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AJC > Sports > UGA > Blog > Archives > 2008 > September > 22 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThere goes … Larry
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The news that Larry Munson is hanging up his headphones isn’t really surprising (though perhaps the timing is) considering his age and health, but it’s a day the Bulldog Nation long had hoped to put off.
We all have favorite Munson memories, mostly those unforgettable calls of big plays collected on various VHS and DVD compilations over the years. They became catch phrases (“My God, a freshman,” “Look at the sugar falling out of the sky”) beloved by all who wear red and black. The 2001 “hobnail boot” call in Knoxville might be the most beloved of all. It became so legendary that the ability to imitate it seems to be a requirement for a job at ESPN these days.
But as a friend was pointing out a little while ago while we were discussing the retirement news, Munson in his heyday wasn’t just about referring to the Bulldogs as “we” or turning a colorful phrase. He was a first-rate radio announcer, able to provide all the pertinent information on the progress of the game while painting a verbal picture of the action and capturing the excitement. He was the best at that, an old-time radio man. The new generation of TV-bred announcers doesn’t come close. And, frankly, neither did the tired Munson of the past few seasons, though there was still the occasional burst of the Munson of old.
The famous calls are fun to recall, but perhaps my favorite Munson memory is of the last time I saw him in person. It was after a game in Athens back early in this decade and I was walking back to our parking lot with my Dad, my son and one of my brothers. We were just crossing Lumpkin Street when here came Larry, chugging up the hill faster than just about anyone else making the trek. My brother called out, “Hey, Larry,” and Munson raised his hand, not slowing down a beat, leaving us in his wake.
That’s how I choose to remember Munson. A full-speed-ahead legend.
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Comments
By GTYJ
September 22, 2008 7:17 PM | Link to this
As a GT fan, I hate him for numerous reasons.
However, having grown up in Ga, I can say that this is a big loss to the football comunity and that he will no doubt be missed…. just not by me.
By rogeriter
September 22, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
It will never be the same. What a great man! UGA loses and fans everywhere have lost the best ever! God bless you, Larry !
By Patrick
September 22, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this
Larry gave me chills and brought me nearly to tears… his voice and brilliance were truly a gift to all those who bleed red and black.
We all knew this was coming, but it just doesn’t make it any easier. I can’t wait to be Back in Black next week and pay tribute The Man. Thank you, Larry.
By 2Dawgs
September 22, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
I listened to Larry on radio when the Dawgs were not on TV or PPV.
In recent years the Dawgs are on TV more and more often, which suits me fine because I would rather see a game on TV than just listen to it on radio.
I’m a Georgia grad and I wish Larry the best, but I have not listened to a Georgis game on radio this season or in the last few years.
By UGA Alumni
September 22, 2008 7:50 PM | Link to this
Larry will be dearly missed by the DAWG Nation. We have dreaded this announcement for years. His dedication and loyalty to UGA is legendary. Enjoy your retirement, Larry. It is well deserved.
By PI$$ on a DAWG
September 22, 2008 7:53 PM | Link to this
Looks LIKE a DRUNK FRAT BOY JUMPING ON A DRUNK BLONED after the game!! Go NO SHOW(BEHIND-man) wANNABEE. #3 heisman’s wanna-bes and not even win the SEC EAST just wait…HAHAHAHA
By dawgforlife
September 22, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
Geez, the Tech fans who post here are pathetic.
By BurtDawg
September 22, 2008 8:02 PM | Link to this
….on a dawg.
You must be 13 years old.
By 2Dawgs
September 22, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
To: Pi$$ on a DAWG
I have 2 Dawgs that p** on each other almost every day. No shame in that. Either one of them would rip your throat out.
