Ray Didinger, a Philadelphia sports media legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer who spent decades covering the Philadelphia Didinger covered the Eagles for 53 years, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia, for whom he was a pre and postgame analyst. That was the last football game we sat together and watched a game. Because I was always there. Relive the NFL Championship Game at Franklin Field against the Packers that is considered the most underrated play in Eagles history. Ray Didinger got juiced up on our Philly vs. Boston special defending the honor of Eagles fans to NBC Sports Boston's Mike Felger. ', He said, But I respect the fact that I think youre really trying. Didinger said. Id also keep the Tell Us Your Story segment, since its unique and works on the weekends. [1], Born to Raymond and Marie Didinger, and raised in Folsom, Pennsylvania, Didinger graduated from St. James High School in 1964. Ray Didinger fights back tears as he announces his retirement: "I just want all of you to know how much I appreciate your friendship and support. That just always made an impression on me.. The fact is, Im proof that you can be both. So he started watching and paying more attention. The Eagles and the Steelers combined forces 75 years ago out of necessity due to World War II. Not the announcers, never really paid attention to that. He was on deadline and had to file a story in the next 90 minutes. Sunday will be just Macnow and Didinger. The little girl from North Philadelphia. And at the urging of Barkann, the embrace was captured on live TV. Three Eagles scored touchdowns in the 1948 and '49 championship games. Saturday, WIP is hosting a party for Didinger during the broadcast, and the expectation is that itll be an upbeat, festive atmosphere. Theyve been down for 12 years. Didinger watched him closely and noticed that Erving was always gracious. I would say the Broad Street Bullies. PART OF AUDACY SPORTS. I think a guy like Sheil Kapadia or Jeff McLane could do it easily, but like Roob, theyre at the games and have responsibilities in the locker room and at the pressers. All rights reserved. Ray has been covering the Eagles and the NFL in one capacity or another since 1970. Its pretty cool that well be able to do that a lot this season. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The last game I sat and watched a game with my dad was Super Bowl 30, between the Cowboys and Steelers in Phoenix (in 1996). You have to be professional and do your job in a professional way. But they arent real football fans up there in contrast to what they are here. Didinger is married to Philadelphia magazine restaurant critic Maria Gallagher and has two children, David and Kathleen. Before actually visiting the fabled old ballpark, his only point of reference was seeing the Phillies play on black-and-white TV. He said for years the Boston Patriots were Fredo in the Corleone family. I dont play tennis. Ray Didinger was one of the few reporters who saw the original Miracle of the Meadowlands unfold live. Hes literally giving up three weeks a year of broadcasting, but one of those three weeks, hes still gonna go to the Final Four. But that guyhe was able to pick anywhere in the country that he wanted to live because he was doing national (games), Parkins continued. He then stepped foot into a field he was tailor-made for: sports reporting. It was tough to tell who was who. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Best of Three Observations from Sixers 116, Heat 108, STOP THE STEAL: NBA Voters Give MVP to a Player Who Was Subbed Out, legendary local media personality Ray Didinger announced his retirement, call upon Jody McDonald for a Mac and Mac reunion, keep the old school vibe with a former Inquirer writer or part time WIP guy. His nickname was Nauga,[citation needed] after the animated character used in commercials for Naugahyde. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. At 75, its time for family. A lot of times, before we come on, like literally, 10, nine, eight, hell just say under his breath to me, Its a disgrace, Mike. And the reason it was so special was because of this bonding of the generations. I would tend to use a sledgehammer. Its been overwhelming, said Didinger, who has been staying up until 3 a.m. many nights responding to emails. The end of the line for Ray Didinger is approaching. PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) Ray Didinger announced his retirement last Sunday on his WIP radio show with co-host Glen Macnow. This weekend, Macnow and Didinger will co-host two final shows. Saying he was in good health and was not being pushed out the door, he would work until the end of his contract and then retire from radio and television. So no. If you just checked it out on the internet, and this is an Old Man Yells at Cloud stuff, the only was no other choice to stay up and see it live, and that was it. Relive one of the greatest comebacks in Eagles history, highlighted by a game-winning punt return touchdown from DeSean Jackson. I told him he did what he had to do as a football coach, but I did what I had to do as a reporter and write what I saw. The play tells the story of their friendship that developed and lasted a lifetime, and ultimately wound up with both of them standing on the steps of the Hall of Fame. And thats actually one of the things Im looking forward to.. Youre bleary-eyedand youre like Oh thats right, that kid from some obscure school, Southwest Missouri State, hit that shot that won the game, and you think Wow. He would arrive at the studio with a briefcase filled with yellow legal pads, magazines, scouting reports, newspaper clippings and old notes. Didinger, 75, said he felt himself slowing down in recent years. Im an Xs and Os guy. That was a sign for whoever was talking to wrap it up. [4] He also has an English Bulldog named Mack. Guy has been itching to drop his sports takes for a long time now. WebRay Didinger: Job Title: Football Reporter: Phone (215) 336-3500: Fax: Email: Facebook: Twitter: Name: Reuben Frank: Job Title: Football Reporter: Phone (215) 336-3500: Fax: Email: Facebook: Twitter: Home Purchase List FAQ Contact PR Backstage Pass: Get Your Business into the Media. The 75-year-old returned to Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce says hell be back with the Birds next season. Its a relationship thats turned into a great friendship. Didinger is a local guy from Folsom, Delaware County, who grew up loving football. This is bullshit! "My wife actually predicted this would happen," Didinger told PhillyVoice in an email, though he joked that his return "really isn't a full Tom Brady-like comeback.". Theyve been kicked around. making way for Jon Ritchie and Joe DeCamara, Al Morganti to remain at SportsRadio 94WIP after inking 5-year contract, How to walk or run 1,000 miles by America's 250th birthday, SEPTA predicts fare hikes in 2024 as pandemic relief runs out, Sample cocktails, dishes from local chefs when Bok Bar reopens this spring, Five-year-old boy shot himself in leg in Strawberry Mansion home, police say, Recent dog shootings in Kingsessing may be connected, PSPCA investigators say. We did 108 Tell Us Your Stories in two years, he explained, including one that focused on the life of basketball player and coach Dawn Staley of Philadelphia. Would he do Eagles pregame and postgame? Tell us about the coach that influenced you the most and then just walk us through your whole career. The Eagles haven't been in position to defend a title since 1961. (Courtesy of David Didinger), Ray Didinger and Michael Barkann. 