SB Nation - Login for mobile commenting

Halos Heaven

Angels Announcer Rory Markas Dead at 54

Angels Announcer Rory Markas died in his sleep late Monday night. Cause of death is undetermined.

As reported in a Fanshot by JAYCAL earlier this morning here on Halos Heaven:

Rory Markas known for the famous catch phrase "Just Another Halo Victory" passed away earlier this morning. AM 830's Sport Lodge reported it this morning and it was also being reported on KTTV, Fox 11 here in Los Angeles. In late-2008, Rory underwent surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, which sidelined him for about six weeks. Rory was 54 and reportedly passed in his sleep. Rory was set to be the lead announcer for the Angels this season with Mark Gubicza.

On AM 830 radio, Rory's longtime partner Terry Smith told listeners, "I think now everybody should just celebrate what a good person he was."

At 9:00 AM, the Angels sent out this press release:

BROADCASTER RORY MARKAS PASSES AWAY

ANAHEIM, CA:   Angels Baseball Tuesday announced that veteran broadcaster Rory Markas passed away yesterday at his home in Palmdale, CA.  No other details are available, and funeral service information is pending. 

Markas, 54, spent eight seasons calling play-by-play with the Angels, both on television and radio.  In addition to his responsibilities with the Angels, Markas also served as the play-by-play voice for the University of Southern California men's basketball team, and as a reporter for FOX 11 KTTV in Los Angeles.

Prior to joining the Angels, Markas handled the play-by-play duties for the USC baseball team on the Trojan Radio Network, as well as pre-game reporting for Trojan football.  During that time, he also served as a sports reporter on KNX Newsradio 1070 in Los Angeles, and a sports anchor on FOX 11.  From 1994-97, he was the lead announcer for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers on the Clippers radio network.

Markas had extensive baseball broadcasting experience prior to joining the Angels, as he worked as a play-by-play announcer for the Milwaukee Brewers television network (1992-94) and as a substitute radio play-by-play announcer with the Brewers radio network from 1984-1994.  He spent six seasons calling Pacific Coast League baseball, including three years with the Salt Lake City Gulls and three years with the Vancouver Canadians.

Markas' career included stints as an on-air sports talent for KCBS 2 (1990-97) and Prime Ticket (1987-90).  He was honored with several broadcasting awards, including four Golden Mike Awards for radio reporting, and two Associated Press Sportscasting Awards.  He also received the 2008 Radio Play-by-Play Award from the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Association.

A native of San Fernando Valley, CA, Markas attended Chatsworth High School.  He later attended Los Angeles Valley College and Cal State Northridge.  He is survived by his mother, Billie and brothers, Gary and Troy.

0 recs  |  175 comments

Comments

Shocking

RIP Rory

Very sad

Peace be with Rory and his family.

this is absolutely stunning!

my most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

Terrible News

Rory will be sorely missed. I still get chills listening to the final out of the ’02 Series that he called on the radio. Just another Halo victory. Just another Halo loss today.

I echo those thoughts

Listening to the radio broadcasts in 2002 in the earliest days of internet coverage, Rory made those historic games come alive for me thousands of miles away, in the middle of the night.

The “Just Another Halo Victory” at the end of the ALCS Game 5, when it was so obviously not just another victory, still gives me chills 7 years later.

Sad, sad news.

Me Too

listening in ’02 was some of my greatest memories. i had rorys calls as my answering machine messages. just another angels victory. thanks rory. you will be missed

No this is hoorribe.

RIP Rory. no one ever would expect this.

Oh no!

This is terrible news. He was always my favorite Angels announcer, and I was looking forward to a full season of him finally calling all the games.

Rory, you will be missed terribly.

RIP Rory

It’ll never be “Just Another Halo Victory” w/out you

So true!

he will be missed

No! No, no, not Rory!! I’m so very sorry, what a terrible shock! I just cant believe this, this is just horrible. My prayers go out to Rory’s family. Its just not going to be the same without Rory.

well we know what patch we will be wearing and i wish we weren't wearing any :(
I am tired of patches damnit!

