Former ESPN 1000 personality Harry Teinowitz dies

Spent nearly two decades in radio 

As first reported by the Sun-Times, former WMVP-AM (ESPN 1000) co-host Harry Teinowitz passed away Tuesday at the age of 64. Teinowitz had been dealing with liver and heart problems over the years and had addiction issues, which he successfully battled. 

Teinowitz first appeared on Tom Shaer’s WSCR show as the person who picked football games. He later made appearances on the former WLUP-FM, on Jonathan Brandmeier’s and Danny Bonaduce’s shows in the mid-1990s during the station’s “hot talk” era, as he was also working the stand-up comedy circuit.

In 2001, Teinowitz joined ESPN 1000’s lineup, dubbed The Afternoon Saloon with Dan McNeil and John “Jurko” Jurkovich as co-hosts (alternatively known as Mac, Jurko, and Harry). Carmen DeFalco replaced McNeil in 2009 after his contract wasn’t renewed.

In 2011, Teinowitz was arrested for DUI and cannabis possession and was suspended by ESPN 1000 management for a few weeks, but returned and had no further incidents. Teinowitz exited ESPN 1000 in 2013 after a twelve-year run at the station. In 2014, Tribune Media hired Teinowitz and paired him with co-host Spike Manton on the very short-lived “The Game”, known as WGWG-LP (87.7) on a frequency now occupied by MeTV FM. 

Teinowitz put a light on his addiction issues when he co-wrote and presented a play with Manton called When Harry Met Rehab, being upfront with his battle against alcoholism. His health declined in the last few years as he received a liver transplant two years ago. 

Funeral services are set for Monday.