670 The Scores Danny Parkins wondered what Nantz is really giving up. Audacy Pennsylvania, LLC |SportsRadio94WIP, 2400 Market Street | 4th Floor | Philadelphia, PA 19103, Office Phone: (215) 238-2400Studio Phone: (215) 592-9494. I used to love spending time with my two uncles because they would talk sports with me. What I see, Ill be honest with you, is a team thats gonna be lucky to win four games. But as the years passed, he noticed that on Monday mornings, his co-workers would always be talking about the game. 94WIP Morning Show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie, Audacy Pennsylvania, LLC | SportsRadio 94WIP, TheEntercom web sitehas job postings for WIP and other Entercom radio stations around the country. Known as the Hall of Fame coach for the Minnesota Vikings, Grant's NFL career began as an Eagles wide receiver. Im not gonna have him in the parking lot shotgunning beers with fans celebrating his retirement, he said. Ray Didinger has hosted a weekend show on 94 WIP alongside Glen Macnow, in addition to being an Eagles analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia. in Communications from Temple University in 1968. But he said, So I learned more and I love the game, and now I can talk about the game with my friends at work. He said, You taught me football. And he said, You helped make me an American. And then he gave me a big hug and got in his truck and drove off. Vermeil didnt exactly appreciate his candor. Bonus issued as site credits. And he threw it on the floor and stormed out of the dining hall. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for The New Eagles Encyclopedia (hardcover) at the best online prices at eBay! It just kind of represented what everybody in Philadelphia was feeling, that it was about this sense of elation and how people were celebrating together.. How do you replace Ray Didinger on the 94 WIP weekend show? Im thinking they could try to find another veteran to replace Ray and replicate the current model. What people see on TV and what people hear on radio, thats him. Without it, the world might never have known that Foles was the one who suggested the play. Yet it took a few weeks.. Because he talks to everybody, David said. Didinger has long been known for his measured, well-reasoned takes. They told me to do it. Youre left right now with a group that includes Mike Barkann, Barrett Brooks, and a mostly-angry Seth Joyner. Legendary Eagles writer and broadcaster Ray Didinger isn't quite done talking about the Birds, after all. I dont play golf. The Hall of Fame writer reflects on the late kicker who passed away Saturday at the age of 73 due to complications from the coronavirus. You could pull from the Rickie Ricardo nights/weekends tree, and match Glen with someone like that. "Reds" Bagnell Award, Maxwell Football Club, 2022. Marissa Rives Promoted To Director of Sports Podcasts At SiriusXM, Beckles & Recher: Michael Wilbons Hockey Take Devalues Profession, Growing up, I just wanted to watch the game. In the course of 53 years, Didingers work has been showcased across multiple platforms: newspapers, books, radio, and television. If they were going to do it, it had to start with them believing. I was only in the business for a couple of years, but to be thrown in the middle of it, and watch how they impacted the city and see them beat Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruinsand have two million people come out for the paradethat was a fun time and a fun team., Probably Bobby Clarke. I didnt even want to do that show. NPR's Morning Edition takes listeners around the country and the world with two hours of multi-faceted stories and commentaries that inform, challenge and occasionally amuse. Please give today. Nothing is really changing in Jim Nantzs world, and frankly, Ian Eagle will probably do a better job.. In 2022, he retired from his on-air role at NBC Sports. He was a rookie head coach in the NFL and I was a young beat reporter. That had never happened before. Didinger, a Dick McCann Memorial Award winner and longtime NFL writer, announced Sunday on WIP that his final show will be May 29. Id listen to a Glen Macnow show with Bob Ford, Les Bowen, Mike Sielski, Mike Jensen, or somebody like that. Part of Audacy. And we talked about nothing.. It means more to mean than words can ever express." He received a B.S. It means more to mean than words can ever express." PhillyVoice Contributor, Ray Didinger, the prince of the city, calls it quits after 53 years, Eagles power ranking roundup: Post draft edition, 5 awards from Phillies' series draw against the Braves, How to walk or run 1,000 miles by America's 250th birthday, SEPTA predicts fare hikes in 2024 as pandemic relief runs out, Sample cocktails, dishes from local chefs when Bok Bar reopens this spring, Five-year-old boy shot himself in leg in Strawberry Mansion home, police say, Recent dog shootings in Kingsessing may be connected, PSPCA investigators say. It was a father and a son who were sharing the most joyous moment of their lives as Eagles fans. The Eagles went 9-7 and made the playoffs. It had so many different elements to it. Super Bowl 57 is now in sight! Minimum Wage Sonny, wed call him, Carton said, alluding to his son who has sporadically guest-hosted shows at WFAN. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. The Pro Bowl quarterback was signed to be a backup. It starts with believing that. For a lot of fans, its a part of the Eagles Super Bowl story. I wish you and your families health, happiness, and more Super Bowl parades. Im trying to convince them that they can compete and they can win. And just like that, one of the greatest sports scribes Philadelphia has ever known one of the few to cover the Flyers, 76ers, Phillies, and the Eagles national championships moved to retirement, away from the press box with an eye on becoming a regular spectator. The celebrated basketball coachs conversation with Terry Gross at the virtual event explored Staleys struggles to achieve her dream of staying in the game for life. So thats a little bit of a concern.. Nineteen years ago today, quarterback Donovan McNabb won his playoff debut thanks in large part to an outstanding effort on defense. Since then, responding to the ensuing flood of tributes that came back to him has kept the Philadelphia sports media legend up into the wee hours some mornings.. Ray Didinger fights back pic.twitter.com/ekNfPyb8cf, SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 8, 2022. Being able to do what Ive done was a blessing, but being able to do it in Philadelphia for a lifetime is the greatest blessing of all., Didinger says hes in good health and will continue to promote his play Tommy and Me.. You happened to be that lemon, Roberts said. Thats ok, Roberts said. My dad I can say is a genuinely good guy. Didinger will be a member of the new morning show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on 94WIP once Angelo Cataldi officially retires. Bill Simmons had the perfect description. Another perfect day will arrive this fall when David and Ray are sitting next to each other, watching their favorite team the Eaglesand being able to yell and scream at the Birds like everyone else. And I remember saying, The one thing you cannot deny is until you started