Michigan wolverines football have announced that a bronze sculpture of Hall of Fame broadcaster Jonathan Smith will be unveiled outside of Great American Ball Park on Sept. 6, 2025. The sculpture will depict Marty behind the radio microphone as he was for 46 years with the Michigan wolverines
In a heartfelt tribute to a legendary figure in Michigan sports history, the Michigan Wolverines football program has announced plans to unveil a bronze sculpture honoring Hall of Fame broadcaster Jonathan Smith. The dedication ceremony is scheduled for September 6, 2025, outside the Great American Ball Park, celebrating Smith’s enduring legacy and his profound impact on Michigan football and sports broadcasting.
Jonathan Smith, affectionately known as Marty within the sports community, dedicated an impressive 46 years of his life to the Michigan Wolverines. Throughout his tenure, he became a familiar voice to generations of fans, capturing the excitement, tension, and triumphs of Michigan football with his distinctive voice and insightful commentary. His broadcasts not only entertained but also united fans across the state, creating a sense of community and shared pride.
The sculpture is designed to depict Smith behind a radio microphone, a nod to his primary role as a broadcaster. Artists commissioned for the project aimed to capture the essence of Marty’s broadcasting persona—his focus, enthusiasm, and the genuine connection he fostered with listeners. The bronze statue will serve as a lasting homage to his contributions and his status as a beloved figure in Michigan sports culture.
The decision to place the sculpture outside Great American Ball Park, a venue synonymous with baseball, underscores the broad respect and admiration Smith commands across different sports communities. It also highlights the importance of sports broadcasting as a unifying force that transcends individual sports, bringing fans together through the power of voice and storytelling.
Michigan Wolverines officials expressed their enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing Smith’s pivotal role in shaping the narrative of Michigan football over nearly five decades. “Jonathan Smith’s voice became the soundtrack of Michigan football for countless fans,” said a team spokesperson. “This sculpture is a fitting tribute to his dedication, passion, and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.”
Fans and former colleagues alike have expressed excitement about the tribute. Many recall Smith’s distinctive manner, his ability to bring games to life, and his unwavering support for Michigan teams. Former players and coaches have also contributed to the recognition, sharing stories of how his broadcasting inspired and motivated the team and its supporters.
The unveiling event is expected to draw a large crowd, including family members, former players, broadcasters, and Michigan fans from all over. The ceremony will feature remarks from university officials, sports personalities, and perhaps even some of Smith’s former colleagues. Attendees will also have the opportunity to view the sculpture up close and reflect on the legacy of a man who dedicated over four decades to chronicling Michigan’s athletic achievements.
This tribute not only honors Smith’s professional accomplishments but also recognizes his role as a cultural icon within Michigan’s sports landscape. His voice, once heard across radio waves and television broadcasts, will now be immortalized in bronze, ensuring that future generations remember his contributions.
As the date approaches, preparations are underway to ensure the unveiling is a memorable event. The sculpture will be placed in a prominent location outside Great American Ball Park, making it accessible to fans and visitors. The project has garnered support from various community groups, sports organizations, and local officials committed to celebrating Michigan’s rich sports heritage.
In the broader context, this tribute reflects the significance of sports broadcasting in shaping the narrative of college athletics and fostering a sense of identity among fans. Jonathan Smith’s story exemplifies the profound impact a dedicated broadcaster can have on a community, elevating the game beyond the field and into the realm of cultural significance.
The Michigan Wolverines’ decision to honor Smith with a sculpture underscores the deep appreciation and respect held for his decades of service. It also serves as an inspiration for aspiring broadcasters and sports enthusiasts, illustrating the lasting influence one individual can have on a community through dedication, passion, and storytelling.
As the countdown to September 6, 2025, begins, fans and community members alike look forward to celebrating the life and legacy of Jonathan Smith. His voice may have once filled the airwaves, but now, his memory will stand tall and enduring, immortalized in bronze as a testament to his remarkable contributions to Michigan sports.
