Celebrating a UGA legend: Larry Munson at 89
Happy birthday, Larry! (Brand Sanderlin / AJC)
Today’s Larry Munson’s 89th birthday! To mark the occasion, here’s a piece I wrote a couple of years ago about my favorite Munson calls. …
I remember when Larry Munson, who’d spent a season as part of the newly arrived Braves’ original broadcast team, first took over from Ed Thilenius as the voice of the Georgia Bulldogs.
Even as a ninth grader, I was already a Bulldog traditionalist, and like many fans, I found the gravelly, staccato bark of Munson took some getting used to after the smooth, mellow tones of Thilenius.
I didn’t dislike Munson. In fact, I felt he’d been wronged when he got crowded out of the Braves booth by the tremendous ego of Milo the Mouth. Still, I remember feeling that Munson came across on his early UGA broadcasts as something of an outsider.
For some reason, I recall the moment when Munson won me over and I finally considered him one of “us.” It was the 1968 game matching No. 5 Georgia with No. 12 Auburn for the SEC Championship. It wasn’t so much any specific call or turn of phrase; he just sounded so into the game, like it really mattered to him whether the Bulldogs won. From that time on, Munson was the man, as far as I was concerned.
By the late ’70s, fans had started quoting Munson calls, and then the Munson phenomenon really took off in the 1980s (”There goes Herschel!”) as we started getting audio and video compilations of his greatest moments. Eventually it reached the point where Munson became an icon even outside the Bulldog Nation. Hardly a week goes by during college football season that you don’t hear somebody on ESPN drop into a growl to imitate the great one.
Since it was announced this week that Munson is being inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame, it seemed like a good time to celebrate the Munson legacy.
It’s easy to pick the three greatest Munson calls of all time; most fans have them memorized: “Run, Lindsay” from the 1980 Florida game (including the end bit about breaking “a metal steel chair” and his “Man is there gonna to be some property destroyed tonight!” warning; the whole extended “Hunker down” scenario culminating with “Look at the sugar falling out of the sky” from the 1982 Auburn game; and, probably the all-time favorite, from the 2001 win in Knoxville: “We just stepped on their face with a hobnail boot and broke their nose!”
I asked a bunch of Dawg fans about their favorite Munson calls other than those three, and the ones most often cited are from the 1980 Tennessee game, the 1975 Florida game and the 1978 Kentucky game.
The Tennessee play, of course, introduced Herschel Walker to the Bulldog Nation. It went like this:
“Tennessee leading 15 to 2, the crowd roaring against Georgia trying to make them drop it so they can’t hear. We hand it off to Herschel, there’s a hole, 5, 10, 12, he’s running over people! Oh, you Herschel Walker! My God almighty, he ran right through two men, Herschel ran right over two men, they had him dead away inside the 9. Herschel Walker went 16 yards, he drove right over those orange shirts, just driving and running with those big thighs. My God, a freshman!”
The 1975 call of an 80-yard touchdown pass from Richard Appleby to Gene Washington, one of my favorites, was an early example of Munson’s penchant for completely off-the-wall analogies:
“Appleby, end around, he just stopped, planted his feet and threw it, and Washington caught it thinking of Montreal and the Olympics, and ran out of his shoes right down the middle 80 yards. Stadium rocking, stunned, the girders are bending now, look at the score.”
And the 1978 call of a late Rex Robinson field goal that beat the Wildcats was Munson at his simplest and was notable for the fact he never actually said the kick was good:
“Sixteen to 14, Kentucky, with eight seconds! The stadium’s standing. Naw, some of ’em are upside down, but they’re trying to stand. It’s gonna be held just inside the 19. It’s set down, he puts it up, it looks good, watch it, watch it … yeah yeah yeah yeah! He kicked the whatchamacallit out of it!”
Another early favorite of Andy Johnson fans is from the 1973 Georgia win over Tennessee:
“Georgia’s got a first down on the Tennessee 26, the stadium rocking, the stadium can’t believe it… Georgia is 8 and a half yards away, minute 17, minute 16, minute 15, second down on the 8 and a half. Andy’s gonna take it give it to Harrison … Faked it! Andy Johnson! Touchdown Andy Johnson! Touchdown Andy Johnson! What a fake, they hit Harrison dead on the 9 and Andy bootlegged to the left and scored. My God Georgia beat Tennesee in Knoxville.”
