An icon not only in Tampa Bay, but throughout the entire sports radio industry, Steve ‘The Big Dog’ Duemig passed away at the age of 64 on Thursday.
Born in Florida, Duemig moved to Philadelphia at an early age, where he grew up rooting for for the 76ers, Flyers and Eagles. After attending college in Philly, Duemig qualified for the PGA Tour and moved to Florida to focus on his golf game. It was in Florida that his sports radio career began, making ‘The Big Dog’ one of the most influential and recognized voices in the industry.
For nearly three decades, Duemig entertained the Tampa Bay community on the radio. Starting in 1991 Duemig was heard on Tampa’s first all-sports station, WFNS, remaining there for five years before moving to WDAE in 1996 where he was a fixture until 2018. Garnering the nickname ‘Big Dog,’ he enjoyed challenging callers, putting anyone who joined the show at risk of being called an idiot. In addition to his work locally in Tampa, Duemig hosted nationally on Fox Sports Radio and contributed to The Golf Channel for more than five years.
Early in 2017, Duemig informed his audience he was suffering from inoperable brain cancer. Last year, Duemig hosted his final show on WDAE, leaving the station to focus on his health, while Ron Diaz and Ian Beckles took over the afternoon drive timeslot.
After announcing Duemig’s death Thursday afternoon, WDAE’s programming turned into a “Big Dog” tribute for the next five hours. Duemig’s passing garnered an outpour of condolences, not only from his WDAE colleagues, but from listeners and friends all over the country.
“We mourn the loss of an icon in not only Tampa Bay radio, but the entire format of sports radio,” said WDAE Program Director John Mamola. “‘The Big Dog’ was an intelligent, brash, entertaining brand of sports talk that spawned a large following and sparked the minds of many looking to follow in his footsteps. God bless you Steve! Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family of Steve Duemig.”
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
