If you grew up in New England, you know the voice. That thick, unmistakable Boston accent. The relentless obsession with hot dogs, the "Sports Huddle," and the kind of radio chaos that basically invented the modern sports talk format. Lately, though, there’s been a lot of confusion floating around the internet. People are asking: is Eddie Andelman still alive?
Let’s get the facts straight right away. There was an Edward "Ted" Andelman from the Cleveland area who passed away in March 2025 at the age of 97. That led to some understandably frantic Google searches from Boston fans. But that wasn't "our" Eddie.
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As of early 2026, the legendary Eddie Andelman, born in 1937, is very much alive.
He’s living that Florida life in West Palm Beach with his wife, Judith—the woman he famously referred to on-air for decades as "the fabulous Judy." Honestly, it’s a bit weird to think of the guy who once tried to buy the Red Sox with a group of fans just chilling near a pool, but that's where he is.
The Confusion Around the Andelman Name
The internet is a messy place when it comes to obituaries. When you search for "Eddie Andelman," you might stumble across that 2025 obituary for a different Edward Andelman. It’s a common name in certain circles.
But the Eddie who gave us the Hot Dog Safari is still around. He's pushing 90 now, having been born in Dorchester and raised in Brookline. While he isn't screaming into a microphone at 1510 The Zone or WEEI anymore, his legacy is basically the blueprint for every sports loudmouth you hear today.
He retired from the regular grind back on December 31, 2010. Since then, he’s stayed mostly out of the spotlight, though he’s popped up occasionally for the Phantom Gourmet—the show his sons David, Dan, and Michael built into a New England powerhouse.
Why We Still Talk About Him
Eddie wasn't just a radio host. He was a provocateur. Before he came along in 1969 with the Sports Huddle, sports radio didn't really exist. It was mostly just play-by-play or dry reporting. Eddie, along with Jim McCarthy and Mark Witkin, changed that. They made it a "theater of the mind."
They’d talk about the best Chinese food in Boston or spend three hours debating whether hockey was a "real" sport (Eddie famously argued it wasn't, mostly just to annoy people). He was the king of the "Yankees Elimination Party" and the guy who would tell a caller they were an idiot, but do it with a wink.
The Hot Dog Safari Legacy
If you want to know what kind of person Eddie is, look at the Hot Dog Safari. He started it in 1990 after a casual on-air debate about where to find the best franks. It turned into a massive annual event that raised millions of dollars for the Joey Fund and Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
He didn't just do it for the ratings. He did it because he genuinely loved the community. He was named the Jimmy Fund Man of the Year and the Joey Fund Man of the Year for a reason.
What’s He Doing Now?
Mostly, he's enjoying his status as an honorary goodwill ambassador for Aruba. No, seriously. He and Judy visited the island over 50 times. The Aruba Tourism Authority even gave them an official title.
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He’s also watching his sons keep the family name alive in the Boston media world. If you watch Phantom Gourmet on a Saturday morning, you’re seeing the DNA of Eddie’s career. That mix of food, local pride, and a slightly irreverent attitude? That’s 100% Eddie.
The Reality of Aging Icons
It’s natural for fans to wonder is Eddie Andelman still alive when a public figure goes quiet. We live in an era where we expect 24/7 updates on our favorite personalities. But Eddie did his time. Over 13,000 radio broadcasts. More than 1,200 TV appearances. 37 Super Bowls.
At some point, a man just wants to eat a well-cooked hot dog and not have to argue with a guy from Revere about the Red Sox bullpen.
How to Stay Updated
If you want the real scoop on what the Andelman family is up to, your best bet isn't checking the obituary pages. It's following the Phantom Gourmet socials or checking in on Dan Andelman's updates. They are the keepers of the flame now.
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The next time you’re at a ballpark and you see a particularly good-looking hot dog, think of Eddie. He’s the reason we treat sports as a lifestyle and not just a score on a ticker.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame website for a deep dive into Eddie's 2011 induction and career highlights.
- Watch old clips of the Sports Huddle on YouTube to remember what real "theater of the mind" sounded like before everyone started chasing "hot takes."
- Support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Eddie’s honor, as that remains the cause closest to his heart.