winning, the people in Boston didnt even know there was a football team in Foxboro. It was when his car broke down on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on his way up to Eagles training camp at Lehigh one summer. Then he got season tickets for us in Section 609 at Veterans Stadium, and wed go to every home game. Yeah, I cant wait to sit down with my dad and my daughters (Haley and Kaitlyn) and watch the Eagles, David said. So when I stop doing that, now the question is: Now what do I do? He was honest. You would read it the next day, and the first thing you would say to yourself was, Was he at the same event I was? A group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and another group led by Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos have submitted fully financed bids. But if you want to come in one night, two nights, just knock on my door, come on in. And I always say that is emotion that is within him, and I think hes that type of person, and that he runs that deep emotionally. It was real. You dont have to see it, Ill see it for you.. They knew when Ray wrote something, the players knew that he knew what he was talking about, and thats the way it came across. As adults, because of their conflicting schedules, always on the road or working Eagles games at Lincoln Financial Field, the pair never actually sat down next to each other and watched an Eagles game together. You always have a way to see it. He saw a bunch of guys violently fighting each other. Didinger said theyd be OK. But its ended in friendship., During his 53-year career, Didinger showed a willingness to try just about anything. When asked what color he bleeds after five decades of covering the team, Didinger said, I bleed Philadelphia, whatever color you want to make it. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Mack simply said Its a time capsule, adding that while the song is corny, its a strong tradition. Ray and his notepad are going to be missed on the Eagles pregame and postgame shows. On the Saturday before Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, David was supposed to go to lunch with his dad. One of my biggest concerns is that I dont do anything other than my work, Didinger said. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. The truth was: not enough. Those guys shouldnt be punished. I understood I was there as a reporter and I had a job to do., New play with Ray Didinger byline focuses on a legendary Eagles Hall of Fame campaign. So he gets stopped often. I just thought it was such an irresponsible and silly thing to say that I couldnt let it go unchallenged. Im left standing in the middle of this room with everybody looking at me, and I had the paper laying at my feet. Not many of us ever get to meet our heroes. That put us at odds. Thats ok. You dont have to see it, Ill see it for you.. When David was young, he would go to Eagles games with his parents and watch from the players tunnel. Its up to you. The Eagles Hall of Fame quarterback put on a show in front of nearly 300 family and friends to get a win over an upstart Bills team. Later, working for NFL Films, hed regularly interview Madden, who died this week at age 85. The whole dining hall, its all the players, all the coaches, all the secretaries and the front office staff, theyre all in there, Didinger recalled. Ray Didinger can remember the first time he went to Connie Mack Stadium as a kid. He was writing and talking about Xs and Os long before it was popular. Im so tired of the rap that Philadelphia fans get from the national media that I finally had to answer him back. I could go to a coach, and hed go, What the hell do you know? Cataldi said. Added Cataldi, It wasnt contrived. Sure, he liked to light himself on fire and chew on glass, but Tim Rossovich was a Pro Bowl player during a turbulent time both on and off the field. Because I sound like an everyday hack compared to this guy. He knew how to structure stories. He said, Look, every day here in practice and in meetings, Im trying to pump these guys up. Fans saw him differently after that. You probably want a co-host to play off of. He was a master. Sixers owner Josh Harris, rival group submit formal bids for Commanders, AP sources say. There are a lot of football fans who would look at me and think, Hes too abrasive. He decided to call it quits at age 75 and focus on family moving forward. Roberts continued by saying the Green Bay Packers needed a lemon to share a story that the 49ers were interested in Rodgers to scare the New York Jets. That was my dads last Hall of Fame vote and I remember him saying it was so weird that he got on a plane and flew back home. Maybe you did a search and it took you five secondsI did see a lot of people who said they have to stay up and watch One Shining Moment. She was fantastic talking about, you know, how she grew up on the hardscrabble courts of North Philadelphia, playing basketball with the guys and then became a great college player and Olympian and then wound up being such a distinguished multi-medal winner that she wound up carrying the U.S. flag at one of the Summer Olympic Games., One of the most touching things was her saying that while walking into that stadium and carrying the American flag, she asked herself, how did a little girl from North Philadelphia find herself in this position? Hes been educating and entertaining us ever since 53 years in all. Didinger said he wanted to spend more time with his wife and family. They do take calls on the weekend show, but its not the same volume as a Monday > Friday daypart show, and thats a lot of time for Glen to fill on his own. By Ray Didinger, directed by Joe Canuso. He felt like he was in over his head competing with the veterans on the beat. And thats probably the nicest compliment that people give me about him. It was really lovely., Eagles fans, and the fans of every other Philadelphia sports team are known for their passion. He threw his hands up and walked away. The 1975 season didn't produce much in terms of on-field results, but the development of linebacker Frank LeMaster was critical to building the 1980 NFC Championship team. I heard it on WIP, he responded. Ray has been a beloved member of the There will be no tickets sold at the door. When he calls quits, Didinger will also be able to do something this fall that even he may not realize: Hes never sat with his son David and watched an Eagles game together. Didinger describes his 10-year-old self as a curious, voracious reader. The two of us sitting on the couch, father and son, and actually watch the game? Ray loved football and played defensive end in Youth Football for Folsom Boys Club Vince Papale played for Glenolden, and he beat Didinger on a 99-yard touchdown run. I settled in Philadelphia. You saw the correspondence I got, Carton said. Seating will be limited to the first 100 donors. The whole scene was very bizarre. What made him so special, though, as a writer is that he had to open a vein to get those words out. Your passion as the best sports city in America lifted my words and gave them resonance. I think hes great. Put up a plaque on the wall, or even name the workroom behind the press box after him, etc. