Legendary Suns announcer Al McCoy explains where ‘Shazam’ originated

It’s one of the sweetest sounds a Phoenix Suns fan can hear. Whether it’s Steve Nash, Dan Majerle, Rex Chapman, or Danny Ainge, life is always better after an enthusiastic “Shazam” from announcer Al McCoy following a Phoenix Suns three-pointer. Recently the long-time voice of the Suns explained the origins of his famous catchphrase, which dates back to his childhood as a comic book fan in Iowa.

“The one I liked was Captain Marvel. He was kind of like a Superman going after all the bad guys, and a young radio reporter named Billy Batson became Captain Marvel when he said, ‘Shazam!’”

“I looked at that as kind of a home run in baseball. And most baseball broadcasters have a home-run call,” McCoy said. “So I thought, ‘What can I use that might be kind of the same thing?’”

“When Captain Marvel said ‘Shazam,’ lightning and thunder and all this excitement happened. Well where did ‘Shazam’ come from? Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury.”

Here’s hoping that we’ll hear plenty of ‘Shazams’ in the 2016-17 season. McCoy kicks off his 44th season behind the microphone when the Suns meet the Sacramento Kings October 26th at Talking Stick Resort Arena.