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The Passing of a Legend
Les Grobstein, a longtime overnight host on 670 The Score and a Chicago sports broadcasting icon, passed away at his home in Elk Grove Village. He was 69 years old. Known as “The Grobber,” Grobstein had been off the air lately due to an illness. His passing has left a significant void in the world of sports broadcasting, particularly in Chicago where he was a beloved figure.
Les Grobstein’s Illness
According to Chicago Sun-Times, Grobstein had been suffering from an illness which had kept him off the air. He had been feeling unwell since January 12, and had taken leave from work. Unfortunately, he was found dead in his home on January 16. The exact cause of his death remains unknown, but some sources suggest that he passed away due to this illness.
A Career Spanning Over Five Decades
Grobstein’s career in sports broadcasting spanned over five decades. He started his broadcasting career as a commentator for Northwestern Basketball in 1970. Over the years, he worked as a reporter for Sportsphone Chicago, the sports director at WLS (890-AM), and a reporter for WMVP (1000-AM). He also served as a broadcaster and public-address announcer for many defunct Chicago teams, including the Bruisers and Rush of the Arena Football League, and the Fire and Winds of the World Football League.
Remembering Les Grobstein
Grobstein was fondly remembered as a ‘human encyclopedia’ for his incredibly expansive knowledge of any stat or story from Chicago sports history. His colleagues and fans have paid tribute to him on social media, remembering him as a ‘Chicago treasure,’ and one of the most committed sports journalists they have known. His passing is a significant loss to the world of sports journalism, and he will be greatly missed.
