Angels' announcer Rory Markas dies

Rory Markas, one of the Angels' play-by-play announcers from the time 2002, has died. The Angels' team-owned radio station, AM 830, announced his death this morning. The station did not announce a signal of death.


"I am certain now lendees should clearly celebrate how a good occupant he was," broadcast partner Terry Smith informed AM 830.


Markas, 54, transfered the memorable call of the ultimate out of the 2002 World Series, as Darin Erstad camped underneath a fly ball in centerfield: "Erstad says he's got it! Erstad causes the catch! The Anaheim Angels are the champions of baseball!"


Markas had returned to the Angels' booth this season following suffering a blood clot in his brain in November 2008, as talked about in this story by Diane Pucin.


"We're not predicted to be together -- traveling together, purchasing a bite to eat together, in the booth together," Smith said. "I just can't am certain that's not being given to happen."


Markas, a longtime Southern California broadcaster, also had announced games for USC and the Clippers and had worked for Channel 2, Channel 11 and Prime Ticket.