Chris Blair, better known as the Voice of the LSU Tigers, is the play-by-play announcer for LSU football, basketball and baseball.
“That’s why it’s a dream to be here at LSU because you get to see greatness happen on the field and court of play, that’s all I’m looking for,” Blair said.
Blair began working at his family’s radio station at 14. While in high school, Blair could not foresee the new heights this career would take him. Now, Blair has worked for Lander University and Clemson Tiger Sports Network. In 2016, he began commentating on a new Tiger: the Purple and Gold Tigers.
When Blair began commentating on LSU Sports, he had big shoes to fill, as he was taking over for Jim Hawthorne after a 36-year tenure.
”You are going to be different. You are going to do things differently, but the standard remains the same,” Blair said. “I think over time most people get used to you.”
Although change is hard, LSU fans gravitated toward Blair’s voice because of its power to make listeners who are not at the game feel as if they are sitting in the stands with thousands of other screaming fans.
“What was very evident, I think from the beginning, was how talented Chris is and how great he is, as Jim was, at painting a picture for the listener,” LSU Baseball Communication Director Bill Franques said.
In his seven years with the Tigers, Blair has already witnessed LSU win a National Championship and a College Baseball World Series. He has no plans to stop helping create some of LSU’s most memorable moments.
”There’s no desire to go anywhere,” Blair said. “I do not think there is a better job in the country than what I have right now.”
The only plan Blair has is to continue to use his voice to narrate sports, plays and moments that are bigger than himself.
”Hopefully years down the road there will be some of those great minutes or great moments from these great teams and you will hear my voice,” Blair said.
Which is possible as he continues to use the power of his voice to captivate the exciting moments in LSU sports.