By dawgthabootyhunter
September 22, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this
We love ya Larry. It will never be the same! Frankie
By Jeff Langstrom
September 22, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this
I’m not from Georgia, but I did go to GT and GSU respectively. I was shocked (to say the least) when I was driving home from work and 750 WSB qualifed this story as “breaking news.” All due respect to the institution of college football, but I think that the designation of “breaking news” should properly be reserved for events such as 9/11, VT massacre, even the charter bus going over the railing at Northside Drive.
Having said that, I’m sorry that Georgia residents will henceforth be deprived of an AM radio announcer/observer of the University of Georgia football games. I hope the prosperity, economy, and basic infrastructure of the State holds up in light of this devastating news.
C’mon people, he was 86, so he’s earned the right to retire. I don’t have a problem with this fellow, but I do think people take Georgia football WAY to seriously (I’ve actually heard people say they’ve been crying all day…Are you effin kidding me?). Pride for your alma mater is one thing, but when team allegiance transcends into lifestyle choice…You start to look like a loser. Very few things should ever have you falling to your knees in tears, and I can guarantee you this isn’t one of them.
By Mikey in the SAV
September 22, 2008 8:15 PM | Link to this
Those of you that decide to take this forum and degrade an 86 year old legend need to look in the mirror at yourselves. There is seriously something wrong with you
By Tom
September 22, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
Your post is explained by the fact that you attended Yech.
By Jeff Langstrom
September 22, 2008 8:20 PM | Link to this
“The Tech fans who post here are pathetic.”
Maybe so, but nothing indicates any of us would be brought to the edge of emotional collapse on the count of an ancillary third party support figure to the Yellow Jackets announcing his retirement just shy of 90 years of age.
Maybe we’re all pathetic for posting here to begin with, but I think it’s a matter of degree. From where I’m sitting, I’d have to say that callousness and even intellectual laziness can be mended…Emotional frailty, on the other hand, only gets worse with time.
By GTwes
September 22, 2008 8:29 PM | Link to this
Please dont lump all us tech fans with a couple of idiots. Just wanted to wish the man well I know dawg fans will miss him he was a huge part of the dawgs lore and was great at getting you into the game .I hope he is well enough to see the dawgs have their great run if it happens.
By KJ
September 22, 2008 8:52 PM | Link to this
Very few things should ever have you falling to your knees
Well, considering you’re a gnat, we’ll defer to you as the expert on suitable occasions to fall to your knees.
By AltamahaDawg
September 22, 2008 8:53 PM | Link to this
jeff, from where I am sitting, the only difference between you and pi$$ on is, he doesn’t even try to pretend that he is in here for any reason other than to sling doodoo.
By banditdawg
September 22, 2008 8:55 PM | Link to this
Any true sports fan will grieve the loss of Larry Munson from the airwaves. Whatever your collegiate allegiance, those who truly know the worth of a great broadcaster to the fans of a team will understand this loss. Those who don’t are those who don’t appreciate much in life.
All you Tech fans, ask Wes Durham what Larry means to him.
By Michael Scharff
September 22, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this
I can’t watch “Tradition Never Graduates” and hear Larry’s calls without getting goosebumps and a bit misty-eyed. My favorite Munson call of all (probably helps that I was there at the game) is the Florida Buck to Lindsay call. I also LOVE one that you don’t hear very much , and that’s Munson hollering “SCOTT (slight pause)WAR-Ner, 97 Yards!”, against Clemson in the National Championship season.
By Brad
September 22, 2008 9:07 PM | Link to this
Listened to Larry since I was in the womb (vibrations then, mostly), and graduated from UGA nearly ten years ago and still listened when I could. Unfortunately the TV delay got so bad with the advent of satellite I couldn’t listen to Larry much anymore and still watch, but it will never dampen the memories of old. Enjoy your retirement, Larry. You’ve earned it!!
By GTYJ
September 22, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Yes, please do not lump the idiot GT fans with the rest.
Many GT fans will acknowledge his significance to football in Georgia fo rthe longest time, and his significance to the Dawg nation, but few, other then UGA fans, will likely miss him.
