( Photo / Troy Athletics )Samuel Granville Troy University has established a memorial fundraiser in an effort to name the home radio booth in Veterans Memorial Stadium after the Hall of Fame broadcaster, Ralph Black. Black, who passed away in July of 2020, made countless historic calls during his 26 years as the play-by-play announcer for Troy football, basketball and baseball. The goal for the fundraiser is $50,000.Troy’s Director of Broadcasting and current “Voice of the Trojans,” Barry McKnight, said the memorial is a great way to honor his predecessor’s memory. “I think it’s just a really strong way to finally recognize him,” McKnight said. “To realize the commitment he made and how much he did mean to Troy and Troy Athletics, the community of Troy and certainly for the Troy Sports broadcast.” A native of Montgomery, Black called more than 1,000 Troy sporting events, including four national championships. His famous “Holy Mackerel” call came from the 1984 NCAA Division II National Championship Game when Ted Clem hit a 50-yard field goal as time expired to win Troy State the game. “For Troy radio, what I’m involved in and what I’ve been involved in for the last 19 years here, Troy radio really began with Ralph Black,” McKnight said. “He was a real mentor for me when I got to Troy. He was such a blessing to me professionally and as a great friend. “Everything that Troy radiostands for, Ralph stood for, as well.” Troy Athletics and the Trojans Warrior Club launched the $50,000 fundraiser after a generous anonymous donation of $25,000 was gifted to the cause. To learn more about the Hall of Fame legacy of Ralph Black or to support and provide a donation for the memorial, visit TroyTrojans.com/RalphBlack or contact the Trojan Warrior Club office at 334-670-3480 or troytwc@troy.edu.
Staff Writer
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