The Washington D.C. and Baltimore sports world is mourning the loss of Craig Heist, a respected journalist and broadcaster whose voice was a fixture in press boxes across the region for decades. Known for his professionalism, warmth, and approachable nature, Heist built enduring relationships with athletes, coaches, and fellow reporters throughout his career.
Heist’s passing was first shared by The Washington Post’s Tom Schad on X, who wrote, “Craig was an absolute fixture in the local sports media scene for decades—someone you’d see in every press box between D.C. and Baltimore. Always friendly, and kind. Terrible news.”
Audacy’s 106.7 The Fan also issued a statement mourning Heist’s loss, emphasizing his impact on both colleagues and fans.
“106.7 The Fan is saddened by the passing of our longtime friend and colleague Craig Heist,” the station said. “Craig was a longtime anchor and reporter for 106.7 The Fan and postgame host on the Nationals Radio Network since 2013, and had a storied career at stations across the Mid-Atlantic region. But above all, Craig was a husband, friend, and sports lover. Press boxes across the DMV will never be the same without his wide smile and infectious laugh. We will keep his family in our thoughts.”
Craig Heist graduated from Salisbury University in 1983. He began his broadcasting career at WKHI in Ocean City, Maryland, covering local college and high school sports including play-by-play and color for Salisbury football.
Over the past 30 years, he has covered Major League Baseball, the NFL, NBA, NHL and college basketball for several national networks including ESPN Radio, Sirius NFL Network, SBNation, CBS Sports Radio, AP and Metro Networks.
Craig has appeared on MASN as a guest panelist and occasional host of Nats Talk. He worked for WTOP for 14 years before moving to 106.7 The Fan in October of 2013.
He was a three-time winner of the Maryland Sportscaster of the Year, voted on by his peers.
Beyond his work, Heist was remembered for the camaraderie and joy he brought to every assignment. Colleagues said his presence could brighten any press box, and his approachable demeanor made him a mentor to many younger reporters entering the field.
Fans and sports media in the D.C. and Baltimore area also expressed their condolences on social media, recalling Heist’s signature enthusiasm and the passion he brought to each broadcast. Across the region, his loss has left a noticeable void in the sports media community, one that will be felt in stadiums and newsrooms alike.
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