And you shouldn’t expect them to, he was your broadcaster not ours.
But all people in this entry should acknowledge his importence to so many people, and his ability to give exitement to a game we all enjoy.
By eDAWG
September 22, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this
…sounds like Jeff’s educated well beyond his intelligence…just a thought
By Jeff Langstrom
September 22, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
“Well, considering you’re a gnat, we’ll defer to you as the expert on suitable occasions to fall to your knees.”
I’d be happy to tell you what I know, but in the interest of full disclosure, I only polished 5 or 6 knobs while at Tech so I don’t know if that makes me an “expert,” per se. Further, since your statement indicates that you’ll defer to me for advice on “suitable occasions” to conduct f******, I need also advise you that on at least two occasions, my assumption that the other party desired f****** was erroneous.
By t-bone dawg
September 22, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this
The tech fans are just jealous because tech can’t teach the gift that Larry has.
By Brad
September 22, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this
You said it, eDawg. It’s front page news on SI and ESPN, so it does transcend UGA-only ties to a degree. Jeff, if someone is truly at the edge of emotional collapse, I too would agree that’s gone too far. Larry’s retirement is simply an event to be honored, the same we will do for Mr. Durham one day when his time comes, hopefully later than sooner.
By Wreckmaniac
September 22, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
As a huge Tech fan, I will miss Munson greatly. He was absolutely the best. I would tune in UGA with no interest in the game just to hear Larry. I don’t believe he can ever be replaced and I’m grateful for the times I heard him.
By 76Dawg
September 22, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
For all of those great memories, thanks Larry. You are a part of my life that I will always fondly remember.
For those whose allegiance to Tech requires hate for Georgia and profanity laced, grammatically disastrous spewings, your quite obvious inferiority complex on North Avenue can be seen from the West endzone of Sanford Stadium. You don’t handle your miserable existence too well, do you?
By spotted dawg
September 22, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this
Larry Munson is the bomb!! Right on the money eDAWG!
By Jeff Langstrom
September 22, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this
In fairness, the asterisked words in my last post were not actually profanities. I actually intended to be as antiseptic as possible, however, apparently there is no acceptable one word synonym for “polish the knob.”
By B. May
September 22, 2008 11:26 PM | Link to this
….If we have to explain it, you wouldn’t understand…
By GO TECH 610
September 23, 2008 1:55 AM | Link to this
Coming from a Tech fan…
Larry you will be missed. You had a great run, and I liked hearing your voice ALMOST as good as good as I like to her Wes Durham’s (there’s the Tech in me).
Hey Jeff, I would hope when Wes retires he gets the same respect as Larry did, and like Skip Carray did for the Braves. Football is big in the South no doubt and Larry called more UGA games than anyone. He deserves it. Retirement is a good thing to happen to a good man. In my opinion when you call games as long as Larry did, it is breaking news when retirement hits.
Don’t get me wrong I love to HATE UGA, but I had NO HATE for Larry, any school would be lucky to have someone like Larry.
Congratulations, Larry!!! Enjoy retirement!!!
By Herb
September 23, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
So, sorry I will not be able to hear the throaty voice of Larry Munson. I was at the game when Theron Sapp broke the drought, Larry was not there, I was. Ed Theloius at that time, was the announcer.
The point is I was there a long time ago. We will miss you Mr. Munson. I wish you good health and many happy memories of your adventures.
This comes from a true Ga. Tech, Bobby Dodd fan, bleeding gold and white every Sat. from Sept. until the season is over. Any other Sat. that Ga. does not play the jackets, I am all over UGA, because of you.
Your work in sport announcing will never be equaled. You are the best.
By FLA DAWG
September 23, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
WIN THIS ONE FOR THE MUNSON !!
By uga_b
September 23, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this
I think I will stop by on the way home and pick up a Red Baron pizza and a case of Miller Lite-the official beer of the Georgia Bulldogs! Larry was wonderful and it is sad that he represents the end of an era. Not just his era at the Bulldogs, but, as Bill said, truly great local radio announcers. First Skip, now Larry. Enjoy the rest of the games with your family, Larry. You’ve earned it.