:(( Enough already!

(I say this out of frustration, no knock on the principle of the patches)

no i totally agree thats why i say we wish we weren't. we got to stop this :(.
this is really sad

I wonder who will join Gubi in the booth now?

probably physioc or rex
doubt Rex

Rex was/is a color guy (as is Gubi.). Rory was the play by play man. I hope they bring back the Phizz.

Damn shame though. Rory will be missed.

thats what we likely will do we descussed this lower :)
"just another halo victory"

that was my favorite call ever…..RIP Rory, we’re gonna miss you.

Same Here

This is awful. So sad.

That was my favorite call, too.

And not only did I enjoy his Angel bradcasting, but I also loved listening to him call SC basketball games on the radio. This is a sad day indeed. My heart and prayers go out to his family.

his voice was almost therapeutic for me

i’m going to miss you, rory.

No words can describe

How much this sucks. So sad.

Oh Man

He was by far my favorite. RIP

RIP Rory.

Damn, speechless.

What a tragedy.

I really looked forward to hearing his voice. It was almost fatherly…it made watching ballgames so much easier.

“Erstad says he has it…Erstad…MAKES THE CATCH!” I think that’s the call we’ll all remember from Rory.

No doubt.

To me though, Rory at his best was in the game before that one – describing the circumstances of the amazing Angels comeback and the opportunity the Angels created for themselves to play in a game seven. His words were simply poetry.

RIP Rory

I’m totally shocked and saddened

A's fan here

I am so sorry to hear this today. I think back to the shock of Bill King passing away and my heart goes out to you Angels fans.

I listened to Rory plenty on XM and the guy could flat out call a ballgame.

Thanks, man

it’s appreciated

How heartbreaking...

For Angels fans, but most especially his family.

I will really miss him. I will always associate him with our first and only World Series victory.

Bummer...

First thing I will always say/think after an Angel win is, “JUST ANOTHER HALO VICTORY!”

Thank you for all the memories Rory, RIP! Job well done!

RIP

I always enjoyed Rory. Wow, just 54 years old. Another halo tragedy.

I made a couple of petty remarks

on a post a while back regarding Rory and how he sounded like a “carnival pitch-man.” I wish there was something I could do take that back.

I’m sorry Rory, you WERE great. I was just acting like a crazy fan.

JUST ANOTHER HALO VICTORY!

For selfish purposes, I wanted 1 full year of rory.

Thats the only thing I was looking forward to in 2010.

peace out rory, you’ll be missed.

At a loss for words

Despite being the voice of our Angels for only 8 seasons, they were great seasons and he provided the soundtrack to the glory and success – He will be remembered as the voice during the most successful stretch in team history and, for many of us, a key link to our favorite team.

RIP Rory

As a long distance fan who listens on MLB audio

Rory was truly an important part of my daily life from March through October. I am deeply saddened and feel like I have lost a friend. My best to his family and friends.

Sad news ...

RIP Rory

heart breaking

death just following the angels lately. RIP

He will be missed.

He grew on me. He could develop chemistry with just about any partner. His gentle ribbing of Terry about “Monday Singles Night” at the ballpark will always live in my memory.

F-bomb time.

Fuck fuck fuck fuck.

Rory, you will be missed. You were a class act, and a great broadcaster.

Unbelievable...

Jaw dropped and heart sank just now. Was really looking forward to his calls this season. Very senseless.

He was easily the best...

and I’m gonna miss him alot next year.

what a shame!

Rest in peace Rory.

Rest in Peace, Rory

Awful news. So sorry for Rory and his family. Far too young to die so suddenly. At least after his scare last summer I’m sure he did not take life for granted and lived it to the fullest in his final months. I will miss his calm and professional voice. He really knew how to call a game.

RIP Rory.

You’ll always be a part of the Angels for me.

Gone too soon.

May you rest in peace, Rory. Angel fans will miss you.