And then there’s another call of a famous kick, Kevin Butler’s 60-yarder to break a tie with Clemson at Sanford Stadium in 1984:
“So we’ll try to kick one 100,000 miles, we’re holding it on our own 49 and a half, gonna try to kick 60 yards plus a foot and a half, and Butler kicks a long one, Butler kicks a long one … Oh my God! Oh My God! … The stadium is worse than bonkers. Eleven seconds … I can’t believe what he did. This is ungodly!”
Indeed. Great Munson memories. Any others that you’re particularly fond of?
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156 comments Add your comment
Hank
September 28th, 2011
2:02 pm
Loran, whaddya got?
ARdawg
September 28th, 2011
2:05 pm
Alphare
The thread and column topic is to honor a fine man and a great football announcer. You dishonor that with a with such a post as if UGA is sapping off of Larry to the point you wish him dead solely because you hate UGA so much. There is a time for rivalry and there’s a time for decent and decorum. You missed the boat guy.
Robert
September 28th, 2011
2:05 pm
“I gave up; you did, too.”
And of course Michael Johnson’s catch in the end zone vs. Auburn.
ARdawg
September 28th, 2011
2:08 pm
Alphare
Also, there is no relationship to Larry’s well earned retirement and the current valley of the Georgia program. You’re grasping for straws
Dawgstyle
September 28th, 2011
2:12 pm
Never been one like him and there will never be another. Larry Munson is a classic. There was never a better time to be a Bulldog than those years when we listened to Larry call the game and then read what Lewis Grizzard wrote about it. Happy birthday Larry.
PasadenaJacket
September 28th, 2011
2:13 pm
I hate the dawgs, but Munson is a real gentleman. A pleasure to listen to, unless he was calling the Tech game.
BS Patrol
September 28th, 2011
2:13 pm
I hate to say it but Larry didn’t know a dive from draw…. literally. What he was calling and what was happening were like night and day. But when you were searching the radio dial there was no mistaking when you had found the doggie game.
AthensDawg
September 28th, 2011
2:16 pm
Happy Birthday Larry. Still think about you every Saturday. Go DAWGS!!!!
Snake Doc
September 28th, 2011
2:16 pm
I loved when Larry talked about the clock at the end of the game. It seemed the clock would never run out when the Dawgs were leading and the other team had the ball. There was always too much time!
Happy Birthday to the greatest ever!
ARdawg
September 28th, 2011
2:18 pm
BS Patrol
BS on your post. Larry illuminated the game and brought it to life. There was no mistaking he was more than a mere announcer, he was a rabid fan
The Ghost of Wally Butts
September 28th, 2011
2:21 pm
I always loved how….if we were winning…..we were “grimly hanging onto a tiny lead”
If we were behind…the other team was “sitting on a fat looking (insert point amount) lead”
If the players acted like thugs and Dooley suspended them…Larry would say that “they didn’t want to play”
And certain players were always “little” (e.g. “Little Jeff Sanchez”)
When the Dawgs committed penalties or turnovers, we were “killing ourselves”
When we were behind late in the game – and a touchdown or field goal would give us the lead by 1 point, Larry would say “Yeah I know what you’re thinking”
Larry Munson. The Man.
SSIgator
September 28th, 2011
2:24 pm
One of Munson’s best:
The first overtime game against Auburn in the 90’s – “Well, we go to overtime. Dogs tied with Auburn. I don’t know how this overtime thing works, so I guess we will just figure it out as we go along.” Honesty in an announcer. You got to love it.
Tech Guy
September 28th, 2011
2:30 pm
Hope Mr. Munson has a very happy birthday. He is a classy guy.
Felix Millan
September 28th, 2011
2:38 pm
Happy Birthday to the greatest BullDawg of them all!
BG
September 28th, 2011
2:39 pm
GO DAWGS!
SatillaDawg
September 28th, 2011
2:42 pm
To the greatest Junkyard Dawg of all…
Happy Birthday, Larry!
We love you.
Go Dawgs!
dumbfounded
September 28th, 2011
2:52 pm
I hate to hear about Rambo’s son’s passing. But no mention of his wife? What about her? Oh yeah, he’s just a baby daddy.
cpinthedawghouse
September 28th, 2011
2:54 pm
We need a bronze statue of Munson leaning over a microphone at his desk in Sanford, making a play call. The statue should be placed at Sanford. Bet he would love that more than a ceremony for the Hall. Generations of Dawgs fans would too.
