RIP: Al McCoy (1933-2024)

[Superbone]

Al needs a statue outside or inside the arena. The man was a legend.

Another great idea that needs to happen.

 

[somethingshesaid]

Another great idea that needs to happen.

Absolutely.

 

[somethingshesaid]

Does anyone know where Mr. McCoy resided at the time of his passing? Apparently, he used to be a longtime Glendale resident around 47th and Olive, a mile or so from my longtime home (until I left Arizona last March), and I never knew it until my mother pointed out (maybe five years ago) that McCoy was occasionally seen in the neighborhood stores (I think specificallythe 51st & Olive Safeway before it went out of business); but I have seen someone on another Suns site refer to McCoy's home in Holbrook. Holbrook? That was news to me if he lived in Holbrook. His retirement home?

 

[Chaplin]

He was my aunt and uncle’s neighbor in Glendale for some time. Don’t know when.

 

[Hoop Head]

Does anyone know where Mr. McCoy resided at the time of his passing? Apparently, he used to be a longtime Glendale resident around 47th and Olive, a mile or so from my longtime home (until I left Arizona last March), and I never knew it until my mother pointed out (maybe five years ago) that McCoy was occasionally seen in the neighborhood stores (I think specificallythe 51st & Olive Safeway before it went out of business); but I have seen someone on another Suns site refer to McCoy's home in Holbrook. Holbrook? That was news to me if he lived in Holbrook. His retirement home?

I think you're confusing Al and Coach Budenholzer a little bit. Coach Bud grew.up in Holbrook, and that point has been a talking point all off-season.

 

[Phrazbit]

Does anyone know where Mr. McCoy resided at the time of his passing? Apparently, he used to be a longtime Glendale resident around 47th and Olive, a mile or so from my longtime home (until I left Arizona last March), and I never knew it until my mother pointed out (maybe five years ago) that McCoy was occasionally seen in the neighborhood stores (I think specificallythe 51st & Olive Safeway before it went out of business); but I have seen someone on another Suns site refer to McCoy's home in Holbrook. Holbrook? That was news to me if he lived in Holbrook. His retirement home?

No clue about a home in Holbrook, but I saw him several times at a BBQ place, Dillon's, they had 3 or 4 locations. I suspect he lived somewhere around North Central Phoenix because this particular Dillon's was around Central and Dunlap, and it seems like I saw him there every other time I went, must have been his lunch spot. That location closed in 2016 or so, too bad, their food was awesome and their other locations are quite a drive from where I live.

Anyway, I only approached him the first time I saw him there, just a quick "Hi, you're great, I miss the simulcast, go Suns", he was very friendly, the times I saw him after that I'd give him a nod or a wave, he'd reciprocate. Came off as the same guy we all listened to for years.

 

[leclerc]

His voice was a part of my childhood. Hope you have a nice time in heaven, Al. RIP.

 

[Mainstreet]

This looks to be what the Suns will wear on their jersey in honor of Al McCoy.

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[Ronin]

Jerry Colangelo: Al McCoy is the Phoenix Suns' MVP

Jerry Colangelo called late play-by-play icon Al McCoy the Phoenix Suns' all-time MVP for his 51 years telling their story.

arizonasports.com

 

[Ronin]

Al McCoy called Charles Barkley, Devin Booker before he died

Charles Barkley revealed on Bickley & Marotta that Phoenix Suns legend Al McCoy wanted to call him and Devin Booker before he died.

arizonasports.com

 

[Pda4976]

Al McCoy called Charles Barkley, Devin Booker before he died

Charles Barkley revealed on Bickley & Marotta that Phoenix Suns legend Al McCoy wanted to call him and Devin Booker before he died.

arizonasports.com

He was like a father figure for an 18 yo Book. Is it dusty in here?

 

[BirdGangThing]

Al McCoy called Charles Barkley, Devin Booker before he died

Charles Barkley revealed on Bickley & Marotta that Phoenix Suns legend Al McCoy wanted to call him and Devin Booker before he died.

arizonasports.com

geez gotta put a warning label on that article lol im at work just sobbing

 

[Mainstreet]

I don't want to think of Al McCoy being gone. It's called denial, I guess.

 

[Superbone]

I don't want to think of Al McCoy being gone. It's called denial, I guess.

He will live on forever in our minds. I can hear him now, "Shazam!"

 

[Hoop Head]

He will live on forever in our minds. I can hear him now, "Shazam!"

It's so weird because days before we all learned Al was in bad shape and nearing the end when someone here replied to someone with the comment "Oh brother" and I mentioned how I instinctually read it in Al's voice. I recall him making that same call a lot after an Amare or Marion dunk or a circus layup by Nash. So many little phrases I'll always associate with Al. Of course he said those things for years and we all heard them for decades, he called games for almost half a century. Even when Eddie or the KRay make calls now I'll hear Al's voice still. You can definitely hear the influence he had on them.

I'm rambling trying to compose myself some after that article/Chuck story. Glad Al was able to reach who he wanted. I think it says something also about how much they respect Al to not speak on it before. Chuck is an open book when he's interviewed and I can see that story coming up organically in discussing Al's legacy. I respect Booker even more for not saying anything though. It shows his humility, respect, and their relationship to keep that quiet.

It sucks we lost Al but I'm grateful we had him for as long as we did and it sounds like he had come to terms with things and it wasn't unexpected for him at the end. That's the best ending you could hope for and he deserved it.