Multiple reports have Larry Munson possibly retiring prior to the kickoff of the 2007 season. Munson is stating health problems as the reason. Well yeah. The guy is 84 years old! It's absolutely amazing that he has kept on this long. My grandfather is the same age, and the thought him broadcasting a game is down right comical.
I've got mixed feelings about Munson leaving. Part of me thinks it's good because he gets stuff wrong. For instance, when I was in school he once referred to LaBrone Mitchell as Juan Daniels. The other part of me knows that Munson still has at least a few legendary calls left in him. The Massaquoi call from Tech this year still gives me chills.
My feelings aside, the question now is who replaces Larry if he does indeed retire? Here are the possibilities I've heard of in no particular order.
Scott Howard is currently in the booth with Larry for color commentary. I'm surprised he isn't more of a favorite to replace Munson than he is. His humor is a little dry, but I really love listening to him and Dantzler for basketball games.
Jeff Dantzler would have been my number one choice about five years ago. But, after the red pantie incident, he doesn't stand a chance.
Loren Smith is...just kidding.
Jeff Hullinger was the local sports anchor on WAGA for years. He also called the Falcons games prior to being replaced by that guy that calls the Tech games. Hullinger is currently a news anchor for WSB radio in Atlanta.
Out of those guys, I think Scott Howard is most likely. If you disagree or feel like I'm leaving someone off, feel free to comment.
I think Munson has to stick around for at least another game. Personally, I would love to see the guy be around forever, but I suppose that isn't exactly feasible.
ReplyDeleteAny chance he could take on an Ernie Johnson type of role where he does occasional games?
Mummra -- You've got Mail. Check the email addy in your profile.
ReplyDeleteAck! Totally forgot to mention this, but did anyone happen to catch/TiVo the 1995 Georgia/Auburn game they aired on ESPN Classic this afternoon? The shot Ward took at the end of that was brutal!
ReplyDeleteBut man, aside from this game and a couple others they air every now and again, hasn't ESPN completely destroyed the Classic channel? There is NEVER anything good to watch. With all the footage they own the rights to, you would think they would find something better to broadcast than poker and bull riding the majority of the time...
Is this the duane sammons that used to play baseball at Wills Park???
ReplyDeleteDidn't know I had a fan club fifteen years later, but yep, I was there once upon a time.
ReplyDeleteDuane - I'm responding late, but my tivo did record that '95 Auburn game. I still haven't watched it yet, and I'm not sure that I will. I was at that freezing game. The main thing I remember was Auburn was going to punt late in the game. We called time. During the timeout, Bowden decided to go for it on 4th down. They made it, and ended up winning the game.
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