Rich Shertenlieb's Remarkable Comeback in Boston Sports Radio

A Journey Through Setbacks

Rich Shertenlieb has seen it all in Boston sports radio. He played a pivotal role in launching 98.5 The Sports Hub in 2009, quickly rising to prominence. However, his journey took an unexpected turn when he departed a promising role after 17 years, due to a company-wide reduction in force. Yet, Shertenlieb's resilience shines through as he confidently returns to the airwaves at WEEI, proving that in the world of sports and media, comebacks can be just as thrilling as the games.

Rediscovering His Passion

Now, after spending over a year away from Boston radio, Shertenlieb is back hosting afternoon drive at WEEI. Reflecting on his past, he recalls initially dismissing WEEI during his tenure at The Sports Hub, stating, “I hate WEEI and everything that they do. They're the angriest people I've ever heard discussing things that bring me joy.” But time cultivates change, and what was once a competitive rivalry has transformed into a second chance at a career he loves.

“I love Boston sports. It's the format that I'm the most comfortable with.”

His return is not just about reviving his career; it's about rekindling relationships and embracing a format that fuels his passion. In his own words, he has been fortunate to work at the highest levels of sports radio and appreciates the expertise of his former colleague Mike Thomas, now the program head at WEEI.

Building Strong Connections

Establishing chemistry is vital in Shertenlieb's new role, especially as he teams up with familiar names like Ken Laird and Ted Johnson, a former New England Patriots linebacker. The trio's previous relationships and shared experiences lay a solid foundation for their new program.

When Shertenlieb learned of his hosting position, his first act was to connect personally with Laird. “I wanted to get to know about his life,” he says, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships in their line of work. “Sports will fall in your lap. You're bathing in sports, but I want to know about you and everything about you.”

Embracing a New Approach

Shertenlieb's strategy is refreshingly straightforward: focus on sports while embracing the fun and authenticity that Boston fans crave. “I'm not going to go over WAR stats on a series that nobody cares about in the middle of July. I can't fake caring about it,” he explains. This refreshing honesty could be what sets his show apart in a competitive landscape dominated by ratings.

Despite the established success of his former colleagues, Shertenlieb stresses that his priority lies in developing a genuine connection with his audience. He acknowledges that enduring success doesn't come overnight, noting, “Every show that I've ever launched, the first six months are just a mumbled mess because you're developing that chemistry.”

Dealing with Personal Challenges

Moreover, Shertenlieb's journey is profoundly shaped by personal hardships. His wife, Mary, has battled a rare form of leukemia four times over the past 13 years, giving him a perspective that transcends sports. This battle has instilled a deep sense of gratitude and clarity about what truly matters.

“I'm so grateful because I know there's people that would give anything to just be outside of a hospital.”

His experiences have made the opportunity to discuss sports with friends feel like a precious gift rather than a job. Shertenlieb views his role not just as a broadcaster, but as a person who can provide a voice and support for those going through similar struggles.

Championing Community and Cancer Research

As part of his newfound role at WEEI, Shertenlieb looks forward to participating in community efforts like the Jimmy Fund, where funds are raised to accelerate cancer research. Historically, he's admired WEEI's commitment to the cause and sees his engagement as an honor, especially given his personal connection.

“The fact that I get to be one of the major voices of that telethon is an absolute honor, and I couldn't be more excited,” he says, planning to engage enthusiastically in the annual fundraiser. “I'm going to be obnoxious and want to stay on the air for the entire 48 hours of the event.”

Conclusion: The Bigger Picture

Rich Shertenlieb's return is about more than just ratings and competition. It's a narrative of resilience, profound personal challenges, and genuine connections that transcends the conventional metrics of success. As he moves forward, he aims to build a show that not only entertains but also fosters community spirit and honest dialogue, setting the stage for a rich, meaningful experience for Boston sports fans.

As we reflect on Shertenlieb's journey, it serves as a reminder that in the dynamic landscape of sports media, the essence of true success lies not in the numbers, but in the authenticity we bring to our roles and the communities we serve.