House Concurrent Resolution 34

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING JIM ELLIS UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 46 YEARS AS THE PLAY-BY-PLAY VOICE OF THE MISSISSIPPI STATE BASEBALL PROGRAM.

WHEREAS, Mississippi State University (MSU) alum and legendary broadcaster Jim Ellis announced his retirement after 46 years as the play-by-play voice of the Mississippi State baseball program; and

WHEREAS, Jim 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; and

WHEREAS, a Mississippi State legend and an icon in sports broadcasting, no one has been more instrumental in telling the incredible stories of Mississippi State baseball for the last 46 seasons than Jim Ellis, and he is a special part of the Mississippi State family, who has devoted decades of service and love for the Bulldogs; and

WHEREAS, from SEC titles to countless historic NCAA Regional and Super Regional wins, double-digit trips to Omaha and a national championship, Jim Ellis has had a front-row seat to the greatest moments in Diamond Dawg history; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ellis spent his early broadcasting career calling local high school games, and when Ron Polk, legendary Mississippi State baseball coach, lost his play-by-play announcer in the Fall of 1978, he needed another one, so the long-time MSU baseball coach was given a tape of Jim, and he responded with, "He'll do," and while it was not a glowing seal of approval, it cracked the door open for Jim, and he busted down the door with his opportunity; and

WHEREAS, in Jim Ellis' rookie season in 1979, the Bulldogs went to the College World Series, which would be the first of 11 trips the iconic broadcaster would make to Omaha, but of all the iconic moments he has called, Jim says the losses stick with him more than the wins; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ellis' dedication to State has spanned from the baseball field to the court to the gridiron, as he called the 2021 National Championship, the first national championship in school history; and

WHEREAS, Jim Ellis has built a strong relationship with countless players and coaches who have come through the esteemed Mississippi State baseball program, and 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, and during the 2024 season, Ellis was inducted into the Ron Polk Ring of Honor as a member of the sixth inductee class; and

WHEREAS, a native of West Point, Mississippi, and a 1969 graduate of Mississippi State, Jim Ellis assumed the play-by-play role for football and men's basketball at the start of the 2011-2012 athletic season following the retirement of legendary voice Jack Cristil, and Jim Ellis retired from calling football and men's basketball games following the 2017 season; and

WHEREAS, in addition to calling baseball, he had also been serving as host of the weekly coach's show, and 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; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippians, especially those such as Jim Ellis, "The Voice of the Diamond Dawgs", for his remarkable dedication and years of service to Mississippi State University, which brings lasting honor to the university, his community and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Jim Ellis upon the occasion of his retirement after 46 years as the play-by-play voice of the Mississippi State baseball program, and extend most sincere wishes for relaxation in the lighter days ahead.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Jim Ellis and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.