By Jeff Langstrom
September 23, 2008 8:46 AM | Link to this
I love little boys and ponies
By ChattHills Jacket
September 23, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this
LARRY and Al—UGA & GT— could paint a verbal picture of an ORANGE so well you could almost taste it. If MUNSON is creamated then Half of his remains need to be placed next to the UGA’s in the stadium memorial grave yard. Not only is an ERA of UGA is passing but an ERA of radio guys that could make you feel as if you were at the game. Announcers now don’t paint a mental picture of the game because they were raised with TV and call as such.
By NW GA Dawg
September 23, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this
Just have to chime in on this blog too. There’ll be no “replacing” Larry but I for one hope that they give strong consideration to Howard and Zeier. I’ve enjoyed their road games and both of them are emotionally attached to the Dawgs. Are they Larry? Certainly not, but being a Georgia fan, I don’t want to have one of those “modern” broadcasters who tries to remain aloof, “objective” and detached from the team. I want guys who CARE and want the team to WIN and aren’t ashamed to say it. I think Scott and Eric provide that.
We salute Larry. There shall be no other of his ilk. We are witnessing the passing of a legendary man’s career and an era.
As for those sad individuals who feel the compunction to throw their insults and disdain at Larry, UGA, etc. you are just an ugly testament to the times in which we live. Hopefully the majority of people are still polite enough to show respect and not indulge in such rubbish. For instance: a tip of the hat to those classy Tech supporters who have expressed their own “loss” and how they appreciated Larry’s work. Tennessee also had a legendary broadcaster who was a great one too (in fact John Ward and Larry are friends). Georgia has been so fortunate to have had Larry for over 4 decades.
Thanks again Larry and God bless you.
By DawginLex
September 23, 2008 3:26 PM | Link to this
Jeffy Langstrom,
I truly feel sorry for you. You better hope that when you are 86 years old you are not lying in a nursing home somewhere with feces all over you wishing you could have chosen to retire the WAY THAT LARRY MUNSON DID.
Idiot
By Jeff Langstrom
September 23, 2008 5:14 PM | Link to this
What is it exactly that I said to disparage Larry Munson? I merely stated that he earned the right to retire, and observed that, in my estimation, the emotional response of some was not appropriate. Bidding him farewell and thank you would suffice, and indeed be appropriate.
Expressions of deep sorrow are not called for at a time like this because a) he presumably chose to retire; and b) the choice will benefit him exclusively. It is selfish to feel anything other than admiration because Mr. Munson’s decision, while it does not benefit you personally, is nonetheless one to celebrate. As I said initially, he earned the right to retire.
The fact that a cursory review of my initial statement forecloses this, yet attacks followed accusing me of a) being an idiot; and b) engaging in homosexual acts (albeit this one was undoubtedly hyperbole, so I won’t assign it too much weight) indicates to me that no consideration was afforded Larry Munson’s well being and even mere acknowledgment of his humanity was disposed. This is because the catalyst of these attacks was an emotional response generated from feelings of personal loss. In order to feel vindicated, the natural reaction was to reject any opinion on his retirement that did coincide with your selfish and base desires. Granted, not all shared this sentiment, but those that did need to take an emotional inventory and reevaluate their core moral fabric.
By truedawg
September 23, 2008 5:51 PM | Link to this
Jeff Langstrom, just a question….Why did you even come on here! Nobody cares about a tech and state grad’s opinion about our voice of the Bulldogs! So like i tell all the nerds, STAY ON YOUR BLOG, THATS WHY ITS THERE!!!!!
As far as Larry, you truly will be missed and i hope you have a great time fishing, listening to the greatest team in Georgia history, and spending well earned timeo n saturday’s with your family!
