Also known as "Dickie V", he is well known as a college basketball broadcaster. He is known for catchphrases such as "baby" and "diaper dandy" (outstanding freshman player), as well as enthusiastic and colorful remarks he makes during games, and has authored numerous books and appeared in several movies.

On September 5, 2008 Vitale was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a contributor to the sport, On August 18, 2012, he was inducted into the Little League Museum Hall of Excellence.

In 2011 the University of Detroit named their basketball court in his honor. He was close friends with Jim Valvano, also known as "Jimmy V", and has continued to spearhead fundraising activities for the V Foundation for Cancer Research in his honor.