Wow

just shocked. Rory was such a class act. Great announcer that made me smile when he gave the call because of the enthusiasm he brought to the booth especially during the playoffs. May he rest in peace. You will always be an Angels.

This will always put a smile on my face. Thanks you so much Rory.

http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7042793

Got a little teary eyed just now.

Hearing one of his final JAHV calls…

Nobody gets out of here alive

and it looks like Rory spent his life doing what he loved and gave us many many memorable games.

We will miss you Rory and my condolences to your family. Thank you Rory from the bottom of my heart.

Sad

Thanks Rory for everything you contributed to us Angels fans. It will not be the same without it being “just another halo victory.” God bless you and your loved ones.

NO NO NO NO NO
This franchise has had a really bad year.

Shocking news. Very sad to hear it.

this is really sad

he was my favorite announcer, too. we’ll all miss him this year, and for years to come.
my prayers are with his family.

Rory Markus is on the Muldoon's Irish "Wall of Fame" in Newport Beach.

I’m thinking I’ll go visit.

i never knew that...

my step-dad was a regular there for years…

its sad and rory lived pretty close to me as well
Never been there

But knowing that I’m going to stop in for a pint in his honor

What?

Damn, seriously sad news. RIP Rory. Just damn.

This fucking awful. I loved this guy.
Bummer City...

I LISTEN to a majority of Angel games via radio or radio-stream and grew accustomed to his voice. Over the years I have definitely developed a emotional attachment to the play by play of Rory and/or Terry…this is really too bad.

And maybe its too soon to say this but….

God, I hope this doesnt mean they bring back Physioc.

will be him or rex
yeah, uh, no.
as someone who worked with Rory, I really wouldnt be surprised if they brought him back...

lets hope not.

i would be fine with it, would rather it was rex than physioc
Hopefully Rex

and I think that’s what Rory would have wanted…

Who is calling the game between Gubi and Rex?

Rex is a color guy, so is Gubi to an effect. Both offering insight from a players point of view, and keeping the broadcast light.

You’re not gonna find them in the same booth.

yea you got a good point there they wont do that. so physioc will probably be in there as i dont know who else would

Angels vice president of communications Tim Mead said it is "too soon" to think about how the Angels will replace Rory Markas on their broadcast team for 2010. "We’ll get together on that at some point," Mead said, referring to the Angels and FOX Sports which carries most of the team’s games. "We’ll let the moment play out first. Our focus right now is on doing whatever we can for the family in this difficult time. The business aspect is secondary at this moment."

(source)

yea makes sense i dont expect anything decided soon
Such sad news

I loved listening to Rory and Terry when they did the broadcasts together on the radio.
I am deeply saddened by this news – will so miss, “Just Another Halo Victory.”

completely devastated.

Totally speechless, just a sad sad day. You were the best Rory, may you rest in peace.

they are talking about him now on 710espn
gubi is coming on to talk about him
Let us know what he said if you could please
i dont remember everyting but

he was talking about how he was so funny and how he was always positive, talked about how unique he was and how when everyone else took notes ne never did only had a score sheet.

Yeah, everyone keeps talking about his charm and quick wit.

Gubi has been making a point of using the present tense, “he is a great man” because he says Rory is still with us in spirit.

Also, Gubi had a long conversation with Rory yesterday, and sees it as kind of a gift from a higher power that he had that chance.

i cant imagine taking to someone today going to bed and when i wake up that person is gone
Same.

Like with Nick… he was just up there on the mound and the very next moment he’s gone. Unbelievable.

yea that is the worst way for it to go it seems for those that know them
Awful news

Thank you, Rory!

Terrible news

Devastating loss… :( I’ll miss him and his insults to Gubi.

I was so looking fwd to that this season!
Rory and Gubi were really starting to click...

They had some really funny/silly moments during the game together, and although I was bummed about Hud not being there this upcoming season, I hoped that Rory & Gubi could add some fun to the broadcasts….Heartfelt condolences to Rory’s family….we will all miss him terribly. He was a class act.

