Surprise! Munson worried about Dawgs’ trip to Oklahoma State
Athens-For those of you in the Georgia Bulldog Nation who have been wondering about Larry Munson, I’m happy to report that your radio voice for almost 43 years is doing just fine.
How do I know this? Well, yesterday I went to visit him. And when he answered the door, Munson dispensed with the usual formalities. He just looked at me and said:
“Do you REALIZE that we’ve got to go to Oklahoma State on Saturday?”
“Have you SEEN their offense?”
“CERTAINLY, we’ve got more speed on defense than they do! We do have more speed, right?”
“Can we EVEN SCORE enough points to stay with those guys?”
Some things never change.
What has changed is for the first time since September of 1965, Vince Dooley’s second year as head coach, Georgia football is about to begin a college football season without Larry Munson as its radio voice.
And Munson is going to miss it. Big time.
“I talked to somebody the other day who told me that when they retired they missed every blade of grass at Sanford Stadium,” Munson said. “That’s the way I feel right now. I’m going to miss everything about that place.”
For a guy who will turn 87 years old in 19 days and who had brain surgery and a pacemaker put in during 2008, Munson is in pretty good shape. He still goes fishing from time to time with his good buddy Charlie Whittemore, the former Georgia receiver who works in athletic administration at UGA. He still tries to get in at least one new movie a week, even though his famed movie club had to be discontinued. His biggest issue right now is figuring out how to get the Atlanta Journal-Constitution on a regular basis because the paper no longer delivers in Athens. I’ve tried to talk him into getting a computer and reading all the newspapers he wants on line. I don’t think that’s going to happen.
“We had to go up to Bogart to get the Sunday paper and that’s a hundred thousand miles,” he said.
He just finished a book about his incredible life and career as a broadcaster (In the interest of full disclosure I should tell you that I was honored to help him write it).
He plans to do some book signings, starting with one at the University Bookstore (adjacent to Sanford Stadium) before the Sept. 12 home opener with South Carolina (1-3 p.m.). Munson has not been seen in public much since Georgia honored him in an emotional ceremony between quarters of the Georgia-Georgia Tech game on Nov. 29. He is, by nature, a very private person. But he is looking forward to the signings because it will be his chance to say thanks to the Georgia people
“I’ve had people call and say they would like to share something and I appreciate that,” said Munson. “Some said they wanted to thank me. I’m the one who should be thanking them.
“I know that I walked away kind of suddenly (last season) but it was the right thing to do,” said Munson. “It was time to turn it over to Scott Howard. He was ready. He did a great job last season. I knew he would.”
This won’t surprise anyone who knows Munson, but he’s worried about Georgia’s trip to play No. 9 Oklahoma State on Saturday.
“I just get the sense that those guys have been waiting on us and getting ready for us for 100 years,” Munson said. “I just hope we can rush the passer. Have you LOOKED at our defensive line? Who’s going to rush the passer?”
Larry Munson’s voice won’t be in Stillwater with the Bulldogs this Saturday. But his heart, as it has been for 43 years, will be there in full force.
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216 comments Add your comment
hammerhead
September 2nd, 2009
6:42 am
God bless Larry Munson. Thanks for the update TB.
Sugar Hill Dawg
September 2nd, 2009
6:43 am
God bless you, Larry Munson! I had severe withdrawal pains last season – thank goodness I keep seeing the “Run Lindsey, Run!!!!” call on just about a daily basis. There will never be another Larry – I hope when the time comes he’s given a place in the Letterman’s section at the Oconee. Take care, Larry, and Go Dawgs!
Spike
September 2nd, 2009
6:46 am
Great column, Tony. And Larry, I know you won’t be reading this, but keep the faith, baby! We’ll “Get the picture” Saturday.
So what else is new...
September 2nd, 2009
6:49 am
…but I agree with Larry!!!!
GEORGIA97
September 2nd, 2009
7:17 am
After the OSU game Larry will be saying “man, is there gonna be some property destroyed tonight” in Athens!!
