the lights out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard and the Jell-O is jiggling” when he believed a Lakers victory was clinched. During his outstanding career Hearn received many honors including being named California Sportscaster of the Year nine times, receiving the Cable Ace Award for play-by-play, and winning a Golden Mike Award. He also has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In recognition of his outstanding career as a sportscaster, Hearn was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame on April 28, 1997.