Al Albert

Al Albert is a sportscaster who formerly called games for the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers.

Biography

Al Albert was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He later attended college at Ohio University where he was a goalie for the varsity hockey and lacrosse teams. When Albert graduated college he was invited to the New York Rangers training camp. He proceeded to play one season for the International League's Toledo Blades.

The following season he proceeded on his broadcasting career. He started with the Nuggets and Golden State Warriors where he was the play-by-play announcer for 18 years, perfecting his signature open jump-shot call, "He stops...pops...SWISH!" During this time he called the "NBA Game of the Week" for USA Network and served as an anchor for WNBC. He also spent a short time covering games for the New Jersey Nets.

Albert has done boxing as well, by working as the blow-by-blow announcer for "Tuesday Night Fights". In 1995, he won the Sam Taub Award for excellence in boxing broadcasting journalism. [ [http://www.ibhof.com/ibhfbwaa.htm Internantional Boxing Hall of Fame / BWAA Awards ] ]

He has additionally gained experience covering hockey by doing play-by-play man for the NHL "Game of the Week" and calling New York Islanders games. Al has also taken on roles as a Major League Baseball and NCAA announcer.

Years with the Pacers

In 1999, Albert was hired to do play-by-play announcing for the Pacers replacing longtime commentator Jerry Baker. He did all of the Pacer games for FSN where he teamed with Clark Kellogg and Quinn Buckner.

Over the years he has witnessed and called the Pacers run to the finals in 2000 as well as some of Reggie Miller's heroic shots and his final game in a Pacer Uniform. He was also present during the infamous Malice At The Palace as he was at the scorer's table calling the game.

On August 23, 2006, Albert announced he was leaving the Pacers to pursue other opportunities. [http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060823/SPORTS04/608230456] His play-by-play duties were taken over by Chris Denari.

Personal

He hails from a family of broadcasters, as his brothers Marv and Steve Albert as well as his nephew Kenny are also well known play-by-play commentators.

References

External links

* [http://www.nba.com/pacers/media/al_albert_bio.html PACERS: Al Albert]