Elliot Garcia
September 2nd, 2009
7:23 am
Can someone please drop off a newspaper for Larry!
rocksteadyfreddie
September 2nd, 2009
7:24 am
UGA wins this one on saturday. People are making a big deal about how “crazy” the atmosphere will be…whatever it is it won’t be Baton Rouge, Knoxville, WLOCP, or Auburn loud. You give Rocht a deep, experienced O line, a veteran QB, and he will find a way to win 10 of 12. He gets the W on saturday.
JB
September 2nd, 2009
7:24 am
never……..and i mean never be another……… I still get chill bumps watching, listening to him on Youtubes………..
Alabama Jack
September 2nd, 2009
7:24 am
As A Tech guy through and through, I still say hats off to Larry Munson. A class guy. He calls a loss better than anyone.
“Do you REALIZE that we’ve got to go to Oklahoma State on Saturday?” « Get The Picture
September 2nd, 2009
7:24 am
[...] that we’ve got to go to Oklahoma State on Saturday?” Jump to Comments Okay, the season can officially commence [...]
SuperB
September 2nd, 2009
7:29 am
Larry Munson is only— the greatest announcer in college football history! He needs to remind the Dawg defense to “Hunker Down” against OSU’s great offense.
DawgnNC
September 2nd, 2009
7:30 am
UGA football without Larry’s voice is like
hotcakes without syrup. May God always bless
you Larry!!!
Vick=Dog killing thug
September 2nd, 2009
7:36 am
Love ya Larry !! In a man love kind of way of course.. (cough)
Steve Spurrier
September 2nd, 2009
7:37 am
0-2.
Atlanta Gator
September 2nd, 2009
7:45 am
And rightly so. It’s Georgia’s first game of the season, it’s a road game, against an opponent that has improved by leaps and bounds over the past 4 or 5 years, and that opponent is ranked ahead of the Dawgs in both major polls. The Dawgs need to bring their “A” game. Win this one, and it’s a step forward; lose it, and it’s a step backward.
Paul Simpson
September 2nd, 2009
7:46 am
No one did it better than Larry Munson, Can’t wait for the book……
Bob J
September 2nd, 2009
7:47 am
I hate the Bulldogs more than I hate the Mets and Yankees, but man they dont make ‘em like that anymore. Where have classic play by play guys gone. Here is hoping OSU wins and Larry is right for once!
Yellow Fuzz
September 2nd, 2009
7:50 am
Larry Munson. The only Georgia fan with class.
SatchelBuzz
September 2nd, 2009
7:50 am
Good to hear that he’s doing well. From a rivals viewpoint, he’s a classic, no doubt about it. Wishing him contiuned health in the future.
My favorite call,.. “The gangly fingers of death have reached right down into the stadium”…think it was a Vandy game a few years back.
Real UGA Fan
September 2nd, 2009
7:53 am
BLAH BLAH BLAH………OK ST. had all the hype last time we played them, as did Boise St. Look what a beat down they carried home.
Not a UGA fan
September 2nd, 2009
7:53 am
yawn another story about Larry Munson
Augustadog
September 2nd, 2009
7:53 am
God Bless Larry Munson. Hunker down one more time you guys>
I will be at the book signing.
TommyGator
September 2nd, 2009
7:54 am
Mr. Munson is an All Time All Star! He and Vin Scully are at the top of the hill for me. Those two could paint a picture from the radio speaker and make you know you were there.
…..Even if I NEVER want to hear “Lindsey Scott!” again!
Big Canoe
September 2nd, 2009
8:01 am
Nice words for a nice man.
getthepicturenow
September 2nd, 2009
8:07 am
….Red tops, white numerals, black trim, red helmets, & the Silver Britches!! God Bless You Larry.
simon saints
September 2nd, 2009
8:09 am
Marcus washington will be in the oSu backfield all afternoon..
rogerss348
September 2nd, 2009
8:11 am
I don’t get it.
Never did.
Bob
September 2nd, 2009
8:14 am
Great stuff Tony. God Bless Larry.
reebok
September 2nd, 2009
8:17 am
Tech fan here. Listening to Larry made me crazy at the time, but I have to admit I miss him now. There will not be another like him.
nashvol
September 2nd, 2009
8:21 am
Much like John Ward, Munson will be missed and impossible to replace. Radio broadcasters like these 2 are the last of a breed.