A Real Shame

Rory Markus was one of the good guys. I am so sorry to hear of this. There really are no other words to say. RIP, Rory Markus.

as the Clipper radio announcer

When I was an Intern with Media Relations with the Clippers in 1997, I remember he would have a beer with the interns, usually wearing his black leathermen Clipper Jacket.
For an announcer to hang out with interns after the game, tells you how down to earth he was.

wow...thats fucking cool man.

I just finished up my FIFTH internship since graduating (Internships aren’t exactly the gateway into a job that they use to be) and you always appreciate those moments when the seasoned boss takes the time kick back a cold one with ya.

I think that little memory of yours just proves that Rory was actually a great guy…

Rest In Peace Rory

My thoughts and prayers are with The Markus family and the Angel organization.

Listening to 710 AM and hearing his calls for USC basketball...

What an announcer, in everything.

yea im also listening to 710
Total bummer

Rory really was a good announcer. RIP Rory.

Unbelievable

Very saddened by this news. Rest in Peace Rory.

RIP Rory

We miss you already. Prayers go out to your family and friends, and for you—may you rest in peace and in all our memories. Now Nick and Preston have another friend with whom to watch down upon the Halos.

Rory was one the best.

You will be sorely missed. Thank you for being a great talent, and making Halo games even more enjoyable. RIP. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Very sad news....

Really going to miss Rory!!

A good article on MLB.com

“I noticed after his big health scare November of a year ago that he changed,” Smith said. "I think he realized he cheated death. He was very candid about how fortunate he was to come through his aneurysm. He had what I saw as a spiritual change. “He left us as a better man.”

(source)

Terry Smith...always classy and eloquent when it comes to these situations.
We need to make certain that Terry gets a check up and stays in perfect health.

I would totally lose it if we lost Terry as well. He had a health scare too last year, if I remember correctly.

I am in shock.

Rest in peace Rory. :~(

"The" voice of the Angels

Just as much as Dick Enberg embodied the voice of the Angels in my youth, Rory Markas’ descriptions of the games and players ring in my head now. He may be gone, but will never be forgotten. Wins may have represented just another halo victory, but Rory never was just another Angels announcer.

R I P Rory

He truly was an amazing broadcaster and from what it sounds like, an equally amazing person. I must say, I loved listening to Rory call a game and his signature call “Just Another Halo Victory” will always be in the hearts and minds of Halo fans who grew to love the Halos even more over the last decade.

You will truly be missed Rory

Damn

Just…damn.

We can all be thankful that Rory’s call will live forever, linked with the greatest moment in franchise history.

"Just Another Halo Victory!"

Thank you for that Rory. What a loss for us and the whole Angels family.

Damn

I loved Rory since his Rollerjam days. He helped make that fun. He was a welcome relief to the crap on Angels TV and Radio at the time too. I’m gonna miss him

We Will Miss You Rory.......

May god Bless your friends and family as they go through the processes of grieving. You will be be missed Rory.

"Just another ANGEL LOSS!!"

hey the interview thing with gubi is going to be on ESPNlosangeles (probably a podcast)
Aloha My Friend

You can never be replaced, and will always be missed.

I have an Angels bottle opener with his game 7 call.

I already got chills every time I cracked one open, listening to his call of the final out in 02. Now, every bottle will hold mixed emotions: joy in the Angels victory, and his part in it, but also sadness in his parting. I’ll be sure to pour one out for you tonight, Rory. This is a truly mournful day.

I have the same bottle opener....

….and often tap it just to hear the call even when I’m not opening a bottle. It always gives me goosebumps. My thoughts go out to his family and friends. Rest in peace, Rory. You will be missed. And, I hope whoever takes his place will continue the “Just another Halo victory” in his honor.

so sad...

it’s been a tough stretch for us Angels fans lately, and this is just another blow. we’ll miss you Rory, but you’ll always be in our hearts as a part of the Angels family.

if there’s one thing i learned last season after the loss of Nick Adenhart, it’s that the Angels family is as strong as any family, and we will all help each other get over loss and honor our lost ones with respect, pride, and grace.

