Reaction has been pouring in following news of the passing of Chicago sports radio personality Harry Teinowitz at the age of 64. Teinowitz was a staple of the wildly popular Mac, Jurko, and Harry on ESPN Chicago, drawing massive ratings and notoriety from around the country as a co-host of the “Afternoon Saloon.”
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Teinowitz suffered from heart and liver issues and had received a liver transplant within the last two years. The 64-year-old sports radio talent first appeared in Chicago on rival station 670 The Score, where he made football selections on Tom Shaer’s morning program. From there, his career would take him to stops at 97.9 The Loop and WGN Radio, eventually ending up at ESPN Chicago.
As morning began in the Windy City, ESPN Chicago host Jonathan Hood announced the news of Teinowitz’s passing to begin this morning’s Kap & J. Hood show.
“Harry was the ultimate teammate,” remembered Hood. “He was someone that would walk over to your cubicle, your desk or your office and offer a handshake, a smile, and all while he’s leaving you with a joke and a smile. He did that all the time.”
Following the emotional tribute, Hood dived into Teinowitz’s history on ESPN Chicago, including his beginnings co-hosting with Spike Manton. He called the pairing “unconventional and irreverent,” as it featured two comedians sharing a deep love for Chicago sports. Furthermore, Hood noted that Teinowitz’s contributions on Mac, Jurko, and Harry from 2001 to 2009 elevated the radio station to new heights it had not seen before.
“They were number one for many years because of their chemistry. Harry is a big part of that,” said Hood. “Harry was the highlight of all of that, because of his bright personality and his lighthearted nature that he provided to all of us as listeners and teammates of his here at ESPN 1000.”
Moreover, Hood credited Teinowitz’s vast knowledge of Chicago sports and his amazing memory for recalling events surrounding both sports and music—qualities that resonated with the listening audience daily for many years. When Hood previously hosted evenings following Mac, Jurko, and Harry, he knew he was walking into a loyal and energized audience every night.
“They set the station on fire,” said Hood. “Now you gotta be able to take the torch from them and just be able to keep it going. I was always happy to know that when my show started in the evening, I’m coming off the hottest show in Chicago sports at the time.”
In addition to his work in sports radio, Teinowitz had a deep passion for comedy and horse racing. Notably, he grew up around the sport, as his father owned four horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby.
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