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. During Eagles Postgame Live, host Michael Barkann could always tell when Didinger needed to get something off his chest. Nobody was approaching Ray in the locker room and screaming in his face because they knew he was probably right. These guys gave the city back its pride. My take is that the weekend morning/midday show should keep that traditional journalism vibe and stay away from the hoagie mouth callers and hot takes. But it would be nice to sit in the stands and watch a ballgame with him. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Im losing that. $29-$65. Its not hard to be a good person. Didinger speaks with pride about being the slowest sportswriter of all time. I told Didinger about my dad, and it reminded him of one last story to share. Im gonna walk you through something, began Roberts. He was doing his job and I was doing mine. When Ray Didinger announced earlier this month that hed be retiring, the first thing I did was text my dad. Cartons claim that the 49ers were potentially making a run at the Green Bay quarterback created an NFL media firestorm. Theres built-in chemistry and familiarity, institutional knowledge and the old school, straightforward sports talk vibe. (302) 594-1100 or delawaretheatre.org. Youre not being irrational. And he said, Over the last 20 years, you and Glen have become my two new uncles., Thats the kind of stuff thats been coming out in the last few weeks. And thats exactly what happened. (Courtesy of Michael Barkann), Ray Didinger at U.S. Bank Stadium following the Eagles Super Bowl win over the Patriots. A couple of years in, it was a June weekend, and there wasnt much to dive into with the local teams. I dont do arts and crafts. https://t.co/Lkr9LpZ9Z2. Current host Angelo Cataldi will retire after the Eagles' playoff run concludes, making way for Jon Ritchie and Joe DeCamara to take the early slot Cataldi has manned for more than three decades. He was a beat writer and then a columnist for The Bulletin and The Daily News. I see how my dad is with people and his biggest lesson to me is that its not hard to be nice. Then David told me he got the shot of Nick Foles telling Doug Pederson about the Philly Special, a play that will live forever. He joined WIP in 1988 when the station switched to 24-hour sports talk and has been paired with Macnow for the last 21 years. You know, I never realized that, because you would assume that I have watched an Eagles game with my dad, David said. Ray Didingers headquarters phone number is (215) 463-2500 What is Ray Didingers latest job experience? He was coaching a lousy team and I was the guy assigned to write about it. Hes still gonna track all these plays with his yellow legal pads. Jordan also contributes occasional coverage of the Washington Capitals for the blog NoVa Caps. But as time went by and he got to see where I was coming from, he understood I was being an honest reporter. On October 7, 1950, Russ Craft set an Eagles record in a rematch of the NFL Championship Game from the previous season. He doesnt know how to say it in a way that doesnt offend the player, the organization, whatever., Ray knew how to express the same opinion and not offend these people. He called it one of the highlights of his life and told anyone who would listen about the whole experience for weeks after. And he argues that Randall Cunningham should get more Hall of Fame consideration. But hes nuts, David continued. Dickerson continued by questioning why it was so important to Dunalp and co-host Chris Mack. I feel privileged that this is exactly what I wanted to do with my life., He said he could have been a sports writer and broadcaster anywhere, But it wouldnt have been the same as doing it here in Philadelphia, because I live this history., Ive been part of this from the time I was born. Upon graduating from Temple University, he spent a year as a general assignment reporter for the Delaware County Times. If it were up to Didinger, he wouldve announced his retirement on one of his final shows this weekend. Ray Didinger recalls the feel-good story of the construction worker who was literally pulled off the street and played six seasons for the Eagles. He does not have a cell phone or a Twitter account but the 75-year-old Didinger mastered three forms of sports journalism: print, radio, and TV. And he and I had a tearful embrace on live television that I still hear about to this day. That happened this tournament. They were all in the early 20s, from Flin Flon, Moose Jaw, Smithers British Columbia, and here they were in the big city doing the unthinkable, winning the Stanley Cup and really changing the whole self-image of Philadelphia in so many ways. That was just him with his son sharing this moment that they both waited their whole lives for. ' Didinger said. But when it was done, it wasnt a newspaper story anymore. After Didinger told the story, I looked down at my watch and realized I had kept him longer than Id intended. It was weird because (Bill) Raftery and Grant Hill kept wanting to make it about Nantz and then Nantz was like Its their moment, not mine, but then he couldnt help but talk about it at the end, said Parkins. His prior media experiences include working for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Danville Register & Bee, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, WRIC-TV 8News and Audacy Richmond. Didinger paired his TV work with radio. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. He was almost always right.. Whats Paul Domowitch up to these days? (Fans) all saw him as their real advocate. Sheil Kapadia is an NFL senior writer for The Athletic. The driver recognized Didinger and offered him his cellphone. He previously covered the Philadelphia Eagles for The Athletic and for Philadelphia Magazine's Birds 24/7 site. Some news that'll cheer Eagles fans up:The Ray Didinger is making a triumphant return to Eagles Postgame Live for the Birds' incoming postseason run!He enjoyed his time off but it's almost go time, and the man is back pic.twitter.com/c0xlchkSIk. His play, Tommy and Me, premiered in 2016 and is set to play at the Hershey Theatre in August. It was hard to be proud of Philadelphia at that time. I think Jim Nantz is a cornball, but in an endearing sort of way.. And football was my favorite sport, and Tommy McDonald was my favorite player.. I didnt pay attention to anything else.. He says he was the last man out of the press box for 26 consecutive Super Bowls. Jordan Bondurant is a features reporter for Barrett Sports Media. Eagles fans like to share their opinions and memories, and Didinger is Philadelphia sports royalty. Trust me. My second thought is that Glen goes solo. He has won four Emmy Awards for his work as a writer and producer on the weekly series NFL Films Presents and the Turner Network documentary Football America. Fueled by the memory of the late Jerome Brown, the Eagles scored the game's final 26 points to overcome a 20-7 deficit and eliminate the Saints in New Orleans. There was no subtext. 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Didinger said. Id also keep the Tell Us Your Story segment, since its unique and works on the weekends. [1], Born to Raymond and Marie Didinger, and raised in Folsom, Pennsylvania, Didinger graduated from St. James High School in 1964. Ray Didinger fights back tears as he announces his retirement: "I just want all of you to know how much I appreciate your friendship and support. That just always made an impression on me.. The fact is, Im proof that you can be both. So he started watching and paying more attention. The Eagles and the Steelers combined forces 75 years ago out of necessity due to World War II. Not the announcers, never really paid attention to that. He was on deadline and had to file a story in the next 90 minutes. Sunday will be just Macnow and Didinger. The little girl from North Philadelphia. And at the urging of Barkann, the embrace was captured on live TV. Three Eagles scored touchdowns in the 1948 and '49 championship games. 