A huge loss

for the Angel community. My wife and I were just last night re-watching a game we recorded from last season (7-29-09), which Rory and Gubi did. It really got me looking forward to a whole season of them on TV.

Rest in peace, Rory. We’ll miss you.

RIP Rory

“Just another Halo victory”

Wow...

what a shocker :( RIP Rory … :(

Unbelievable...

I’m in shock, wow, so sad. My condolances to his family and to the extended Angel family.

Shocked and saddened

I really enjoyed his energy and always looked forward to hearing him call the game. For me he was a better announcer than nearly all others I’ve heard in recent years. RIP Rory.

Wow.

So sad…RIP: Rory.

A Big Halo Loss Today!!!

I was very saddened to read this when I got to work today and actually did a double take just to confirm what I thought I had read. Wish I had been wrong!

As others have already noted, I hope that the Angels don’t add a patch to their uniforms, it’s sort of lost it’s meaning with so many of late. What I would like to see, is whomever succeeds Rory, they honor his legacy by continuing “Just Another Halo Victory!” I can think of no better way to honor the man than to continue his workmanlike phrase after each win.

Rory will definitely be missed!!

I think people have been saying that I hope the Angels don't ever need to add any more patches.

A patch in memory or Rory would be fitting, I think. Let’s just make it the only one this decade, okay?

Rory is now calling Nick's games in Heaven.
With Donnie Moore ready in the 'pen.

And Lymon Bostock roaming the OF. And of course the Cowboy and Preston smiling on.

RIP Rory Marcus

Thank you so much for your efforts to the fans, the team your service to Gods earth and the is much appreciated and you will be held in the bottom of our hears always. I still hear the sound of your call in 2002 resonating in my head. Thank you Rory.

"From about the age of 5 till 12 Rory and I were inseparable friends. Rory had a comprehensive collection of baseball, basketball, and football cards and probably knew every statistic on every player in the collection. Every day, during whichever sport season was current, we would go out and play a sort of one on one game against each other, in the street or in the driveway or on the lawn. Rory, would announce the entire game as we played, using the names of the players and giving insight into what was happening on the field. I am sure he could visualize the entire teams on the field as we played and called every pass, block, ball strike, hit or basket as they happened. It is good to know that someone that was that passionate about his career from an early age, was able to immerse himself in what he loved."

(source)

thanks for sharing this and finding it
Rory Markas comments on the death of Nick Adenhart in this phone interview.

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/story/Rory_Markas_on_Nick_Adenharts_Death_20090409

Tough video.

December 11 interview

This includes video from when he was announced as full time TV broadcaster for the Angels.

http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/sportscaster-rory-markas-dies-20100105

Warning: not an easy video to watch.
Tough to watch

just shocking never would have expected it

yea tough one to watch
That's tough

When the girl starts crying when talking about what a great guy he was, man that was too much. We’re gonna miss you man. That first game in April is going to be pretty damn strange.

I cried like a baby.

And not ashamed to admit it.

Shocking

RIP Rory Markas.

I'll seriously miss you-

Really good announcer- knew when to be cool, knew when to get jazzed. You could actually follow the game when Rory was calling it. Just another Halo tragedy- So long, pal.

....

I am at a loss for words.

He is really going to be missed. It won’t be the same not hearing the words “Just another Halo victory.” Was really looking forward to hearing him broadcast this year.

Never really got a chance to hear Markus

prior to today as he was before my time as an Angels fan, but it’s pretty clear from these clips being posted that he had an awesome “announcer’s” voice, someone who I would’ve enjoyed following through a baseball season.

Condolences to a fan base who has been through more than its fair share of loss these past 12 months.

are you really young or something?? he has been here since 2002?
I phrased that incorrectly.

Should’ve read *AFTER my time as an Angels fan.

ok just looked, that makes more sense now that i see your a mariners fan.
mo condolences to the Angles fans, organization, and most imporant to his family and friends
The voice of Rory Markas will live on, not only in his calls for the Angels but in an independent film premiering later this month.

