Legendary Phoenix Suns commentator Al McCoy leaves behind an understated legacy

For more than 50 years, the Phoenix Suns sounded like Al McCoy.

And Al McCoy sounded like the Phoenix Suns. “Shazam!” “Zing go the strings!” McCoy, the team's legendary live commentator, was so deeply rooted in the team and its history – as well as its present; he stuck with it even after his retirement – that it still feels a little odd to think of one without the other.

The Suns announced McCoy's death on Saturday, Sept. 21. He retired as the voice of the Suns in 2023, after 51 years behind the microphone, the longest tenure of any announcer. It's a cliche to say things like, “There'll never be another like him.” So what.

There will never be another like him.

Long-standing legend:Al McCoy has been commentating on the Phoenix Suns games since 1972

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McCoy never missed the game

That can't really happen. That's not how elite sport works anymore. New, hip, confident, self-referential, self, self, self. That's what sells today. And “now” is important. Owners want the latest and greatest, whether it's in stadiums and arenas or uniforms or logos. A black jersey could sell even if the team's colors aren't black? Go for it. Tradition and loyalty aren't as important as short-term headlines and profits.