The Radio Legacy Of Glenn Ordway Will Live On
On Wednesday during his radio show, Glenn Ordway announced that he will be leaving WEEI, and also stated that Friday is his last day. According to Chad Finn of the Boston Globe, Ordway was told Tuesday Night that he was being replaced. Whether you enjoyed his radio show or not, there is no question that Ordway left his mark, and his radio legacy will live on.
In 1996, Ordway began his radio show The Big Show, which over time became a huge success, and for many in the Boston area, became must listen radio for sports fans. I wouldn't always agree with Ordway and his co-hosts opinions, but I would listen to the sports talk.
His legacy lives on today partially because of the radio hosts that got their start on Ordway's show. The very popular radio show on 98.5 The Sports Hub, Felger and Mazz, should seriously give thanks to Ordway as both of them began their journey into radio as guest hosts on The Big Show. Both Tony Massarotti and Michael Felger were heard often on this show.
Ordway would have on many of the writers over the years from the local newspapers as guest hosts. It was great to hear from writers like Bob Ryan, Dan Shaughnessy, Gerry Callahan, and Tom E. Curran, share their views on Boston sports.
On WEEI, Pete Sheppard really got his career going in radio as a member of The Big Show crew. Patriots fans got to hear talk about their team when Steve DeOssie and Fred Smerlas were on The Big Show.
The Big Show's content was really dominated by discussions on the Patriots and the Red Sox. I will tell you that many Pats fans over the year's would turn on The Big Show on Monday Night's to listen to their interviews with Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. I feel that these interviews were must listen radio whether the Patriots won or lost.
Before and after a Patriots game, I would listen to The Big Show, and whether I agreed with the views on the team or not, I appreciated the discussions. There were shows that came before The Big Show, but I feel this show started the sports radio craze in the Boston area. Mr. Ordway, whether you like him or not, his accomplishments I feel deserve serious respect.
I can also say that I have been influenced by The Big Show for my radio show which is Patriots Fourth And Two. I have called in many times over the year's and it was a great way to get accustomed to talking on the radio.
I have complained about Ordway many times, but I always respected the service his show gave to Boston sports fans. Ordway might be gone after Friday from local radio, but his influence will be felt by Boston sports fans for many years to come including this one.