Saturday, WIP is hosting a party for Didinger during the broadcast, and the expectation is that itll be an upbeat, festive atmosphere. Theyve been down for 12 years. Didinger watched him closely and noticed that Erving was always gracious. I would say the Broad Street Bullies. PART OF AUDACY SPORTS. I think a guy like Sheil Kapadia or Jeff McLane could do it easily, but like Roob, theyre at the games and have responsibilities in the locker room and at the pressers. All rights reserved. Ray has been covering the Eagles and the NFL in one capacity or another since 1970. Its pretty cool that well be able to do that a lot this season. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The last game I sat and watched a game with my dad was Super Bowl 30, between the Cowboys and Steelers in Phoenix (in 1996). You have to be professional and do your job in a professional way. But they arent real football fans up there in contrast to what they are here. Didinger is married to Philadelphia magazine restaurant critic Maria Gallagher and has two children, David and Kathleen. Before actually visiting the fabled old ballpark, his only point of reference was seeing the Phillies play on black-and-white TV. He said for years the Boston Patriots were Fredo in the Corleone family. I dont play tennis. Ray Didinger was one of the few reporters who saw the original Miracle of the Meadowlands unfold live. Hes literally giving up three weeks a year of broadcasting, but one of those three weeks, hes still gonna go to the Final Four. But that guyhe was able to pick anywhere in the country that he wanted to live because he was doing national (games), Parkins continued. He then stepped foot into a field he was tailor-made for: sports reporting. It was tough to tell who was who. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Best of Three Observations from Sixers 116, Heat 108, STOP THE STEAL: NBA Voters Give MVP to a Player Who Was Subbed Out, legendary local media personality Ray Didinger announced his retirement, call upon Jody McDonald for a Mac and Mac reunion, keep the old school vibe with a former Inquirer writer or part time WIP guy. His nickname was Nauga,[citation needed] after the animated character used in commercials for Naugahyde. He went to the academic powerhouses of Boyertown High School and West Virginia University. At 75, its time for family. A lot of times, before we come on, like literally, 10, nine, eight, hell just say under his breath to me, Its a disgrace, Mike. And the reason it was so special was because of this bonding of the generations. I would tend to use a sledgehammer. Its been overwhelming, said Didinger, who has been staying up until 3 a.m. many nights responding to emails. The end of the line for Ray Didinger is approaching. PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) Ray Didinger announced his retirement last Sunday on his WIP radio show with co-host Glen Macnow. This weekend, Macnow and Didinger will co-host two final shows. Saying he was in good health and was not being pushed out the door, he would work until the end of his contract and then retire from radio and television. So no. If you just checked it out on the internet, and this is an Old Man Yells at Cloud stuff, the only was no other choice to stay up and see it live, and that was it. Relive one of the greatest comebacks in Eagles history, highlighted by a game-winning punt return touchdown from DeSean Jackson. I told him he did what he had to do as a football coach, but I did what I had to do as a reporter and write what I saw. The play tells the story of their friendship that developed and lasted a lifetime, and ultimately wound up with both of them standing on the steps of the Hall of Fame. And thats actually one of the things Im looking forward to.. Youre bleary-eyedand youre like Oh thats right, that kid from some obscure school, Southwest Missouri State, hit that shot that won the game, and you think Wow. He would arrive at the studio with a briefcase filled with yellow legal pads, magazines, scouting reports, newspaper clippings and old notes. Didinger, 75, said he felt himself slowing down in recent years. Im an Xs and Os guy. That was a sign for whoever was talking to wrap it up. [4] He also has an English Bulldog named Mack. Guy has been itching to drop his sports takes for a long time now. WebRay Didinger: Job Title: Football Reporter: Phone (215) 336-3500: Fax: Email: Facebook: Twitter: Name: Reuben Frank: Job Title: Football Reporter: Phone (215) 336-3500: Fax: Email: Facebook: Twitter: Home Purchase List FAQ Contact PR Backstage Pass: Get Your Business into the Media. The 75-year-old returned to Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce says hell be back with the Birds next season. Its a relationship thats turned into a great friendship. Didinger is a local guy from Folsom, Delaware County, who grew up loving football. This is bullshit! "My wife actually predicted this would happen," Didinger told PhillyVoice in an email, though he joked that his return "really isn't a full Tom Brady-like comeback.". Theyve been kicked around. making way for Jon Ritchie and Joe DeCamara, Al Morganti to remain at SportsRadio 94WIP after inking 5-year contract, How to walk or run 1,000 miles by America's 250th birthday, SEPTA predicts fare hikes in 2024 as pandemic relief runs out, Sample cocktails, dishes from local chefs when Bok Bar reopens this spring, Five-year-old boy shot himself in leg in Strawberry Mansion home, police say, Recent dog shootings in Kingsessing may be connected, PSPCA investigators say. We did 108 Tell Us Your Stories in two years, he explained, including one that focused on the life of basketball player and coach Dawn Staley of Philadelphia. Would he do Eagles pregame and postgame? Tell us about the coach that influenced you the most and then just walk us through your whole career. The Eagles haven't been in position to defend a title since 1961. (Courtesy of David Didinger), Ray Didinger and Michael Barkann. 