Ellis retires as voice of the Diamond Dawgs
Credit: MSU Athletics
Dec. 18, 2024-Mississippi State alum and legendary broadcaster Jim Ellis announced Wednesday his retirement after 46 years as the play-by-play voice of the Mississippi State baseball program.
“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.”
Ellis, affectionately known as “The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs,” has described and interpreted countless magical moments in Mississippi State’s baseball history, broadcasting 33 NCAA Regional appearances, seven SEC Tournament titles, five SEC championships, 11 trips to the College World Series and a national title.
“Jim Ellis is a Mississippi State legend and an icon in sports broadcasting,” MSU Director of Athletics Zac Selmon said. “No one has been more instrumental in telling the incredible stories of Mississippi State baseball for the last 46 seasons than Jim. He is a special part of the Mississippi State family, who has devoted decades of service and love for the Bulldogs. From SEC titles to countless historic NCAA Regional and Super Regional wins, double-digit trips to Omaha and a national championship, Jim has had a front-row seat to the greatest moments in Diamond Dawg history. Congratulations to Jim on an illustrious career. While we wish him and his family the absolute best in a well-earned retirement, he will undoubtedly be missed behind the microphone.”
A four-time Outstanding Broadcaster in Mississippi award winner, Ellis’ dedication to State has spanned from the baseball field to the court to the gridiron, calling the 2021 National Championship – the first national championship in school history. He has built a strong relationship with countless players and coaches who have come through the esteemed Mississippi State baseball program.
“Jim Ellis is synonymous with Mississippi State baseball,” MSU 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. We appreciate his professionalism, dedication and love for the Maroon and White, and wish him and his wife Jammie the best in retirement.”
On February 15, 2019, the radio suite at Dudy Noble Field was dedicated as the Jim Ellis Broadcast Suite and the home booth was named the Jim Ellis Broadcast Booth. During the 2024 season, Ellis was inducted into the Ron Polk Ring of Honor as a member of the sixth inductee class.
“Words can’t describe what Jim Ellis means to Mississippi State, the fanbase, and the many former players and coaches over the last four decades,” legendary former head baseball coach Ron Polk said. “He is one of the all-time greats in baseball broadcasting history and has built an outstanding legacy. The Bulldog family tips its cap to our friend and colleague Jim on a legendary career.”
Ellis, a native of West Point, Mississippi, and a 1969 graduate of Mississippi State, assumed the play-by-play role for football and men’s basketball at the start of the 2011-12 athletic season following the retirement of legendary voice Jack Cristil. Ellis retired from calling football and men’s basketball games following the 2017 season.
In addition to calling baseball, he had also been serving as host of the weekly coach’s show. In 1998, 2002, 2013 and 2014, Ellis was named “Outstanding Broadcaster in Mississippi” by NSMA (National Sports Media Association) while representing Bulldog Sports Network and Learfield’s MSU Bulldog Sports Properties.
“Jim has been a fantastic representative of Mississippi State Athletics and Bulldog baseball for as long as many Bulldog fans can remember, bringing the Diamond Dawgs’ most magical moments to life for our fans and listeners for nearly 50 years,” General Manager of MSU Bulldog Sports Properties Ann Brett Gillespie Strickland said. “We are extremely grateful for his dedication to Mississippi State and the Starkville community, and he will always be viewed as a member of the MSU and Learfield families.”
Ellis’ successor as the Voice of the Bulldogs will be announced in the near future.
