Boston radio legend Eddie Andelman, who “changed and elevated the sports radio game,” has died, his family announced on Monday. He was 89.
Andelman, who was on the local radio airwaves for 42 years, helped launch the sports talk radio format that became the model for today.
“From humble roots in Dorchester, he went onto great success in business and broadcasting,” his sons Dave, Mike and Dan posted on the Phantom Gourmet social media accounts.
“Some call him the godfather of sports radio,” his sons added. “He certainly changed and elevated the sports radio game.”
His children carry on the broadcast tradition as the Phantom Gourmet brothers.
Beginning in 1969, Andelman, along with two other sports enthusiasts, debuted Sports Huddle, providing New England’s rabid sports fans their first opportunity to participate in a live, on-air, interactive sports show.
It quickly became a ratings success on WEEI and then on WHDH, where it ran for 17 years.
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“Andelman’s astute observations and good humor attracted fans of all ages to join the discussions,” reads his bio in the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame. “The show became a model for similar programs across the country.
“As the audiences grew, the show expanded from a weekly Sunday night feature to a prime time weekday series and was a precursor of the all-sports radio format stations that we know today,” his bio continues.
Over the years, through the Sports Huddle and other venues, Andelman participated in some 13,000 radio broadcasts and over 1,200 television commentaries on channels 5 and 7 as well.
Andelman received numerous awards for his community work, including Jimmy Fund Man of the Year, Joey Fund Man of the Year, and Jewish Big Brother Man of the Year.
His 21 Hot Dog Safaris raised more than $5 million for the Joey Fund-Cystic Fibrosis.
“Eddie worked tirelessly on the Hot Dog Safari for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation because he loved to give people a great time and he was thankful that his own family was healthy,” his sons wrote.
Andelman and his wife Judi were married for more than five decades.
“Eddie Andelman was loved by his wife of fifty-seven years, worshipped by his sons, and adored by his grandchildren,” his sons wrote.
“There would be no Phantom Gourmet without Eddie Andelman,” they added. “His passion and pride in the work, down-to-earth and sometimes irreverent style, and the reverence for small business owners and hard-working people only enriched our lives and many others as well. We learned all that we do from our dad. He was one of a kind. He helped thousands and entertained millions. Eddie Andelman lived a truly incredible life.”
Those in the sports radio world reminisced about Andelman after news broke of his passing on Monday, sending their condolences to his loved ones.
“Sorry to hear of the passing of Eddie Andelman,” posted Glenn Ordway, who was a longtime sports radio host at WEEI. “He was THE pioneer for Boston sports talk radio who set the bar for all others to live up to. My prayers and condolences to Judy and the entire Andelman family.”
“Legend. Pioneer in sports radio,” posted Mike Mutnansky, formerly of WEEI and now at Barstool Sports. “Truly a 1 of 1 character. And generous to me and many other WEEI interns over the years. Condolences to Eddie’s family and friends.”
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