670 The Scores Danny Parkins wondered what Nantz is really giving up. Audacy Pennsylvania, LLC |SportsRadio94WIP, 2400 Market Street | 4th Floor | Philadelphia, PA 19103, Office Phone: (215) 238-2400Studio Phone: (215) 592-9494. I used to love spending time with my two uncles because they would talk sports with me. What I see, Ill be honest with you, is a team thats gonna be lucky to win four games. But as the years passed, he noticed that on Monday mornings, his co-workers would always be talking about the game. 94WIP Morning Show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie, Audacy Pennsylvania, LLC | SportsRadio 94WIP, TheEntercom web sitehas job postings for WIP and other Entercom radio stations around the country. Known as the Hall of Fame coach for the Minnesota Vikings, Grant's NFL career began as an Eagles wide receiver. Im not gonna have him in the parking lot shotgunning beers with fans celebrating his retirement, he said. Ray Didinger has hosted a weekend show on 94 WIP alongside Glen Macnow, in addition to being an Eagles analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia. in Communications from Temple University in 1968. But he said, So I learned more and I love the game, and now I can talk about the game with my friends at work. He said, You taught me football. And he said, You helped make me an American. And then he gave me a big hug and got in his truck and drove off. Vermeil didnt exactly appreciate his candor. Bonus issued as site credits. And he threw it on the floor and stormed out of the dining hall. WebFind many great new & used options and get the best deals for The New Eagles Encyclopedia (hardcover) at the best online prices at eBay! It just kind of represented what everybody in Philadelphia was feeling, that it was about this sense of elation and how people were celebrating together.. How do you replace Ray Didinger on the 94 WIP weekend show? Im thinking they could try to find another veteran to replace Ray and replicate the current model. What people see on TV and what people hear on radio, thats him. Without it, the world might never have known that Foles was the one who suggested the play. Yet it took a few weeks.. Because he talks to everybody, David said. Didinger has long been known for his measured, well-reasoned takes. They told me to do it. Youre left right now with a group that includes Mike Barkann, Barrett Brooks, and a mostly-angry Seth Joyner. Legendary Eagles writer and broadcaster Ray Didinger isn't quite done talking about the Birds, after all. I dont play golf. The Hall of Fame writer reflects on the late kicker who passed away Saturday at the age of 73 due to complications from the coronavirus. You could pull from the Rickie Ricardo nights/weekends tree, and match Glen with someone like that. "Reds" Bagnell Award, Maxwell Football Club, 2022. Marissa Rives Promoted To Director of Sports Podcasts At SiriusXM, Beckles & Recher: Michael Wilbons Hockey Take Devalues Profession, Growing up, I just wanted to watch the game. In the course of 53 years, Didingers work has been showcased across multiple platforms: newspapers, books, radio, and television. If they were going to do it, it had to start with them believing. I was only in the business for a couple of years, but to be thrown in the middle of it, and watch how they impacted the city and see them beat Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruinsand have two million people come out for the paradethat was a fun time and a fun team., Probably Bobby Clarke. I didnt even want to do that show. NPR's Morning Edition takes listeners around the country and the world with two hours of multi-faceted stories and commentaries that inform, challenge and occasionally amuse. Please give today. Nothing is really changing in Jim Nantzs world, and frankly, Ian Eagle will probably do a better job.. In 2022, he retired from his on-air role at NBC Sports. He was a rookie head coach in the NFL and I was a young beat reporter. That had never happened before. Didinger, a Dick McCann Memorial Award winner and longtime NFL writer, announced Sunday on WIP that his final show will be May 29. Id listen to a Glen Macnow show with Bob Ford, Les Bowen, Mike Sielski, Mike Jensen, or somebody like that. Part of Audacy. And we talked about nothing.. It means more to mean than words can ever express." He received a B.S. It means more to mean than words can ever express." PhillyVoice Contributor, Ray Didinger, the prince of the city, calls it quits after 53 years, Eagles power ranking roundup: Post draft edition, 5 awards from Phillies' series draw against the Braves, How to walk or run 1,000 miles by America's 250th birthday, SEPTA predicts fare hikes in 2024 as pandemic relief runs out, Sample cocktails, dishes from local chefs when Bok Bar reopens this spring, Five-year-old boy shot himself in leg in Strawberry Mansion home, police say, Recent dog shootings in Kingsessing may be connected, PSPCA investigators say. It was a father and a son who were sharing the most joyous moment of their lives as Eagles fans. The Eagles went 9-7 and made the playoffs. It had so many different elements to it. Super Bowl 57 is now in sight! Minimum Wage Sonny, wed call him, Carton said, alluding to his son who has sporadically guest-hosted shows at WFAN. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. The Pro Bowl quarterback was signed to be a backup. It starts with believing that. For a lot of fans, its a part of the Eagles Super Bowl story. I wish you and your families health, happiness, and more Super Bowl parades. Im trying to convince them that they can compete and they can win. And just like that, one of the greatest sports scribes Philadelphia has ever known one of the few to cover the Flyers, 76ers, Phillies, and the Eagles national championships moved to retirement, away from the press box with an eye on becoming a regular spectator. The celebrated basketball coachs conversation with Terry Gross at the virtual event explored Staleys struggles to achieve her dream of staying in the game for life. So thats a little bit of a concern.. Nineteen years ago today, quarterback Donovan McNabb won his playoff debut thanks in large part to an outstanding effort on defense. Since then, responding to the ensuing flood of tributes that came back to him has kept the Philadelphia sports media legend up into the wee hours some mornings.. Ray Didinger fights back pic.twitter.com/ekNfPyb8cf, SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 8, 2022. Being able to do what Ive done was a blessing, but being able to do it in Philadelphia for a lifetime is the greatest blessing of all., Didinger says hes in good health and will continue to promote his play Tommy and Me.. You happened to be that lemon, Roberts said. Thats ok, Roberts said. My dad I can say is a genuinely good guy. Didinger will be a member of the new morning show with Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on 94WIP once Angelo Cataldi officially retires. Bill Simmons had the perfect description. Another perfect day will arrive this fall when David and Ray are sitting next to each other, watching their favorite team the Eaglesand being able to yell and scream at the Birds like everyone else. And I remember saying, The one thing you cannot deny is until you started winning, the people in Boston didnt even know there was a football team in Foxboro. It was when his car broke down on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on his way up to Eagles training camp at Lehigh one summer. Then he got season tickets for us in Section 609 at Veterans Stadium, and wed go to every home game. Yeah, I cant wait to sit down with my dad and my daughters (Haley and Kaitlyn) and watch the Eagles, David said. So when I stop doing that, now the question is: Now what do I do? He was honest. You would read it the next day, and the first thing you would say to yourself was, Was he at the same event I was? A group led by Josh Harris and Mitchell Rales and another group led by Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos have submitted fully financed bids. But if you want to come in one night, two nights, just knock on my door, come on in. And I always say that is emotion that is within him, and I think hes that type of person, and that he runs that deep emotionally. It was real. You dont have to see it, Ill see it for you.. They knew when Ray wrote something, the players knew that he knew what he was talking about, and thats the way it came across. As adults, because of their conflicting schedules, always on the road or working Eagles games at Lincoln Financial Field, the pair never actually sat down next to each other and watched an Eagles game together. You always have a way to see it. He saw a bunch of guys violently fighting each other. Didinger said theyd be OK. But its ended in friendship., During his 53-year career, Didinger showed a willingness to try just about anything. When asked what color he bleeds after five decades of covering the team, Didinger said, I bleed Philadelphia, whatever color you want to make it. