PHIL PEPE PASSES

I was sad to hear about the passing of former Daily News Sports writer Phil Pepe.  Pepe died at the age of 80 and I was a big fan of his radio show for a while as well as reading his stuff in the Daily News.

As the New York Daily News writes, "Pepe covered the Yankees for The News from 1968-1981 and wrote the lead game story for every World Series from 1969-81. In 1982, he succeeded Dick Young as The News’ sports columnist.

He left the paper in 1989 for WCBS radio, where he did morning sports — including his signature “Pep Talk” — for more than 15 years. He was also the director of broadcasting/radio analyst for the Class-A New Jersey Cardinals of the New York-Penn League for 12 seasons from 1994-2005."

It's sad to see a guy like Pepe go.  I felt the same way about him as I did when sports cartoonist Bill Gallo died. Read WHY BILL GALLO WAS MY IDOL from back in 2011 for more on that.  These guys were my childhood and teens, and now another great one is gone.

Pepe died in his home in Englewood, NJ Sunday, surrounded by his family.  No doubt, the way he wanted to go.

Rest in Peace old friend.  Thanks for making my sports years as a much younger man a lot of fun.




You've made BYB the fastest growing Yankees fan site in history. Now shop at the Bleeding Yankee Blue store!  Follow me on Twitter @BleednYankeeBlu and LIKE Bleeding Yankee Blue on Facebook!  Also, don't forget to check out the BYB Hub.