After a decorated 46-year run as a radio broadcaster for Mississippi State baseball, Jim Ellis has announced he’s hanging up the headset for good.
The beloved “Voice of the Diamond Dawgs” began his career behind the microphone in 1979, 10 years after graduating from the university. Ellis was a mainstay in the booth, bringing historic moments to Bulldog faithful that included 33 NCAA Regional Appearances, seven SEC Tournament titles, five SEC championships, 11 trips to the College World Series, and the program’s first national championship in 2021.
“It’s been a total pleasure being part of Mississippi State baseball and serving this incredible university that I love for the past 46 years,” Ellis said. “I have nothing but fond memories of all the players, coaches, and fans of Mississippi State. They’re the best in the country. They’ve made it an absolute joy to tell the extraordinary stories of Mississippi State to the Bulldog family. They’re what makes this place so special.
“I can’t say, ‘Thank you’ enough. I’m going to enjoy being in the stands and continuing to support all things Mississippi State.”
The radio suite at Dudy Noble Field was named the Jim Ellis Broadcast Suite in 2019, along with the home booth being named the Jim Ellis Broadcast Booth. In 2024, Ellis was inducted into the Ron Polk Ring of Honor, taking a well-earned place among other MSU baseball legends on the Dudy Noble outfield wall.
Lifetime Bulldog. Legendary moments given sound because of you, Jim Ellis. Thank you!#HailState🐶 pic.twitter.com/r3bQzWfaBO
— Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) December 18, 2024
“Jim Ellis is synonymous with Mississippi State baseball,” Mississippi State head baseball coach Chris Lemonis said. “He has connected with generations of Bulldog fans, sharing the incredible stories and most memorable moments in Diamond Dawg history. He’s made a positive impact on our program for more than 40 years, and it has been an absolute honor to work with him.”
While Ellis’ play-by-play tenure began in 1979, the West Point native covered a range of other roles in the booth, including taking over the football and men’s basketball duties upon the retirement of fellow legendary voice Jack Cristil in 2011. Ellis would retire from calling those two sports in 2017.
Ellis also served as the host of the weekly coach’s show for Mississippi State baseball. His work on the radio waves earned him recognition as “Outstanding Broadcaster in Mississippi” by the National Sports Media Association in 1998, 2002, 2013, and 2014.
An outpouring of support from those who rubbed elbows with the legend over nearly five decades of work at Mississippi State flooded in after the announcement Wednesday morning.
Jim Ellis has been the voice of spring for basically my entire life. He is synonymous with Mississippi State baseball the way Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro, and Jake Mangum are. Dudy Noble Field will forever echo with his voice. https://t.co/TyhtNvDWhl
— Brian Hadad (@brianhadad) December 18, 2024
“One of the great joys of my time at SuperTalk has been getting to know Jim and talk sports with him many times,” Hadad of SportsTalk Mississippi added. “I wish the best in the years to come.”
According to Mississippi State Athletics, a successor for Ellis will be announced in the near future.
