On many nights in 1960s Waynesboro, Georgia, Scott Miller turned the radio dial until he found a distant station -- any station -- broadcasting a ballgame. He listened as long as reception allowed. So his family’s move to Atlanta in 1964 was an ascension to Radio Nirvana. Hearing Larry Munson, Milo Hamilton, and Skip Caray bring teams to life made him realize: he loved the play-by-play as much as the game itself. This revelation fueled Miller’s 50-year career, earning him a place among Georgia’s broadcasting elite.
His first words on the airwaves as a DJ were broadcast across the mountains from a WPPL trailer in Blue Ridge in 1973, and from there, he made stops in Atlanta at WGST, Marietta, Warner Robins, Monroe, and Athens.
But Columbus was calling in 1976. Miller aimed to be a charismatic morning show host by day and a play-by-play announcer by night. His morning drive program on WCGQ-McClure Broadcasting became the top-rated show in the market. The next year, Miller secured his play-by-play slot with Columbus State University athletics. He hasn’t given it up. “The Voice of the Cougars” has called more than 2,000 games, including CSU’s 2002 Division II College World Series victory. Miller transports WCUG listeners courtside, his vocal growl unapologetically rooting for an overtime victory. Fans stand awkwardly on kitchen counters or in closets -- wherever they were when the Cougars rallied -- as Miller implores them to stay in their “lucky spot.”
That signature style landed other play-by-play ventures, including the Houston Astros’ Double-A affiliate, high school football, and baseball state championships, and NCAA Division III Football National Championship games. He was the studio host for Troy University Football Radio Network.
Radio success led to a television stint with Video Sports Network in 1980, where he called play-by-play for Auburn University football alongside Heisman Trophy winner Pat Sullivan and long-time Auburn radio network voice Jim Fyffe. Miller has been a Heisman Trophy voter since 1986.
With his play-by-play status cemented, Miller continued to impress dayside. Muhammad Ali, Hank Aaron, Arnold Palmer, and President Jimmy Carter are among the public icons who found themselves at the other end of Miller’s microphone. In 1999, he became Program Director and Sports Director for iHeartRadio’s WDAK. During his 21 years there as a morning show host, he was a national finalist for multiple “Radio and Records” awards.
He is a member of the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame, the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame, and the Columbus State University Athletic Hall of Fame. The Georgia Association of Broadcasters awarded him with multiple GABBY Awards, including Best Play-By-Play Broadcast and Broadcaster of the Year. The Columbus VFW named him “Citizen of the Year” for his fundraising efforts for veterans. And in 2018, the Georgia State Senate passed a resolution honoring Miller for his contributions to the state and to broadcasting.
Indeed, the contributions are clear. Miller’s colleagues, mentees, the press, and listeners who have turned the dial to catch Miller’s work all seem to echo a familiar revelation: they love the play-by-play as much as the game itself.
- Lauren Miller Landrum, daughter
Scott Miller
What People Say About Scott
“Scott pushes drama and excitement through the phone line and shares compelling moments like no other. To people who follow Cougar basketball and baseball games, he is Columbus State University. The constant is Scott Miller, imploring us to find our lucky spot when games are in jeopardy. Scott paints a picture, never forgetting that he is our eyes and ears, and on occasion, our heart. Sports fans know Scott as a gifted play-by-play man who deserves to be working in a bigger market.”
“For decades, Miller’s voice has flowed over Columbus radio airwaves like a mountain spring. Pleasantly familiar, rich with flavor and void of additives. Smooth to the point of soothing. His listeners have long known his talent far exceeds his market size. Miller grew up in Atlanta listening to Larry Munson doing Georgia football and Milo Hamilton and Skip Caray calling Atlanta Braves games. Their influences are evident in his style. His unabashed love of Columbus State is much like Munson’s passion for the Bulldogs. While Munson implores the Dogs to hunker down, Miller asks fans to “grab a lucky spot.” From Hamilton, he learned the value of being solid technically. From Caray, he realized the importance of well-placed humor.”
“The legendary Voice of the Columbus State University Cougars, Scott Miller, has been an integral part of CSU athletics for decades. His call and command of the game, tireless travel, engagement with coaches, student/athletes, professors, staff, and fans along with his on and off-air demeanor, are remarkable. Scott is a lifetime student of athletics, whose recall for game-turning moments is so very impressive. He has called national championships, has been inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters, CSU Athletics and Chattahoochee Valley Hall of Fame. He has been honored for his many contributions to CSU in so many ways. He is a role model and an example of professionalism and class and stands so very tall among peers across the U.S. What a privilege to know and work with Scott Miller.”