Morry Mannies, longtime radio voice for Muncie athletics, dies

MUNCIE, Ind. — Morry Mannies, a local icon and perhaps one of the most recognizable voices in the history of Muncie, has died. He was 81.

Mannies served as the radio play-by-play announcer for Ball State Athletics for 56 years, spanning 11 men's basketball coaches and 10 football coaches, and also covered high school sports for many decades. He retired as the Voice of the Cardinals following the 2011-12 school year, ending a run in a position the native of Peru, Indiana held since latching onto it when he was a freshman at BSU during the 1956-57 school year.

Mannies, who held among his special memories Ball State basketball's trip to the Sweet 16 of the 1990 NCAA tournament, is a member of the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame, Delaware County Athletic Hall of Fame, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and more.

"The (Ball State) community is saddened to learn that Morry Mannies, play-by-play announcer for (Ball State sports) for more than 50 years, has died," Ball State President Geoffrey S. Mearns tweeted. "We are proud of Morry’s many contributions to our University, and we will miss him as a Cardinal and friend."

Word spread quickly on social media Thursday, with friends, former players, and former colleagues referring to Mannies as a legend, fondly recalling listening to him on the radio, sharing about how helpful he was to all, and how he was never too busy for someone.

He was known for signing off with the phrase, "Good night, and good sports," as well as his colorful sweaters and his positive outlook on local athletic teams. 

His storied career included calling more than 500 Ball State football games and more than 5,000 college and high school basketball games.

"We lost a Legend today," tweeted David Eha, a former Ball State basketball player who serves as an analyst BSU broadcasts. "Morry Mannies was Ball State, was Muncie and was the eyes, ears and VOICE for generations of Cardinal fans. Lucky to have been his friend and colleague. Thoughts & (prayers) to Jeff & Julie. RIP Legend, we’re gonna miss you."

Funeral arrangements are pending at The Meeks Mortuary.

"This truly is a sad day not just for Ball State Athletics, but Ball State University," BSU athletic director Beth Goetz said in a statement released by the university. "Morry’s passion and dedication to Ball State were unmatched. His broadcasts had a way of tying everyone from students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents and community members together. Our condolences go out to the Mannies family."

"Our heartfelt thanks for all the exciting calls and the wonderful memories," Ball State men's basketball's Twitter account posted. "No one embodied Ball State or loved the Cardinals more than Morry. Rest in peace, friend."

This story will be updated.