Dink
September 2nd, 2009
8:21 am
Great post Tony, can’t wait to read the book. We miss you Larry.
Go Dawgs!
Ramblin Rick
September 2nd, 2009
8:22 am
OK State 28 UGAy 14… Joe Cox wets the bed big time. The mutts excuses start rolling in Monday morning. Fire Martinez…. blah blah blah blah.
AdMan
September 2nd, 2009
8:23 am
Go away Atlanta Gator…we don’t need you or want you on our Georgia blog!Floridas got problems of their own and they will soon be revealed!
Worm
September 2nd, 2009
8:27 am
Tony, We all love Larry and can’t wait for the book..His birthday is actually Sept. 28-btw
JB
September 2nd, 2009
8:27 am
Larry is still the man! His broadcasts were always great.
HBTD!!!
FBR
September 2nd, 2009
8:30 am
Larry is the bomb. Life without Munson on Saturday will be difficult–and probably not as good. I wish we could have him forever.
lance
September 2nd, 2009
8:31 am
guess gundy doesn’t think too much of Georgia’s class. I mean he actually thinks they will be a braw at midfield with the handshakes.
dawghouse1011 -Athens
September 2nd, 2009
8:33 am
We love you Larry!!!! You are the BEST !!Hope we can bring you back a Win saturday!!!I know you will be watching…GO DAWGS!!
Gen Neyland
September 2nd, 2009
8:35 am
Me and Munson share a common disorder : Acute Seasonal Dooleyitis. Enjoy the game, Larry…
GatorGreg
September 2nd, 2009
8:37 am
“Surprise! Munson worried about Dawgs’ trip to Oklahoma State”
And in other news, the sun rose this morning.
Despite being a Gator (and maybe sometimes because of it), I really miss hearing Munson on the radio.
FB
September 2nd, 2009
8:37 am
SEC fans and Comcast subscribers:
Comcast does not plan to carry Peachtree TV’s HD broadcast of the 12:30 SEC game this Fall. It will only be available in standard definition. I learned this from Peachtree TV. Peachtree TV stated they hope Comcast will change its position and I should let them know how I feel. All SEC fans should contact Comcast and let them know that in Atlanta, the football capital of the South, this is not acceptable.
Atlanta Gator
September 2nd, 2009
8:39 am
AdMan—-I just typed a scathing reply, but decided to delete it. Your comment merits no response. Have a nice day.
Paddy
September 2nd, 2009
8:39 am
I wish it would have never ended. Good luck Larry.
Paddy
September 2nd, 2009
8:42 am
Lance….if there is going to be bra’s at mid-field before the game, I am getting on the next plane to Stillwater.
gdawginkalamazoo
September 2nd, 2009
8:42 am
Bogart “a hundred thousand miles away”, OSU has been “getting ready for us for a 100 years”! LMAO! Classic Munson even in an impromtu interview.
What is the deal with the pre-game brawl that OSU coach “I’m a man Gundy” is talking about? I don’t think teams should be shaking hands before the game. I think that the captains represent the team at the coin flip. After the game have a handshake. Before the game is just asking for some third stringer to talk smack or take a swipe at a starting player to end their day.
Jake
September 2nd, 2009
8:45 am
Listening to Larry on the radio made the game so real even if you where not at the game. He had the ability to create ( HD )in one’s mind of the game via one’s ears. This is sign of a good play by play professional. He can not be replaced by the ones who listened to him through the years. John Ward in Knoxville never has been replaced either. Just listening to Larry was worth more than the ticket price to see the game. OH,, the memories.
fred
September 2nd, 2009
8:45 am
Surely you can teach your boys to shake hands without getting into a fight, or are you teaching them how to be thugs for the NFL??
UGASlobberknocker
September 2nd, 2009
8:51 am
Larry was the greatest. I still get goosebumps listening to his calls from 30 yrs ago.