Zev and David Brooks, the Orange County brothers who made the film, didn’t have much money to spend. But they really wanted a big-name announcer for the play-by-play calls, so they e-mailed Markas, wondering whether he would bother to respond to two guys he had never heard of.

(source)

R.I.P

do you think they will wear a RM patch?

yes i think they will
He was such a sunny, upbeat guy

Seems like the wrong way to honor him. I don’t know why I feel this way, but from everything everyone says about him, and listening to him for 8 years, you feel like he’d want people to smile when they think of him.

I always did, and will. Can they have a patch that says “JAHV” for Just Another Halo Victory?

oh im sure they will do something else as well but i aslo think they will have a patch
My guess is no patch. But definitely a tribute and a moment of silence before the first home game.
RIP Brother

A consummate professional, you didn’t need to know him personally to know he was a good guy. He’ll be missed.

Just another example of “ya never know when it’s your time”.

RIP Rory

For being perhaps the most prolific source in the history of the English language

you sure don’t post around here near enough.

RIP Rory

Great announcer, best call in franchise history.

Shocking, saddening news...

loved the flow of Rory’s broadcasts. His sense of humor was awesome and his chemistry in the booth with Guby really had me anxious to hear them full time in ’10. Just seemed like an all around good guy. RIP Rory, you will be greatly missed. Halo will be lit all night in your honor good sir.

its sad i was going to be listening to him all this season cause i wont get the games :(
This offseason has sucked !

R . I . P . R O R Y

Tell Nick we said what up.

Thanks Rory...........

RIP you will be missed <3

wow this offseason went from bad to worse….RIP

Very sad news.

I didn’t know him at all. I wouldn’t know his family, if he was married or not, if he had children, his favorite charity, what he enjoyed during non-work time, and so on.

And yet he was an integral – and yes intimate – part of all things related to Angels baseball over the last 8 years. His voice, his calling of events is so etched into the best – and worst – recent moments of this franchise. The plays are so less effective without his voice. Listen to the final play of the 2002 season with the volume turned down and you will understand what I mean.

Just another shock, just another pause, just another time to think how quickly life can change. Rory, thanks for the memories. May you rest in peace.

Thanks Rory.

Your voice drew me back to the Angels family. This season (and subsequent seasons) just won’t be the same.

Rory was the best we had in a long time.

He will be missed.

Words cannot express….I was so excited that Rory was going to be our TV guy this year….. Our Halos sure take the hits, don’t they? Those long drives home won’t be the same without his voice on KLAA. Raise your glasses, fellas. A GIANT has passed from us this day.

Its just not right.

You will be missed Rory. All of my family’s best to his.

Eternal Peace, Rory.

And a heartfelt “Thank You”.

There is no sufficient way to express what you have meant to me, personally. In so many far, far away hotels, trains and airport waiting areas your sunny, streamed voice has represented “Home” to me. The coming season will be so ever so much more lonely without you.

May a true halo be your lasting victory.

Scioscia on Rory

Did anyone hear Scioscia’s interview on “The Drive” with Jeff Biggs last night about 5:15 PM? Like Gubi, Scioscia had also spoken with Rory on Monday. then he told Biggs something really interesting…..that he’s never really heard Rory call a game, because he is, of course, a part of the games. (This thought really blew the mind of Biggs.) But Scioscia new Rory well and talked about how great he was and his sense of humor and how he agreed to emcee events for some charity events. Mike really focused on the positive side of remembering Rory. Good interview, and nice of Mike to take the time to reach out to the fans on a day he probably wouldn’t have wanted to.

RIP, Rory. I'll always remember your 2002 WS call.

“ERSTAD SAYS HE’S GOT IT…”

I am in shock.

I found out earlier today, and I know this is a couple of days late, but I am just reeling.

I've never heard Markas, but what a tough break for you guys. He seems like a beloved guy. My heart goes out to you.

You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Halos Heaven to post a comment.