Jack Whitaker 1995 Inductee

      Well known for his eloquence, Jack Whitaker has garnered many awards and accolades during his lengthy career as a sportscaster. Among them are two Emmys in 1977 and 1991, the Kentucky Owner's and Breeders Award and the Jockey Club's Hilltop Award for excellence in thoroughbred racing coverage, acknowledgement as Best Announcer by Sports Illustrated, and the distinction of being the first commentator honored by the Golf Writers Association of America.
       Jack Whitaker began his broadcast career on radio in 1947 in his hometown of Philadelphia, and then became one of television's very first sportscasters in 1950. He enjoyed a lengthy tenure at CBS Sports from 1961 until 1982, when he made the jump to ABC and launched another chapter in his personal broadcast history. Whitaker racked up credit after credit, serving as a member of the network's Olympic reporting team in 1984 and 1988, and reporting sports for "World News Tonight," "Nightline" and 20/20".
       The exceptionally popular and versatile sportscaster has covered everything from Superbowl and the U.S. Open Tennis Championship, to golfs major tournaments and soldout heavyweight competitions. His secret formula for on-air excellence is combining emotion and results with history and spontaneity. Whitaker had also been the voice of the New York Marathon, all three Triple Crown events, NASL soccer, AAU track and field events, and major league baseball! Recently, retired from ABC Sports, but still prolific, Jack has been writing for Links Magazine from his homes in Long Island and Southern California which he shares with his wife, Nancy.

Page updated January 1, 2004   page created April 14, 2001