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Mack simply said Its a time capsule, adding that while the song is corny, its a strong tradition. Ray and his notepad are going to be missed on the Eagles pregame and postgame shows. On the Saturday before Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville, David was supposed to go to lunch with his dad. One of my biggest concerns is that I dont do anything other than my work, Didinger said. The free WHYY News Daily newsletter delivers the most important local stories to your inbox. The truth was: not enough. Those guys shouldnt be punished. I understood I was there as a reporter and I had a job to do., New play with Ray Didinger byline focuses on a legendary Eagles Hall of Fame campaign. So he gets stopped often. I just thought it was such an irresponsible and silly thing to say that I couldnt let it go unchallenged. Im left standing in the middle of this room with everybody looking at me, and I had the paper laying at my feet. Not many of us ever get to meet our heroes. That put us at odds. Thats ok. You dont have to see it, Ill see it for you.. When David was young, he would go to Eagles games with his parents and watch from the players tunnel. Its up to you. The Eagles Hall of Fame quarterback put on a show in front of nearly 300 family and friends to get a win over an upstart Bills team. Later, working for NFL Films, hed regularly interview Madden, who died this week at age 85. The whole dining hall, its all the players, all the coaches, all the secretaries and the front office staff, theyre all in there, Didinger recalled. Ray Didinger can remember the first time he went to Connie Mack Stadium as a kid. He was writing and talking about Xs and Os long before it was popular. Im so tired of the rap that Philadelphia fans get from the national media that I finally had to answer him back. I could go to a coach, and hed go, What the hell do you know? Cataldi said. Added Cataldi, It wasnt contrived. Sure, he liked to light himself on fire and chew on glass, but Tim Rossovich was a Pro Bowl player during a turbulent time both on and off the field. Because I sound like an everyday hack compared to this guy. He knew how to structure stories. He said, Look, every day here in practice and in meetings, Im trying to pump these guys up. Fans saw him differently after that. You probably want a co-host to play off of. He was a master. Sixers owner Josh Harris, rival group submit formal bids for Commanders, AP sources say. There are a lot of football fans who would look at me and think, Hes too abrasive. He decided to call it quits at age 75 and focus on family moving forward. Roberts continued by saying the Green Bay Packers needed a lemon to share a story that the 49ers were interested in Rodgers to scare the New York Jets. That was my dads last Hall of Fame vote and I remember him saying it was so weird that he got on a plane and flew back home. Maybe you did a search and it took you five secondsI did see a lot of people who said they have to stay up and watch One Shining Moment. She was fantastic talking about, you know, how she grew up on the hardscrabble courts of North Philadelphia, playing basketball with the guys and then became a great college player and Olympian and then wound up being such a distinguished multi-medal winner that she wound up carrying the U.S. flag at one of the Summer Olympic Games., One of the most touching things was her saying that while walking into that stadium and carrying the American flag, she asked herself, how did a little girl from North Philadelphia find herself in this position? Hes been educating and entertaining us ever since 53 years in all. Didinger said he wanted to spend more time with his wife and family. They do take calls on the weekend show, but its not the same volume as a Monday > Friday daypart show, and thats a lot of time for Glen to fill on his own. By Ray Didinger, directed by Joe Canuso. He felt like he was in over his head competing with the veterans on the beat. And thats probably the nicest compliment that people give me about him. It was really lovely., Eagles fans, and the fans of every other Philadelphia sports team are known for their passion. He threw his hands up and walked away. The 1975 season didn't produce much in terms of on-field results, but the development of linebacker Frank LeMaster was critical to building the 1980 NFC Championship team. I heard it on WIP, he responded. Ray has been a beloved member of the There will be no tickets sold at the door. When he calls quits, Didinger will also be able to do something this fall that even he may not realize: Hes never sat with his son David and watched an Eagles game together. Didinger describes his 10-year-old self as a curious, voracious reader. The two of us sitting on the couch, father and son, and actually watch the game? Ray loved football and played defensive end in Youth Football for Folsom Boys Club Vince Papale played for Glenolden, and he beat Didinger on a 99-yard touchdown run. I settled in Philadelphia. You saw the correspondence I got, Carton said. Seating will be limited to the first 100 donors. The whole scene was very bizarre. What made him so special, though, as a writer is that he had to open a vein to get those words out. Your passion as the best sports city in America lifted my words and gave them resonance. I think hes great. Put up a plaque on the wall, or even name the workroom behind the press box after him, etc. He spent seven years in the CBS 3 sports department and started with the Union during the team's 2010 inaugural season. During Eagles Postgame Live, host Michael Barkann could always tell when Didinger needed to get something off his chest. Nobody was approaching Ray in the locker room and screaming in his face because they knew he was probably right. These guys gave the city back its pride. My take is that the weekend morning/midday show should keep that traditional journalism vibe and stay away from the hoagie mouth callers and hot takes. But it would be nice to sit in the stands and watch a ballgame with him. 2023 WWB Holdings, LLC. Im losing that. $29-$65. Its not hard to be a good person. Didinger speaks with pride about being the slowest sportswriter of all time. I told Didinger about my dad, and it reminded him of one last story to share. Im gonna walk you through something, began Roberts. He was doing his job and I was doing mine. When Ray Didinger announced earlier this month that hed be retiring, the first thing I did was text my dad. Cartons claim that the 49ers were potentially making a run at the Green Bay quarterback created an NFL media firestorm. Theres built-in chemistry and familiarity, institutional knowledge and the old school, straightforward sports talk vibe. (302) 594-1100 or delawaretheatre.org. Youre not being irrational. And he said, Over the last 20 years, you and Glen have become my two