The New ‘Voice of the Cardinals’
Mick Tidrow, ’18 MA ’20, is the new Voice of the Cardinals. Named to the position in July 2022, Mr. Tidrow serves as the radio play-by-play voice for all Ball State football and men’s basketball games, and select ESPN+ broadcasts. At 27 years old, he’s believed to be the youngest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Division I play-by-play broadcaster in the nation.
He previously served as a television play-by-play broadcaster for Stadium and BEK Sports Network in North Dakota.
Mr. Tidrow is just the third Voice of the Cardinals in nearly 50 years, preceded by Morry Mannies, ’60 MA ’64, (1956-2012) and Joel Godett (2012-22).
Mr. Tidrow sat down with Alumni Magazine to answer a few questions about his new role at Ball State:
Does the fact that you’re a Ball State alumnus change how you call the games?
Not really. Certainly, I’m always pulling for the Cardinals, but I also need to provide an objective account of the game.
In that regard, what’s your broadcasting style?
My degrees are through the Sports Link program, and I follow the “SEE” method that I learned there: Storytelling, Entertainment, and Engagement. I try hard to put my audience at the game.
You’re only the third person in this role in some 50 years. How does that feel?
I’m honored beyond words. Someone jokingly asked me if I’d ever wear sweaters in the booth like Morry did, but I’m just humbled to sit in the same seat as he and Joel did.
Who’s your biggest supporter and fan?
That’s easy. Without the love of my wife Gabi (’19), I wouldn’t be where I am today. I’m the luckiest guy in the world.
