Jack
Whitaker is a brilliant sports essayist. He has
taken sports commentary on television to a new
level rivaled by only a few of the greatest
sportscasters. He has the uncanny ability to see
and interpret events, give them context and
perspective and deliver his impressions in a way
that leaves a lasting impact upon
viewers.
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Whitaker
began his professional broadcasting career in 1947
on a Philadelphia-area radio station. He then
joined WCAU in 1950 as a sportscaster and served as
a play-by play announcer for both the Philadelphia
Eagles and the New York Giants. From 1961-1981, he
worked for CBS Sports where he hosted the anthology
series "Sports Spectacular" before joining ABC in
1982. At ABC, Whitaker served as a reporter for
both news and sports divisions. He was a part of
ABC's sports team at the 1988 Winter Olympic Games
and the 1984 Winter and Summer Olympic Games. He
has also reported sports for ABC's "World News
Tonight", "ABC News Nightline", and
"20/20".
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Whitaker has covered all three thoroughbred racing's Triple
Crown Events, golf's four major championships, and
everything from the Super Bowl, to the U.S. Open, to
heavyweight championship fights. He also has announced NASL
soccer, AAU track and field championships and major league
baseball.
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Whitaker won an
Emmy Award for "Outstanding Sports Personality" in 1979 and
received the Maryland Jockey Club's 1983 Hilltop Award for
"outstanding coverage of thoroughbred racing for over 20
years". He was named "Best Announcer" by Sports Illustrated
in 1976 and received the Kentucky Owners and Breeders, Inc.
Engelhard Award in 1973. Whitaker was also honored by his
alma mater, St. Joseph's University in his native
Philadelphia. He has received honorary Doctor of Arts and
Doctor of Humanities Degrees from St. Joseph's and Scranton
University, respectively.
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