Chicago Radio Sportscaster Les Grobstein Dead At 69

Les Grobstein was the keeper of “the tape,” and if you had to ask “What tape?,” you didn’t know Les.

For the uninitiated, “the tape” was the profanity-laden postgame interview with former Chicago Cubs manager Lee Elia, which Grobstein recorded for his radio station and helped turn into one of the most famous stories in local sports lore.

Grobstein, an overnight host for WSCR-AM670, died Sunday at the age of 69. According to a report from Chicago media reporter Robert Feder, Grobstein was discovered dead in his Elk Grove Village home. The cause of death was not immediately known.

Sportscaster Les Grobstein Dead At 69

The death of the Versatile Sportscaster Who Grobstein Was was announced on Thursday, May 24. He had been an overnight sports anchor for WSCR 670-AM in Chicago. He was 69 years old.

“We are shocked and devastated by the death of a Chicago sports icon,” 670 The Score operations director and brand manager Mitch Rosen added. “Les will be missed the most by our audience, as well as our staff at The Score, who have spent years catching up with him overnight. Our sympathies go out to his family and supporters.”

Les Grobstein was one of a kind, full of so much kindness, countless stories and far too many one-liners. He genuinely loved every interaction, whether it was with a friend or Score Overnight caller.

I’ll miss a buddy who was always uniquely himself. What a life and legacy. pic.twitter.com/IXLlZrYuBr

— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) January 17, 2022

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According to a GoFundMe campaign set up on behalf of his son Scott Grobstein, his family is raising money for his burial “to commemorate the life and legacy” of the sportscaster.

Les is survived by his son and long-time partner, Kathy.

Les Grobstein’s Career Explored

Les Grobstein spent more than 50 years in the television and film industry. Les Grobstein was a Northwestern Basketball commentator in Chicago, where he studied at Von Steuben High School and Columbia College.

He began his profession as a news and sports commentator for Northwestern University’s Columbia Radio Station during his college years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

So sad to hear of Les Grobstein’s passing. A true Chicago sports legend and one of a kind personality. He was always so kind and welcoming to young reporters in the press box and had so many stories. Condolences to his family friends and colleagues at @670TheScore

— Jordan Bernfield (@jordanbernfield) January 17, 2022

Emotional tributes have poured in for the sportscaster on Twitter after the announcement of his death. He had worked at WSL Radio for many years, including as a sports reporter and sports director. Since 1997, he has hosted the overnight program at WSCR in Chicago.

After hearing about his demise, heartfelt memorabilia flooded social media.