Veteran Sports Talk Show Host Terry Boers Passes Away at 75
Terry Boers, the affable and irreverent sports talk show host who spent over two decades alongside Dan Bernstein on Chicago's WSCR-AM "The Score," died Friday at his Florida home due to complications from liver failure. The 75-year-old had been battling cancer since his retirement from The Score in 2017.
Boers' comedic talents were evident long before he became a radio star, when as a sports writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, he would effortlessly turn press conferences into comedy clubs. His humor was so well-known that Illinois basketball team staff would often reserve seats in the press room, knowing Boers' arrival would inject levity.
As part of The Score's original "Heavy Fuel Crew" with Dan McNeil, Boers quickly established himself as a witty and incisive sports voice. When paired with Bernstein in 1999, the duo created what was then the longest-running sports-talk show in Chicago, boasting an impressive array of segments, including "Friday Fung," "Second Hand News," and "Who You Crappin'?"
Bernstein described Boers as someone who could effortlessly command attention, leaving colleagues in stitches on-air. Even former Sun-Times anchor George Ofman, who had worked with Boers on the sports desk, would laugh so hard during their conversations that he couldn't breathe.
In a poignant final appearance on Bernstein's podcast just weeks before his passing, the two shared an emotional and reflective conversation about life, health, and their enduring friendship. "In hindsight, it means so much more than when we were doing it," Bernstein said of their time together.
A celebration of Boers' life and legacy is planned for next week on The Score, with current and former hosts set to pay tribute to the beloved radio personality who will be deeply missed in Chicago sports media circles.
Terry Boers, the affable and irreverent sports talk show host who spent over two decades alongside Dan Bernstein on Chicago's WSCR-AM "The Score," died Friday at his Florida home due to complications from liver failure. The 75-year-old had been battling cancer since his retirement from The Score in 2017.
Boers' comedic talents were evident long before he became a radio star, when as a sports writer and columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times, he would effortlessly turn press conferences into comedy clubs. His humor was so well-known that Illinois basketball team staff would often reserve seats in the press room, knowing Boers' arrival would inject levity.
As part of The Score's original "Heavy Fuel Crew" with Dan McNeil, Boers quickly established himself as a witty and incisive sports voice. When paired with Bernstein in 1999, the duo created what was then the longest-running sports-talk show in Chicago, boasting an impressive array of segments, including "Friday Fung," "Second Hand News," and "Who You Crappin'?"
Bernstein described Boers as someone who could effortlessly command attention, leaving colleagues in stitches on-air. Even former Sun-Times anchor George Ofman, who had worked with Boers on the sports desk, would laugh so hard during their conversations that he couldn't breathe.
In a poignant final appearance on Bernstein's podcast just weeks before his passing, the two shared an emotional and reflective conversation about life, health, and their enduring friendship. "In hindsight, it means so much more than when we were doing it," Bernstein said of their time together.
A celebration of Boers' life and legacy is planned for next week on The Score, with current and former hosts set to pay tribute to the beloved radio personality who will be deeply missed in Chicago sports media circles.
I just found out about Terry Boers passing away yesterday... 2 days too late lol 
. He was a legend in Chicago sports media and his humor was infectious, always made me laugh even when my team lost 
. I remember listening to him on The Score with Dan Bernstein, they were like two peas in a pod. 
Boers was more than just a funny guy though, he had a heart of gold and his friendship with Bernstein meant the world to so many people. It's sad that we won't get to see him on air again, but I'm glad there will be a celebration next week to honor his legacy 
. Rest in peace Terry Boers 
what a legend, I grew up listening to him with dan bernstein on WSCR-AM "The Score" those guys could just talk about anything and make it funny lol remember when they'd do those crazy segments like "friday fung" it was always entertaining 
but seriously, the way he left you feeling all warm inside in that final podcast ep with dan bernstein still gets me a bit misty eyed 
anyway, 75 is old for someone who made us laugh for so long, we'll miss him around here 
. Cancer's a brutal thing, can't believe it got him at 75. RIP Terry Boers, you'll be deeply missed 
. and what's up with everyone remembering him as this lovable curmudgeon? didn't he also have some major flaws in his personality? i'm just saying maybe we're romanticizing the guy a bit too much 
he was always so funny and light-hearted on The Score, never thought his time would come... loved how he could turn even the toughest sports topics into comedy gold 
those "Heavy Fuel Crew" days with Dan McNeil were always my fave 
it's crazy how fast life goes by, one minute you're killing it on air with Dan Bernstein and the next you're battling cancer 
. I'll never forget his hilarious impressions of sports journalists at press conferences 
. The tribute planned for next week sounds amazing, can't wait to see all the stories and memories shared about Terry's life and legacy 
. but on a positive note, it's great to see a celebration of his life and legacy planned for next week 
at 75 what a legacy he leaves behind lol remember when he'd turn press conferences into comedy clubs at chicago sun-times i have the most epic story about meeting him once at a chicago Bulls game and we ended up talking for like an hour about his favorite sports teams (go cubs!) anyway im gonna miss this guy's humor so much already thinking bout all the funny moments we can never make again 
Terry Boers was a true original, his humor was infectious and still makes me chuckle thinking about it... he had this gift of taking even the most boring press conference and turning it into comedy gold 
. I loved how he could just be himself on-air, no pretenses, always keeping it real 
. Still can't believe he's gone... feels like yesterday we were all hanging out on the WSCR-AM studio, swapping jokes 
. I'm sure Dan Bernstein and the rest are gonna miss him big time 
!
passing away at 75... man that's a loss for the sports world 
RIP Terry, you will be missed 
. Anyway, RIP Terry Boers – may your comedy live on forever 
.
those were some epic conversations 
.