[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 115 (Thursday, September 12, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S8570]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself and Mrs. Boxer):
  S. 2931. A bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal 
Service located at 5805 White Oak Avenue in Encino, California, as the 
``Francis Dayle `Chick' Hearn Post Office'', to the Committee on 
Government Affairs.
  Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today, along with Senator 
Boxer, to introduce legislation that would name a postal facility in 
Los Angeles, California after the great Los Angeles Laker's announcer, 
Francis Dayle ``Chick'' Hearn.
  Chick Hearn was born on November 27, 1916, in Buda, IL.
  His interest in broadcasting began when he worked for the Armed 
Forces Radio, while he was stationed in the Philippines during World 
War II.
  Soon after he was discharged, he began announcing Bradley University 
basketball games for a radio station in Peoria, IL.
  Mr. Hearn's desire to work in radio broadcasting soon led him to 
Southern California, where he worked for CBS radio announcing 
University of Southern California football games.
  Then, in 1961, Chick Hearn began announcing Lakers' game when the 
franchise moved from Minnesota to Los Angeles.
  His contributions to the game go far beyond giving the fans the play-
by-play. Mr. Hearn pioneered basketball phrases, such as ``airball'' 
and ``slam dunk'' and ``finger role'' which are now well known and 
often used by Americans who participate or have an interest in 
basketball.
  Perhaps the most distinguished characteristic of Chick Hearn's career 
is his extraordinary dedication to his work. Beginning on November 21, 
1965, Mr. Hearn announced a record 3,338 consecutive games for the Los 
Angeles Lakers.
  This streak ended on December 16, 2001, three days before Mr. Hearn 
underwent heart surgery. Until his death on August 5, 2002, Hearn had 
been the only play-by-play announcer the Los Angeles Lakers had ever 
had.
  During his distinguished career of more than 40 years with the Los 
Angeles Lakers, Mr. Hearn saw the Lakers capture nine NBA titles.
  He had the opportunity to watch the careers of basketball stars such 
as Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, 
and he spread his love of basketball to all who listened.
  He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame and the Sportcasters 
Hall of Fame.
  In honor of Chick Hearn's dedicated service, it is my pleasure to 
introduce legislation to name the post office at 5805 White Oak Avenue 
in Encino, CA.
  It is my hope that the Senate will approve this legislation, and 
honor the memory of Chick Hearn.
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