Would one of his neighbors please go get him a paper on Sunday? Every Sunday? If I lived in Athens I would do it myself.
One warning Larry..if the game lasts past 930 pm, the AJC wont have the story since that seems to be the deadline..so dont waste your time on the night games..
gdawginkalamazoo
September 2nd, 2009
8:52 am
I think a friendly pre-game “dance off” in their respective endzones might work better than a handshake.
UGASlobberknocker
September 2nd, 2009
8:54 am
Saw John Ward mentioned above as another classic announcer..that is certainly true. Also the guy from Auburn who died was really good..what was his name?
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
September 2nd, 2009
8:55 am
Atl Gator, please disregard the post by adman. You have proven yourself to talk football instead of trash. You are welcome here. And in case you are worried, it shall be a step forward. Best of luck until TWLOCC……
DawginLex
September 2nd, 2009
8:55 am
Munson worried? You’re kidding? Munson made me nervous describing how the grass was growing.
He is a legend. A one of a kind. Munson, Ciraldo, Ward and you can add Woody Durham to the list as well. I believe Wes Durham and Scott Howard will be on that list one day as well. It’s different with the younger guys because they honestly can’t get away with being 100% homers anymore.
Munson, Ward and Ciraldo did it without worrying about what anyone thought. You can throw Eli into that mix as well over in BAMA.
Flea bags
September 2nd, 2009
8:56 am
No king in the game and 2 qb’s? Richt must not feel good about Cox at all. Ga’s offense is going to be shaky. If I were OSU I wouild put 6 in the box and blitz every other down. I see ga having 3-4 turnovers. OSU wins easily with the news of king being out and 2 qb’s.
Al Cilraldo
September 2nd, 2009
9:02 am
Coach Richt has a 30-4 road record at opponent’s stadiums. Don’t worry Larry, after saturday his record will be 31-4
Starring Kam Fong as Chin Ho
September 2nd, 2009
9:04 am
Larry used to walk thru where we tailgated in the 80’s before games. I brought him some Cuban cigars before the Clemson game. Made him happy, glad I did it. He gave Ga fans so much enjoyment through the years it simply can’t be put into words. May the Lord bless you Mr Munson and you will live forever the hearts of all Dawg fans
HobNail Boot
September 2nd, 2009
9:05 am
Break a Cowboy’s nose on saturday.
GK
September 2nd, 2009
9:08 am
Yellow Fuzz said “Larry Munson. The only Georgia fan with class.”
Hey Fuzzy, if that were true, at least UGA would have ONE! You can’t find anybody with class (or even a ‘fan’ for that matter) at Tech. AKA: The North Avenue Tools.
T-Bone
September 2nd, 2009
9:11 am
I miss Al Ciraldo.
Flea bags
September 2nd, 2009
9:13 am
Opponents stadiums? So the game in jacksonville is a home game. i love how you dolts don’t count that one.
Dawg Fud
September 2nd, 2009
9:15 am
Yellow Fuzz, what exactly would you know about class? Trolling rival blogs spewing inciteful comments? yeah, super classy there man.
you are such a chump and an embarrassment to the real GT Alumni and Fans.
GO DAWGS! Beat the Pokes!
dawgs boys
September 2nd, 2009
9:15 am
A cowboy always kicks a rednecks behind.
chuck allison
September 2nd, 2009
9:16 am
There is nothing to worry about, Larry. Hopefully, UGA will lose. Then Tech and the entire state of Oklahoma will be happy. Can’t you just be happy with them? Don’t be such a worrier.
Dawg Fud
September 2nd, 2009
9:16 am
Gen Neyland: an opposing fan who has class
take note Yellow Fuzz…
gatordowneast
September 2nd, 2009
9:17 am
Loved to hear Larry Munson call a poodle game. Was unabashedly biased in his analysis/comments and that was great. College football is not the same without Larry!
GK
September 2nd, 2009
9:17 am
Flea bags, Jacksonville is a “neutral” site. NOT and “opponents stadium”.
Johnny DangerDawg
September 2nd, 2009
9:17 am
Great article, Tony. Reading about Larry being nervous is really making me feel like we’re in the thick of football season.
