[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO CHICK HEARN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the late 
Chick Hearn, a man who served as the voice of the Los Angeles Lakers 
during the 42 years of his professional career as a sports broadcaster. 
His vibrant descriptions and ingenious perspective of the game 
transcended the sport as well as the art of broadcasting. Chick was not 
just the man behind the voice of the Lakers franchise but his career 
and accomplishments have also been devoted to his friends, family, and, 
more than anything else, his wife Marge.
  Chick Hearn, a resident of Encino, recently passed away at the age of 
85. However, his legacy will never be forgotten. During his career he 
set forth an astounding record that is unlikely to ever be touched. He 
established an amazing streak, from November 21, 1965, through December 
16, 2001, by completing 3,338 consecutive Laker broadcasts. Although he 
underwent heart surgery and suffered from a broken hip shortly 
following the streak, he bounced back and returned to the court with 
full spirits and energy in order to see his Laker team attain a third 
consecutive world championship. Hearn's longevity surpassed that of any 
other sports broadcaster. He managed to only miss two games throughout 
his career and never called in sick due to his overwhelming love for 
the game.
  Francis Dayle Hearn, a native of Aurora, Illinois born November 27, 
1916, attended Bradley University. It was there where he first earned 
the nickname ``Chick'' when, as a young basketball player, he opened up 
a box of sneakers and instead a chicken came out. Shortly thereafter, 
he married his high school sweetheart Marge. He once said, ``I don't 
know what I would have done without her.'' It was her overwhelming 
support and unconditional love for her husband of 57 years that 
contributed to his so many achievements.
  Chick Hearn received numerous awards during his tenure as the Lakers 
play by play man. He was a member of the American Sportscaster's Hall 
of fame and a recipient of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Fame's Curt 
Gowdy Media award. In 1965, he was presented an Emmy Award for 
Excellence in Basketball Coverage. Chick, a two time National 
Sportscaster of the Year, was not just notorious for his basketball 
insight but also for his work with the NCAA, NFL, UNLV basketball, PGA 
golf tournaments, and the first Ali-Frazier fight. Throughout his 
career he made several television appearances, and in 1986 he was 
commemorated with a star on Hollywood Boulevard's Walk of Fame.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the legendary Chick Hearn, 
the man who set the standard for NBA announcers. A true icon who will 
be missed dearly by his family, friends, colleagues, fans and the City 
of Los Angeles.

                          ____________________