Finally Meeting Chuck Swirsky

I have an interesting hostroy with Chuck Swirsky, dating back to 1988. Earlier this year, I finally got to meet him and get a picture with him.

Back in my early days with Lerner Newspapers, we promoted at a lot of neighborhood fests. For one fest, we had a big cardboard of our front page with a big cutout for fun pictures. Then a WGN broadcaster, Swirsky was appearing there, too. I handed him the cardboard and he graciously posed for the photo below. It was the coolest pic we ever got with that thing, but of course, I received no credit.

Fast forward many years, Swirsky published his autobiography. I emailed him about a Zoom interview and within days, we had it done. What a thrill for me. He is such a class act. That interview is at On the Beat with Chuck Swirsky.

I missed a few promotion appearances from Swirsky, but kept hoping to meet him. Finally when I saw he was appearing at Bulls Fest, I had my chance.

At a booth hosted by Autograph1 and Mitch Dubinsky, Swirsky was selling his bobbleheads, which benefitted Chicago Bulls Charities. I bought one for my lifelong pal and fellow Swirsky fan Tom and finally got my picture with Swirsky.

A broadcast veteran of more than 45 years, Swirsky is a true sports talk radio pioneer. Even better, he is a class act. A man of faith and love for his family, Swirsky is such a positive guy.

Thank you, Chuck! Thanks for years of listening pleasure and finally a picture.

Chuck Swirsky and me in Chicago, IL-August 2025.