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Baltimore and Washington sports fans are mourning the death of Craig Heist, a long-time local broadcaster and a postgame host on the Nationals Radio Network. He was 66.
A mainstay at 106.7 The Fan, guest panelist for the Mid-Atlantic Sports Network and occasional host of Nats Talk, Heist was honored by local teams such as the Baltimore Orioles as well as the Washington Nationals and Commanders on Friday.
'Above all, Craig was a husband, friend, and sports lover,' 106.7 The Fan said in a statement posted on X. '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.'
A cause of death has not been announced.
Nationals owner Mark Lerner described Heist as a 'fixture' in the press box and the clubhouse, who was 'always celebrating with the team through its biggest moments.'
'We will profoundly miss his kindness, enthusiasm, and passion for baseball,' said Lerner.
Heist (right) is seen with the Associated Press' David Ginsburg (left) in Baltimore
Nationals owner Mark Lerner described Heist (pictured) as a 'fixture' in the press box and the clubhouse, who was 'always celebrating with the team through its biggest moments.'
According to The Express Tribune, Heist began his as a DJ, sportscaster, and news anchor with Ocean City, Maryland's WKHI in 1979.
He leaves behind a wife, Suzanne.
'The Orioles are saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Heist, veteran sports broadcaster who covered the team for more than 35 years,' read a team statement. 'We send our condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and the many friends he made throughout his career.'
Referring to his late friend as 'Heisty,' ESPN Radio's Clinton Yates called him the 'absolute best.'
'When I first started at WTOP, he was there and was an institution,' Yates wrote online. 'Always was supportive, energetic, enough of a crank and knowledgeable in literally everything. Then one day, he did something I'll never forget. Quick thread on the great Craig Heist.'
Yates went on to tell a touching story about his younger brother being welcomed into the press box by Heist, who took it upon himself to teach the youngster the ins and outs of baseball.
'I genuinely think something crystallized that day for my brother and he still loves the game today, for sure,' Yates wrote. 'Thank you, Craig. You will be missed.'
BaltimorePositive.com's Luke Jones added: 'Baseball season won't be the same without him.'
