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Eddie Andelman, a Pioneer of Boston Sports Talk, Dies at 89

Shaping modern sports-talk radio through his Sports Huddle show, Andelman also raised millions for cystic fibrosis research with the Hot Dog Safari.

Overview

  • His three sons announced his death on Monday and said he is survived by his wife, Judith, and their sons David, Daniel, and Michael.
  • Andelman helped create the interactive show The Sports Huddle in 1969, moving it from small local airwaves to major Boston stations and turning call‑in sports talk into a prime‑time format.
  • The Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame credited him with roughly 13,000 radio broadcasts and more than 1,200 television commentaries and inducted him in 2011 after a 42‑year career.
  • He launched the Hot Dog Safari in 1989 and through about 21 events helped raise more than $5 million for the Joey Fund and cystic fibrosis research.
  • Colleagues and local outlets are revisiting archival audio and video to show how his outspoken, irreverent style shaped Boston sports radio and influenced a new generation of hosts, including his sons’ Phantom Gourmet media work.