Full Breakdown
Eddie Andelman, Boston’s “Godfather of Sports Radio,” Dies at 89
6/16/2026, 2:37:50 AM
Death Announcement
Eddie Andelman died on Monday, June 15, 2026, at age 89. His sons David, Daniel and Michael announced the death and noted his 57-year marriage to Judith and his seven grandchildren.
Early Life and Broadcasting Start
Born in Dorchester, raised in Brookline, Andelman earned a BA from Boston University and an MBA from Northeastern before entering commercial real-estate and then radio.
The Sports Huddle Launch (1969–1971)
In June 1969 Andelman, Jim McCarthy and Mark Witkin launched “The Sports Huddle” on WUNR; the show moved to WBZ, then to WEEI in 1971, establishing a live, call-in format that became a national model.
Timeline of Key Milestones
- 1969: Launched “The Sports Huddle” on WUNR.
- 1971: Show moved to WEEI, establishing the all-sports format.
- 1989: Initiated the Hot Dog Safari charity tour.
- 1991: Returned to a relaunched all-sports WEEI.
- 2001: Left WEEI after a public dispute with Glenn Ordway.
- 2010: Retired from broadcasting.
- 2011: Inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
- 2026: Passed away on June 15.
Later Stations and Retirement
The program later aired on WHDH, returned to WEEI in 1991, then on WWZN and WTKK; Andelman retired in December 2010 after 42 years on air.
Hot Dog Safari Charitable Work
In 1989 Andelman launched the Hot Dog Safari, a bus tour that raised over $5 million for the Joey Fund’s cystic-fibrosis research through 21 events.
Data & Statistics
?13,000 radio shows, >1,200 TV appearances, 42-year career, 21 Safaris raising >$5 million, Hall of Fame inductee 2011.
Criticism and Industry Disputes
Andelman criticized Red Sox and Bruins owners, called Fenway “a bad ballpark… lipstick on a pig,” and opposed the increasingly confrontational tone of sports talk. A public feud with Glenn Ordway preceded his 2001 exit from WEEI.
Official Statements & Responses
The family said he was “loved by his wife of fifty-seven years, worshipped by his sons, and adored by his grandchildren.” The Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame credited him with virtually inventing sports-talk radio. Jordan Walton of the Massachusetts Broadcasters Association called him a key reason the format thrives in Boston.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I caused riots,” — Eddie Andelman, former host
- “Fenway Park is a bad ballpark,” he said.” — Eddie Andelman
- “Radio should be a theater of the mind, not screaming and stupidity,” — Eddie Andelman
- “He was THE pioneer for Boston sports talk radio who set the bar for all others to live up to.” — Glenn Ordway, former WEEI host
- “We lost the king,” — Tom Shattuck, veteran New England broadcaster
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Most sources listed his age as 89; two reported 88. No cause of death was disclosed.
Why It Matters
Andelman’s interactive, fan-focused format reshaped U.S. sports radio, and his charity work showed how broadcasters can mobilize audiences for public-health causes.
