'Godfather of sports radio' Eddie Andelman dies, age 89

Eddie Andelman, a longtime Boston broadcaster who virtually invented sports-talk radio, died Monday at age 89.

"Many called him the godfather of sports radio, and he truly changed and elevated the way sports radio was experienced," his Legacy.com obituary reads.

Andelman and two other sports enthusiasts debuted Sports Huddle in 1969, providing New England sports fans their first opportunity to participate in a live, on-air, interactive sports show, according to Andelman's biography on the Massachusetts Hall of Fame website.

Andelman’s astute observations and good humor attracted fans of all ages to join the discussions," the bio reads. "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."

Andelman retired on December 31, 2010.

He also is known for creating what became the Hot Dog Safari in 1990. Proceeds from what came to be a daylong fair were donated to the Joey Fund for Cystic Fibrosis, a charity started by Suffolk Downs board member and Boston Concessions Group president Joe O'Donnell in memory of his son, Joey, who died from the disease, Daily Racing Form reported. The events raised more than $5 million for the fund, according to his Hall of Fame bio.

Andelman is survived by his wife, Judi, and his sons Dave, Mike and Dan. The brothers carry on Andelman's Phantom Gourmet social-media accounts.

"His passion, pride, and dedication to his work along with his down-to-earth, sometimes irreverent style made him one of a kind," his obituary reads. "His deep respect for small-business owners and hardworking people enriched the lives of his family, friends, and many others. He helped thousands and entertained millions."