Birthdate: May 15, 1937
Birthplace: Evanston, IL
High School: West Aurora, IL
College: Monmouth College (Illinois, 1959)
Died: March 10, 2021
Year Inducted: 2009

Many players have worn the Cleveland uniform since the Cavaliers entered the National Basketball Association in 1970, but few have made a bigger impression on the fans than Joe Tait — the radio announcer for more than 3,000 games in those 38 years. While players have come and gone, Tait has remained the face of the Cavaliers. He established his worth beyond a doubt in the first season when the Cavaliers had a 15-67 record, but the fans continued to listen to the games because they loved Tait’s commentary. Over 36 seasons (he left Cleveland in 1981 and 1982) Tait has built a huge following by painting vivid word pictures. “Wham, with the right hand!” he said when someone made a slam dunk. Cavalier fans got excited every time they heard Tait’s opening line: “It’s basketball time at Quicken Loans Arena!” Joe Tait retired from broadcasting at the end of the 2010-2011 season.