Gamecock Larry, WNKT 107.5 FM’s most dedicated and recognized listener and caller, has passed away at the age of 93.
Known as Lawrence Griffin off the air, he was a cherished figure within the South Carolina sports community. His consistent presence on the radio, paired with his warm personality, thick Southern accent, and signature sign-off — a spirited “Go Gamecocks!” — made him a beloved voice to listeners.
A native of Swansea and a graduate of Brookland-Cayce High School, Griffin had a lifelong passion for the Gamecocks. His unflagging optimism about every USC program made him a favorite among both fans and radio hosts.
“He was an eternal optimist when it came to his beloved Gamecocks,” said Elijah Campbell, co-host of 107.5 FM’s “Post-Game” show. “Even when the chips were down, he was always banking on them bouncing back.”
Griffin’s final call came Wednesday evening, the day after USC men’s basketball triumphed over Clemson in overtime to take a 4-0-2 lead in the Palmetto Series. As always, his farewell words were full of pride, declaring, “We own the state of South Carolina.”
Griffin’s faith never wavered, even when others doubted. Campbell recalled that when USC football outperformed expectations by winning nine games this season, Griffin was the one person who had always believed in their success.
His calls to 107.5 FM, which switched to an all-sports format in 2007, often turned into long discussions, filled with predictions, memories, and unshakeable belief in the team. The hosts typically let Griffin speak uninterrupted, appreciating the joy and familiarity he brought to their audience.
For many years, Griffin was a staple of USC sports talk radio. While most callers would wait until they were fully awake and ready to engage, Griffin would call promptly at 6 a.m. every day to discuss the Gamecocks, expressing frustration on the rare occasions he couldn’t get through. He would also make appearances at various locations where 107.5 FM was broadcasting.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to Gamecock Larry’s family. We will miss talking with you every day, old friend,” 107.5 FM expressed in a statement on X on Thursday.
Few were as optimistic as Gamecock Larry, and as Justin Hall noted, “I think there will be many thinking the Gamecocks will go 12-0 ‘until they prove me otherwise.’ It will be hard to find another caller with USC, BC, and Dutch Fork fandom like him.”
In related news, Carlton Thompson, known as Baseline Jesus, also passed away. Thompson was famous for waving his flag at USC basketball and baseball games.