By gtforever
September 23, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this
He was one of the BEST! He will always be remembered as one of the BEST! What do you got Loren???? If there is a sportscaster Hall of Fame, Munson should be there…. It was a pleasure hearing Larry Call a football game….
By voice of reason
September 23, 2008 8:42 PM | Link to this
Jeff Langstrom, he still is 86 years old. The news is that he’s retiring, not dead. Enjoy retirement Larry and thank you for all the great memories from the booth. You really made it a lot easier to deal with having to work during gametimes away from a tv. Heck, even at home I would turn the volume down on the tv and listen to you rather than the tv analysts. It was MUCH more enjoyable.
By Pi$$ on a DAWN
September 23, 2008 10:40 PM | Link to this
2DAWGS if I were Mike Vick I would say “LET’S GET IT ON” but I am sure my AKITA/CHOW mix will put a good hurting on both of your DAWGS as I kick the CRAP out of you. BURY LARRY with a cigar and a glass of WHISKEY in the UGA Memorial Graveyard at the Stadium or beside the walk way to the Athens-Clarke County Jail intake.
By DawgsDawgsDawgs
September 24, 2008 2:13 AM | Link to this
Jeff Langstrom thinks UGA fans take football too seriously.
Jeff Langstrom thinks UGA fans take Munson’s retirement too seriously.
Jeff Langstrom takes posting on blogs about topics that he deems unimportant too seriously.
Seriously, why are you really posting here multiple times? You want to be a turd in our punchbowl? Well, congrats. You’re a turd in a punchbowl. Nice show!
If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be here. Your jealousy and anger are delicious.
Larry Munson is the best and Dawgnation will miss him.
Go DAWGS!!!!!!
By Ted Striker
September 24, 2008 3:58 AM | Link to this
Langstrom — You use a lot of ten dollar words to be the son of a $2 dollar wh*re
By StAugDawg
September 24, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Jeff,
Not sure if you’ll read this or not, but here is my take on why a lot of people are taking this announcement hard. You began your post saying you did not grow up in Georgia. I’m not sure if you grew up in a rural area or not, but I did in southwest Georgia and in the 60’s, 70’s & 80’s most of rural Georgia was connected to UGA football through the radio (as were the Braves, etc.). There are at least 3 generations of fans who have listened to (and most grew up with) Munson calling UGA games.
He is without a doubt a “homer” as my best friend and Auburn fan said last night. Because of that many UGA fans made an emotional attachment to Larry, he became part of our “family”.
I can understand why the breaking news is not “news” to you, and yes he has earned the right to “retire” but this isn’t really about retirement, it’s about the ‘loss’ some feel because something that made up a great portion of their life is gone and will not be replaced.
Fall Saturday’s in Athens w/ Larry and crew talking to faithful Dawgs was a tradition and part of that was taken away and unexpectedly.
Probably won’t change your mind but hopefully will give you insight into why some are taking this as hard as they are.
D
By MountainDawg
September 24, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this
Larry Munson was the best broadcaster in the history of college football (bar none). He’s an absolute legend who’ll be sorely missed by not only the Bulldawg Nation, but football fans around the state(& globe). All the best to Larry & his family!
By future freshman
September 24, 2008 1:17 PM | Link to this
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By Red Elephant
September 24, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this
Larry Munson was a class act. I loved to hear him call a Tennessee or Auburn loss. He will be missed! ROLL TIDE!!!
By USCFan
September 26, 2008 3:17 PM | Link to this
Gamecock fan here. My hatred of the Dawgs never extended to Mr. Munson. He is truly a treasure and I think most opposing fans would agree. “Loren, whatta got?”
By Gator Hater
September 27, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this
Larry, get the picture now. You will be missed buy everyone in the dawg nation. I have cheerished evey time I listened to you, because I new that this day would come. Thank you for all the great memories.Go fishing, smoke a cigar, and tell Scott Howard to get the picture now.Go Dawgs.