**The Familiar, Comforting Voice That Served as the Soundtrack to Over Three Decades of LSU Athletic Glory Is Once Again Being Celebrated**
In a move that will delight generations of Tigers fans, ESPN has today named legendary former “Voice of the LSU Tigers,” Jim Hawthorne, as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports. For those who grew up listening to Hawthorne’s smooth, authoritative delivery—whether on the radio during a tense football showdown in Death Valley or a heart-stopping baseball game at Alex Box Stadium—this recognition is both a tribute and a validation of what LSU fans have known for years: Jim Hawthorne wasn’t just a broadcaster; he was the heartbeat of LSU athletics.
### A Legacy Etched in Gold
Hawthorne’s career spanned an incredible 36 years, from 1983 until his retirement in 2017. In that time, he became synonymous with LSU sports, calling some of the most iconic moments in the university’s history. From football national championships to baseball’s College World Series triumphs, his voice was the constant thread weaving through the fabric of LSU’s greatest athletic achievements.
His signature call—**“Touchdown, LSU! Oh, my gracious!”**—became a rallying cry for fans, a phrase that still sends chills down the spines of those who remember hearing it in real-time. Whether it was a last-second victory over Alabama, a dramatic walk-off home run in Omaha, or a buzzer-beater in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Hawthorne had an uncanny ability to elevate the moment without overshadowing it. His calls were never about him; they were about the players, the fans, and the sheer emotion of the game.
### The Art of Storytelling
What set Hawthorne apart wasn’t just his vocal talent—though his rich baritone was instantly recognizable—but his storytelling ability. Unlike modern broadcasters who rely on hyperbole or forced excitement, Hawthorne understood pacing, tension, and the power of silence. He knew when to let the crowd noise tell the story, when to inject humor, and when to let the weight of the moment speak for itself.
Former LSU quarterback Tommy Hodson once said, *“When Jim was calling a game, you felt like you were right there in the huddle with us. He didn’t just describe what was happening—he made you feel it.”* That connection with listeners is what made him irreplaceable. Whether you were stuck in traffic listening to a road game or sitting in your backyard with the radio on, Hawthorne transported you to the stadium.
### The Moments That Defined a Career
Any discussion of Hawthorne’s greatness inevitably circles back to the legendary calls that have been replayed thousands of times:
– **The “Earthquake Game” (1988):** When Hodson hit Eddie Fuller for a game-winning touchdown against Auburn, the roar of Tiger Stadium registered as an actual seismic event. Hawthorne’s call—**“Touchdown, LSU! The Tigers have stunned Auburn!”**—was as seismic as the crowd reaction.
– **The 2003 BCS National Championship:** As LSU defeated Oklahoma to claim its first football title in 45 years, Hawthorne’s voice cracked with emotion—**“The Tigers are national champions! And the party starts in the French Quarter!”**
– **The 2009 College World Series:** When LSU baseball clinched its sixth national title, Hawthorne’s jubilant **“The Tigers are kings of college baseball once again!”** encapsulated the pride of an entire fanbase.
These weren’t just plays; they were cultural touchstones for LSU fans, and Hawthorne’s voice was the soundtrack.
### A Humble Legend
Despite his legendary status, Hawthorne remained remarkably humble. He often deflected praise, insisting that he was merely “a fan with a microphone.” But those who worked with him knew better. His preparation was meticulous—he studied rosters, stats, and tendencies relentlessly—yet he never sounded like he was reciting numbers. His broadcasts felt like conversations with an old friend.
Longtime LSU sports information director Kent Lowe once remarked, *“Jim treated every game like it was the most important one he’d ever called. Whether it was a September non-conference game or a national championship, he gave it his all.”*
### The ESPN Honor: A Fitting Tribute
ESPN’s recognition of Hawthorne as the Best Play-by-Play Announcer in College Sports is a testament to his enduring impact. In an era where broadcasting has become increasingly flashy and personality-driven, Hawthorne’s legacy is a reminder that authenticity, passion, and respect for the game still matter.
For LSU fans, this honor is more than just an award—it’s a celebration of a man who was there for the highest highs and the lowest lows, who made the mundane feel magical and the extraordinary feel immortal. His voice wasn’t just heard; it was felt.
### The Voice Lives On
Though Hawthorne retired in 2017, his influence hasn’t faded. Clips of his calls still circulate on social media during big LSU moments, and younger fans who never heard him live are discovering his brilliance through archives. The emotion in his voice transcends generations.
As ESPN crowns him the best in college sports history, one thing is clear: Jim Hawthorne wasn’t just the Voice of the LSU Tigers. He was the soul of LSU. And for those who were lucky enough to hear him in real time, no award will ever mean as much as the memories he gave them.
**“Oh, my gracious,” indeed.**
