That's What Friends are For

Sports-world fixtures bid Steve Fredericks a fond farewell.

compiled by Big Daddy Graham

Tom Bigby, program director, WIP 610 AM:

"It's not often someone gets out of this business in his own way and time. Steve has traveled many roads and deserved to go out his way. I am happy for him."

Derek Boyko, team spokesman, Philadelphia Eagles

"On behalf of the entire Eagles organization, we wish nothing but the best for Steve and his family as he enjoys his retirement. We'll miss seeing him in the press box each Sunday. He's simply a legend in talk radio in this city."

Dave Coskey, marketing chief, Comcast-Spectacor:

"I don't want to try to date anyone, but I spent a lot of time in high school and especially college listening to Sports Line with Steve Fredericks. For a while he was teamed up with Don Henderson at WCAU -- but Steve was the man. He was doing sports talk before there were radio formats and multiple television stations broadcasting it. I just remember that I went out of my way, at home or in the car, to tune in 1210 when Steve was on.

One time in particular, probably in the early 1980s, I remember traveling with Villanova's track team for a relay meet in Florida. I had a rental car and had been away for a couple of days. Driving at night, I was tuning the dial of my Hertz Ford Escort when suddenly I stumbled on Steve's familiar voice -- on WCAU -- more than 1,500 miles from home. I ended up listening for more than an hour that night. Although I had heard him say it many times, from that point on, I suddenly understood when he said "broadcasting to the 48 contiguous states,' it was really true."

Glen Macnow, radio host, WIP 610 AM:

"When I moved to Philadelphia in 1986, I started searching around the radio dial for someone who offered good talk. I discovered this witty, acerbic, opinionated, funny, occasionally cranky sports-talk host who didn't mind injecting a little thoughtful politics into his commentary. I became a big fan of Steve's long before I ever met him. He helped invent sports talk before it ever was a 24-hour staple in this market. All of us in the business owe Steve a huge debt of gratitude for paving the way and showing how it should be done."

Anybody who would like to send an e-mail greeting to Fredericks can write to Bigdaddy295@aol.com. Big Daddy will make sure it’s forwarded to Steve.

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