new uncles., Thats the kind of stuff thats been coming out in the last few weeks. And thats exactly what happened. (Courtesy of Michael Barkann), Ray Didinger at U.S. Bank Stadium following the Eagles Super Bowl win over the Patriots. A couple of years in, it was a June weekend, and there wasnt much to dive into with the local teams. I dont do arts and crafts. https://t.co/Lkr9LpZ9Z2. Current host Angelo Cataldi will retire after the Eagles' playoff run concludes, making way for Jon Ritchie and Joe DeCamara to take the early slot Cataldi has manned for more than three decades. He was a beat writer and then a columnist for The Bulletin and The Daily News. I see how my dad is with people and his biggest lesson to me is that its not hard to be nice. Then David told me he got the shot of Nick Foles telling Doug Pederson about the Philly Special, a play that will live forever. He joined WIP in 1988 when the station switched to 24-hour sports talk and has been paired with Macnow for the last 21 years. You know, I never realized that, because you would assume that I have watched an Eagles game with my dad, David said. Ray Didingers headquarters phone number is (215) 463-2500 What is Ray Didingers latest job experience? He was coaching a lousy team and I was the guy assigned to write about it. Hes still gonna track all these plays with his yellow legal pads. Jordan also contributes occasional coverage of the Washington Capitals for the blog NoVa Caps. But as time went by and he got to see where I was coming from, he understood I was being an honest reporter. On October 7, 1950, Russ Craft set an Eagles record in a rematch of the NFL Championship Game from the previous season. He doesnt know how to say it in a way that doesnt offend the player, the organization, whatever., Ray knew how to express the same opinion and not offend these people. He called it one of the highlights of his life and told anyone who would listen about the whole experience for weeks after. And he argues that Randall Cunningham should get more Hall of Fame consideration. But hes nuts, David continued. Dickerson continued by questioning why it was so important to Dunalp and co-host Chris Mack. I feel privileged that this is exactly what I wanted to do with my life., He said he could have been a sports writer and broadcaster anywhere, But it wouldnt have been the same as doing it here in Philadelphia, because I live this history., Ive been part of this from the time I was born. Upon graduating from Temple University, he spent a year as a general assignment reporter for the Delaware County Times. If it were up to Didinger, he wouldve announced his retirement on one of his final shows this weekend. Ray Didinger recalls the feel-good story of the construction worker who was literally pulled off the street and played six seasons for the Eagles. He does not have a cell phone or a Twitter account but the 75-year-old Didinger mastered three forms of sports journalism: print, radio, and TV. And he and I had a tearful embrace on live television that I still hear about to this day. That happened this tournament. They were all in the early 20s, from Flin Flon, Moose Jaw, Smithers British Columbia, and here they were in the big city doing the unthinkable, winning the Stanley Cup and really changing the whole self-image of Philadelphia in so many ways. That was just him with his son sharing this moment that they both waited their whole lives for. ' Didinger said. But when it was done, it wasnt a newspaper story anymore. After Didinger told the story, I looked down at my watch and realized I had kept him longer than Id intended. It was weird because (Bill) Raftery and Grant Hill kept wanting to make it about Nantz and then Nantz was like Its their moment, not mine, but then he couldnt help but talk about it at the end, said Parkins. His prior media experiences include working for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the Danville Register & Bee, Virginia Lawyers Weekly, WRIC-TV 8News and Audacy Richmond. Didinger paired his TV work with radio. WHYY offers a voice to those not heard, a platform to share everyones stories, a foundation to empower early and lifelong learners and a trusted space for unbiased news. He was almost always right.. Whats Paul Domowitch up to these days? (Fans) all saw him as their real advocate. Sheil Kapadia is an NFL senior writer for The Athletic. The driver recognized Didinger and offered him his cellphone. He previously covered the Philadelphia Eagles for The Athletic and for Philadelphia Magazine's Birds 24/7 site. Some news that'll cheer Eagles fans up:The Ray Didinger is making a triumphant return to Eagles Postgame Live for the Birds' incoming postseason run!He enjoyed his time off but it's almost go time, and the man is back pic.twitter.com/c0xlchkSIk. His play, Tommy and Me, premiered in 2016 and is set to play at the Hershey Theatre in August. It was hard to be proud of Philadelphia at that time. I think Jim Nantz is a cornball, but in an endearing sort of way.. And football was my favorite sport, and Tommy McDonald was my favorite player.. I didnt pay attention to anything else.. He says he was the last man out of the press box for 26 consecutive Super Bowls. Jordan Bondurant is a features reporter for Barrett Sports Media. Eagles fans like to share their opinions and memories, and Didinger is Philadelphia sports royalty. Trust me. My second thought is that Glen goes solo. He has won four Emmy Awards for his work as a writer and producer on the weekly series NFL Films Presents and the Turner Network documentary Football America. Fueled by the memory of the late Jerome Brown, the Eagles scored the game's final 26 points to overcome a 20-7 deficit and eliminate the Saints in New Orleans. There was no subtext. And the best part about it was after the game, my son was there shooting the game for NFL Films. To spend more time with my two uncles because they would talk sports with me at my feet working... Eagles scored touchdowns in the course of 53 years, Didingers work has been paired Macnow... Id also keep the tell us about the coach that influenced you most... And memories, and a mostly-angry Seth Joyner he called it one of his and! Concerns is that he had to answer him back critic Maria Gallagher has... Was a beat writer and then a columnist for the last 21 years both! Do anything other than my work, Didinger showed a willingness to try just about.. Tickets for us in Section 609 at Veterans Stadium, and there wasnt to. He said for years the Boston Patriots were Fredo in the locker room screaming... Led by Josh Harris, rival group submit formal bids for Commanders, AP sources say play! Was tailor-made for: sports reporting this week at age 85 restaurant critic Maria Gallagher and has been to. The weekends experience for weeks after vs. Boston special defending the honor of Eagles fans, Ill see for! Wip in 1988 when the station switched to 24-hour sports talk and has two children, David and.! He joined WIP in 1988 when the station switched to 24-hour sports and. Say that I still hear about to this day to be nice sit. From, he retired from his on-air role at NBC sports Boston 's Felger... Most important local stories to your inbox be missed on the Pennsylvania Turnpike on his way to. Phillies play on black-and-white TV great friendship overwhelming, said he felt he. After him, etc dad, and I was doing mine that was last. 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