DawginLex
September 28th, 2011
2:56 pm
to say Munson didn’t know football is ludicrous.
Before the season of 1995 started, there were many questions about our running game and the opener with South Carolina. Someone asked Larry about it and he said “I feel good about this game. Something about the running backs.”
Robert Edwards went on to gash SC and ended up in the NFL. If you remember, he was brought over from the defense.
Captain Allen Waters
September 28th, 2011
2:58 pm
So many wonderful memories listening to Larry Munson over the years. My first game at Athens was the 10 tie with Houston in 68 for band day. One of the best was while flying from New York to Miami for the Kentucky game in 2002. After reaching cruise altitude, I was able to tune AM750 and listen to us win. There were many others and we all wish him the best of birthdays! Hope we can win this game with MSU by playing as we did against SC without the mistakes.
UGA fan in India
jlt
September 28th, 2011
2:59 pm
I had the pleasure of escorting Mr. Munson onto the field for the final tribute in Sanford Stadium… I get goose bumps just thinking about what a magical afternoon that was in Athen. He is a class act!. Thanks for the memories
Alphare
September 28th, 2011
3:08 pm
ARDawg,
“you wish him dead solely because you hate UGA”?
Mister, where did you get your education? which of my lines makes you come up with that conclusion?
Fred
September 28th, 2011
3:13 pm
Larry Munson and Lewis Grizzard, two of the finest Dawgs ever.
Tony said it best @ 12:32 about Larry.
augustadog
September 28th, 2011
3:14 pm
Munson is the best! There never will be another close to his excitement for the game and his true passion for the Dawgs. I still listen to him routinely.
Happy Birthday Larry! The DawgNation Loves you.
BS Patrol
September 28th, 2011
3:15 pm
ARdawg,
What specifically about my post is BS? I don’t post it,I spot it and point it out. I can do the LarryLoren with the best of them. We’ve all had our laughs at Larry.
I hope that when people remember me they will do it with a smile. I don’t know the man but I have a feeling he would be OK with that.
King Gators
September 28th, 2011
3:18 pm
Happy Birthday Larry! One of the best of all time. Go Gators!
Abnerish
September 28th, 2011
3:20 pm
What I love about that 1980 call that is so quintessential Munson, is that he never once said he scored a TD. He was so into the game that he forgets that the folks listening weren’t able to see what he saw. That’s what a lot of people disliked about him, but I loved it. I would constantly find myself talking to the radio saying “what happened Larry? What happened?” I am just happy that I got to experience the last true voice of Georgia football. Happy birthday, Larry!
Newman
September 28th, 2011
3:23 pm
That was no fake to Glynn Harrison. It was a fumble that bounced right up into Andy Johnson’s hands and he went around left end for the winning TD. In the photo you can see then GA ball boy and now current AD Greg McGarity leaping for joy on the sidelines.
lady dawg :)
September 28th, 2011
3:27 pm
boy! are YOU missed! no one will ever take your place. fond memories listening to you with my dad during the days of “oh, you Herschel Walker, you”
kc
September 28th, 2011
3:28 pm
Tech fan here. I can say without hesitation that Larry Munson is the best radio play by play caller i have ever heard, and that includes Wes Durham, who ain’t bad himself.
wilsonss
September 28th, 2011
3:28 pm
I have been a Dawg fan since 1964, and my first great memory of a Munson call is from a game at Ole Miss in 69 or 70. Archie Manning reentered the game in the 3rd quarter and threw “a long bomb….complete….touchdown” and Munson just let the crowd roar. I love the Dawgs and this was an Ole Miss touchdown but his call was so perfect—-made me want to be an announcer.
UGASlobberknocker
September 28th, 2011
3:30 pm
Some of my fdavorite Larry-isms:
1/ “Don’t think THAT won’t be big!
2/ “Lady Luck just smiled down on us!”
3/ ” Loran, whattaya got?”
4/ and of course, “Get the picture…”
Happy Birthday Larry..you are the greatest!!!
JAWJeRDAWG
September 28th, 2011
3:32 pm
Listening to the Larry Munson play-by-play was the most enjoyable way to ’see’ a UGA game.
Nobody better; never will be.
Thanks for the years of excitement you brought to the fans of UGA football, Larry!
May God bless you, Larry Munson, as He has us through you.
