Rory Markas | |
|---|---|
 Rory Markas atAngel Stadium of Anaheim on May 7, 2004 | |
| Born | (1955-12-20)December 20, 1955 Hollywood, California, U.S. |
| Died | January 4, 2010(2010-01-04) (aged 54) Palmdale, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Radio and television broadcaster |
| Years active | 1984–2010 |
Rory Markas (December 20, 1955 – January 4, 2010) was an Americansportscaster best known as theLos Angeles Angels of Anaheim's play-by-play broadcaster for eight seasons[1] and as the radio voice of theUniversity of Southern California men's basketball team for 11 seasons.[2][3] He also worked as a field reporter and part-time sports anchor forKTTV.
Born inHollywood, California, Markas was a graduate ofLos Angeles Valley College,California State University-Northridge, andChatsworth High School. He won four Golden Mike Awards, twoAssociated Press Sportscasting Awards, and the 2008 Radio Play-by-Play Award from the Southern California Broadcasters Association.[4]
Markas previously worked forKTUC in Tucson,CBS'KNX-AM andKCBS-TV, theLos Angeles Clippers, theMilwaukee Brewers,Fox Sports Net West, and thePacific Coast League'sSalt Lake City Gulls andVancouver Canadians.[4] He was also the lead announcer forRollerJam from its second season to its last. Most recently, and possibly his final effort, was the recording of the play-by-play segments for the upcoming motion picture "The Yankles". Rory Markas's voice is the first and last voice heard in the movie.
In late 2008, Markas underwent surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, which sidelined him for about six weeks.Steve Physioc, his Angels partner, filled in for Rory on several USC basketball games. USC's regular radio voice for football and previous voice in basketball,Pete Arbogast filled in for most of the rest of that season.
On January 4, 2010, the 54-year-old Markas was found dead at hisPalmdale,California home, the victim of an apparent heart attack.[5]
Many obituaries noted that Markas would be remembered for his signature "Just another Halo victory!" call after Angel wins, and for his call of the final play of the 2002 World Series at Angel Stadium. He was also known for his interviewing skills—for example, his Angels radio pre-game talk with former Negro leagues playerBuck O'Neil.