Dawg Fud
September 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
and I need to include Atlanta Gator as an opposing fan with class as well because he always offers analysis and not just ignorant chomp, chomp talk
JimGrapeDawg
September 2nd, 2009
9:18 am
Barnhart should get Munson and Furman Bisher and do a talk show. Those guys have got some good sports stories to tell.
JM
September 2nd, 2009
9:19 am
Instead of ESPN having slobbering Lou Holtz do that ‘pep talk’ segment, UGA should get Munson to film short 1 minute pep talks to the team and fans before every game!
Dawgs Fan
September 2nd, 2009
9:21 am
Why are all you termite A$$faces on the Georgia blog. Don’t you have something to read in the termite area or is your pocket protector leaking? Oh yeah, forgot termites are second rate and get no press. Oh yeah and you have that big game against Jacksonville Alabama State fighting hens. Losers——–Your are the Best Larry….Saturday’s are not the same without you.
Pulpwood Smith
September 2nd, 2009
9:24 am
Larry and Dan McGill are the greatest bulldogs of all. Tuck Feck! GATA!!!!!!!!!
Flea bags
September 2nd, 2009
9:24 am
neutral site. now that’s funny. it’s still considered a ROAD game every other year tards.
Hunkering Down in Jacksonville Beach!
September 2nd, 2009
9:25 am
One of the alltime class acts as both a human being and a broadcaster. Larry is to UGA as to what warmth is to sunshine! Larry you are missed daily by this bulldawg fan but you have earned your retirement. Like yourself I am worried here in Jacksonville beach which will be a hundred thousand miles away from Stillwater!
Flea bags
September 2nd, 2009
9:26 am
This isn’t a ga blog you dolt. It’s a barnhart column. and it’s run by the ajc, which is based in atlanta, where gt is located. not uga. idiot!
Flea bags
September 2nd, 2009
9:27 am
oh and tell your mutt bretheren the same when they flock to the gt articles.
AltamahaDawg
September 2nd, 2009
9:28 am
…the ol’ Phantom scathing reply. Works.
BurningRedBleedingBlack
September 2nd, 2009
9:29 am
Munson Was Great! A one of a kind class act in college football! ATL Gator your welcome here you talk football with class as well and i apperciate that. This game is gonna be big time! I hope it’s a good one.
John Ward
September 2nd, 2009
9:31 am
What I wouldn’t give to hear those two call the UT v UGA game this year. Go Vols!
AltamahaDawg
September 2nd, 2009
9:33 am
And your opinion of the UGA fans flocking to the gt article would be? They = You.
Old Dawg
September 2nd, 2009
9:33 am
Thanks for the update on Larry Munson, Tony. We all miss him dearly, but we’ll always have the memories and the CDs of his best calls.
Good luck to you during the season. I know the travel, appearances and writing can be a grind. Just remember that most of us really appreciate your work.
MapQuest
September 2nd, 2009
9:37 am
Bogart,Georgia is 100,000 miles from Athens. What happen to all the AJC yellow newspaper boxes? The stupid internet killed our hand held sports sections we crave while we eat Varsity onion rings with a frosted orange and a peach pie. The good ole days.
Todd G - Dacula
September 2nd, 2009
9:44 am
Typically you expect the higher ranked team to win, so no big deal if UGA win, poll wise. . I happen to think they will do well, but a victory is hard to predict. All the Ga Tech and UF fans have UGA going 0-12 this year anyways. They always do, so discount their comments.
Miles
September 2nd, 2009
9:46 am
Munson’s right…the game vs. Oklahoma State is going to be a tough one…if the Bulldogs’ defense can hold OK State’s Hunter to less than 100 yards, Georgia should be fine…only an idiot wouldn’t miss Munson!
Dan
September 2nd, 2009
9:50 am
One thing for sure. All 3 teams, gt, uga, and falcons have suspect defenses going into their games.
Bamafan
September 2nd, 2009
9:53 am
Glad to hear Mr. Munson is in good health and it sounds like he ready for the season to start. John Ward could paint a picture for the vol fans that no one could ever replace just like no body will ever replace Larry Munson to the dawg fans!! GO DAWGS!!