Happy Birthday!, and Go Dawgs!
lady dawg :)
September 28th, 2011
3:34 pm
one of my favs “I came right through my chair – a steal metal chair. I came right through it!” LOL! Happy B’Day Larry.
lady dawg :)
September 28th, 2011
3:35 pm
oh yeah – “there’s sugar falling outta the sky!”
DawginLex
September 28th, 2011
3:37 pm
“We had no business winning that game.”
schmeckdawg
September 28th, 2011
3:46 pm
Scott Howard, great color man. Sucks as a play by play man. But then again who wouldn’t having to follow Munson.
I know the DAWG fans are going to hate this, but, we need to get Wes Durham. He is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!
Go DAWGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
schmeckdawg
September 28th, 2011
3:48 pm
Happy Birthday Papa Munson. I hope you find someone to straighten out “Ole Crook!”
chuck
September 28th, 2011
3:49 pm
I wish a Happy Birthday to Larry and a thank you to Bill for the fine article on a true Bulldog legion. I like many other grew up listening to Larry on a transistor radio. I get goose bumps listening to all the great call by Larry.
My family is long time UGA football season ticket holders but we hurry to get into our seats before every game so we can listen to Larry on the pregame tape about Saturday in Athens. I’ve only cried a couple of times in my adult life including when my Father died but I fully expect the day the Bulldog Nation loses Larry will join the list.
Tider222
September 28th, 2011
3:58 pm
Happy birthday Larry ! your the best I ever heard and this coming from a Bama fan.
Dawg in Sugar Hill
September 28th, 2011
4:00 pm
On New Year’s Eve 2001, I was in New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl against FSU. My friends had just finished dinner (I wish I could remember what it was, the soft shell crab was fantastic) when in walks Larry, Dick Payne, and others. We wanted to go over and talk to him but figured he deserved to eat in peace so we sent a bottle of champagne to his table instead. Once they got it and poured their glasses we toasted the new year and the Dawgs and wished him well. He gave us a “Thanks guys” and that was it. He is a class act. Simple encounter but a memory I will cherish – raising a glass with Larry Munson.
b-ham dawg
September 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
I was too young to fully appreciate how great Larry Munson really was. I can remember going to my grandfathers house to watch the georgia games and my grandfather always had munson on during the games, and i just could not figure out why he wouldn’t rather listen to the TV announcers. Then it happened when i was 15 years old two feet away from the television praying to the football gods David Green play actioned to Veron Haynes and dumped it right over the middle. I turned to my grandfather after the legendary call and he said now you know son now you know. Larry is a legend and thanks to my grandfather I will always remember what a damn good dawg he was and will always be.
Happy Birthday Larry
My $.02
September 28th, 2011
4:03 pm
The Dogs are like 21-17 since Munson retired. God we need him back!
Thanks Larry for so much.
My $.02
September 28th, 2011
4:09 pm
And one more thing.
I never ever considered taking a radio to the game until the late 70’s. Could not stand to miss a Munson call.
Dwayne
September 28th, 2011
4:15 pm
what happened to my post Bill?
k dog
September 28th, 2011
4:16 pm
summer 1988. six clemson fans and i were driving from greenville to charleston for a weekend of golf, etc. we werealking football and the only thing we could agree on was that Munson was the best!
DawginLex
September 28th, 2011
4:21 pm
Munson is the only announcer I ever heard of getting booed in the opponent’s stadium
At clemson
ARdawg
September 28th, 2011
4:24 pm
Alphare -you are discussing the man’s death at his birthday well wishes. You don’t find that in the most morbid and in the least, bizarre?
BS Patrol – Munson has forgotten more football than you will ever know. The man’s livelihood and life was football for over 50 years. He knew the game. He was well aware only half of the radio audience knew the game. For you to attempt to disparage that is really quite telling. BS on your statement
Salt Lake Dawg
September 28th, 2011
4:29 pm
I grew up with Larry coming out of the radio speakers..painting a virtual picture of each game in my head. I could see the stadium, the crowds, the Big G helmets, the TEAM! Man, it was exciting to be in front of the radio on game day! Thanks Larry for everything!
Florida Guy
September 28th, 2011
4:33 pm
Happy Birthday Larry!!! Unfortunately with your team in the last few years, not too many opportunities for historic calls. When you stay on your half of the 50 for most of the game, the only reason to break your chair is when you’re throwing it out of the pressbox at the UGA coaching staff! hehehehehehehe