Tait, along with former Boston Globe NBA writer Jackie MacMullan, have been selected to receive the 2010 Curt Gowdy Media Award. The enshrinement will be Aug. 12 and 13 in Springfield, Mass.

Tait has been the Cavs’ popular radio play-by-play broadcaster for 38 years.

“It means I’ve been employed for a long time, and I’m very thankful of that,” he said.

He has many fond memories.

“I can remember the team playing the first couple of years with no one in attendance,” he said. “I can remember when I thought for sure Ted Stepien would destroy the franchise.

“We’ve had some great times: The Miracle of Richfield years, those teams with Brad Daugherty, Larry Nance and Mark Price. They were outstanding people, as well as good players. We’ve been knocking down the doors to a championship the last few years.”

Tait, 72, said he didn’t know if the Hall of Fame would want a presenter. If it does, he said he’d love to have Bill Fitch, the Cavs’ first coach.

“I’m not sure he can make the trip with his physical condition,” Tait said. “I’d love to have him do it.”

Tait is not real comfortable being in front of the cameras.

“It’s a little superfluous,” he said. “You guys might have to look that one up.”

Tait has been married to wife, Jean, and has lived in Medina County for 22 years. He said he’d turn 73 and celebrate his anniversary next Saturday.

Tait said he wants to continue his play-by-play job one more year after this.

“I’m gong to retire at the end of next year if I can physically last another year,” he said.

He said only one thing kept him doing it over the years.

“The need for money,” he said.

MacMullan is a highly respected pro basketball reporter who worked for The Boston Globe for three decades and recently collaborated on a best-selling book with Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Magic Johnson. She’s the first female reporter to receive the honor in its 21-year history.

“The Gowdy Media Award is an honor that is proudly presented by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in honor and memory of the late Curt Gowdy, one of the pioneers of sports media and a former Hall of Fame president,” said John L. Doleva, Hall of Fame president and CEO. “Joe Tait and Jackie MacMullan excelled by sharing their unique and informative insights on our sport while they entertained millions of loyal listeners and readers. The Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to recognize Joe’s longtime dedication to the game, and we are thrilled to honor Jackie for her many contributions as a writer and as the first female reporter to receive a Curt Gowdy Award.”