There are callers. And then there’s “Gamecock Larry.” Ninety-three year old Lawrence Griffin of Swansea was a “brand” caller on SportsTalk. Known by USC fans across the state for his unbridled love of the Gamecocks, and by Clemson fans for his unabashed dislike of the Tigers (all in good fun), Griffin was always first in line at 6:05 to spread his gospel across the state.
A war veteran, Gamecock Larry made no secret of his love of country, matched only by his love of family and love of the Gamecocks. In his world, the Gamecocks never lost and Clemson never won.
Larry was also known to call into “The Afternoon Drive with Keven Cohen” on The Point 100.7 FM in Columbia and kick around hot political topics. But he saved his best for 6:05, and he almost never missed a night calling in. Even as his health deteriorated, Gamecock Larry’s blinking phone line was always there at 6:05 PM. Ninety seconds with Gamecock Larry became a staple of SportsTalk.
His final call came Wednesday night, and we could tell he was struggling. But he never let on. He wanted everyone to know that the Gamecocks would win their bowl game and that Clemson would get run over by Texas this Saturday. In the end, he just wanted everyone listening around the state to know that he loved them all, regardless of if they wore garnet or they wore orange.
We were all touched by Larry, his humor, his sarcasm and his never say die attitude. We will miss our nightly ninety seconds together. He will not be forgotten.
SportsTalk producer Josh Cohen compiled some of the best of Gamecock Larry from SportsTalk. Feel free to download and share.
There will be a big hole in Sports Talk radio family. Farewell to wonderful character.
Sports talk will not be tge same with out gamecock larry