Tide Rising
September 2nd, 2009
9:53 am
Adman,
Its an sec blog, not a Georgia blog. Georgia just happens to be the topic of discussion for the day. Yesterday it was Saban. You must be new to this blog. Atlanta Gator garners more respect in a single blog then you probably could in a million blogs. Perhaps its you that needs to go away.
JaxDawg
September 2nd, 2009
9:56 am
Flea bags
September 2nd, 2009
8:56 am
No king in the game and 2 qb’s? Richt must not feel good about Cox at all. Ga’s offense is going to be shaky. If I were OSU I wouild put 6 in the box and blitz every other down. I see ga having 3-4 turnovers. OSU wins easily with the news of king being out and 2 qb’s.
Why don’t you leave the football talk to the men.
1st – Logan Gray brings a different look because of his running ability, and has earned playing time because of his hard work and performance this past spring and summer.
2nd- I don’t know of too many teams that put “6 in the box” to stop the run or anything else. Did you mean put “8 in the box”?
3rd – like this point that’s where King is on the depth chart right now so we won’t miss him in Sat’s game.
BTW- a neutral site doesn’t count as being @ an opponents stadium much like SEC championship and bowl games.
Sounds like you have some issues, get some therapy and pick up a copy of Football for Dummies.
UGA 38 Pokes 24
Go Dawgs!
Hayseed Dixie
September 2nd, 2009
9:59 am
OSU is having a meltdown.
They’re obviously thinking about it too much, while I believe Richt and Co. will be exactly what you don’t want from a pups team- focused and playing with a chip on its shoulder.
Dogs should win this convincingly.
Tide Rising
September 2nd, 2009
10:00 am
I did notice on another AJC article this morning that Mike Gundy wants to cancel the pregame handshake because he’s afraid things are so amped up a brawl might start.
Here’s a suggestion. You’re 40. You’re a man. Get some dam control over your players and have a pregame speech letting them know if a brawl starts any player responsible will be suspended for the remainder of the season. What an idiot. And if he’s saying this smack talk just to hype the game up then he should stick to coaching cause he’s not much of a salesman.
greatpacho
September 2nd, 2009
10:01 am
And the Dawgs are Hunkerin’ down… I will always love that call.
Pago Flyer
September 2nd, 2009
10:02 am
We’re surprised somebody hasn’t accused Larry of being a “hommer”!
6 in a box
September 2nd, 2009
10:04 am
Fleabag,
6 in a box is not a runstuffing defense. Its a pass defense or nickel package since you now have 5 dbs. Like the dawg fan said go to the geek store and pick up a copy of football 101.
Jim Andrews
September 2nd, 2009
10:05 am
Have always respected Munson but never liked
him as an announcer. I’m old enough to remember
Ed Thlinus (spelling not sure)as UGA best voice.
Uncle Dave
September 2nd, 2009
10:05 am
Thanks Tony… we needed that.
Hobnailed boot
September 2nd, 2009
10:05 am
We stepped on their face with a hobnailed boot. We crushed their faces and broke their nose. What a classy guy!
AceDawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:07 am
Two teams on a mission, but only one Bulldogs team will walk away with a victory… mwahahahahaha
BBrown
September 2nd, 2009
10:08 am
Tony, as always, great story on Larry.
Hey Larry, time for the Dawgs to bring out the hobnail boots and put it to OSU.
Go Dawgs!
darrellharrison.com
September 2nd, 2009
10:08 am
Classic Munson. ROFL!!! I’m a Tech fan, but I’m wishing the Dawgs well in this one.
BankDawg
September 2nd, 2009
10:09 am
Am I the only one or could you almost hear Larry’s voice as he said those statements to Barnhart? I have loved listening to Larry much more than listening to the “talking heads” on TV. Thanks Larry for the memories! Scott has some big shoes to fill.
Woody Hayes Mental Clinic
September 2nd, 2009
10:10 am
Coach Gundy missed his weekly treatment which resulted in Bulldog Brawl nightmares.