The ‘Voice Of The LSU Tigers’ Jim Hawthorne Plans To Retire

Jim Hawthorne, the voice of the LSU Tigers, is calling quits. Hawthorne announced that he will end his 35 years with Tiger Athletics after the 2015-16 LSU Basketball season. 

Hawthorne started calling basketball games for LSU during the 1979-80 season, and has since been the voice of Tiger football, baseball, and basketball.

The legendary broadcaster says he plans to spend more time with his family and travel places he has never been with his wife and friends.

Hawthorne is a native of Anacoco, LA and is a graduate of Northwestern University in Natchitoches. He has called National Championship games, World Series games and Final Four games for LSU throughout his career.

It wasn't until 1984 when Hawthorne took over the play-by-play duties for LSU football and since then he has NOT missed one single game. The voice of the Tigers has called 380 straight games for LSU football.

Like many fans, I too will miss hearing Jim Hawthorne on the radio. He painted the picture better than anyone in the country and his enthusiasm for LSU sports will be deeply missed.

The university will begin a nation wide search to fill the seat of Jim Hawthorne in the spring.