Howard Eskin is a well-known figure in Philadelphia sports media. He is a sports radio commentator and host for WIP-FM, a contributor to local news channel WTXF-TV, and a sideline reporter for the Philadelphia Eagles Radio Network. His career focuses primarily on Philadelphia sports.
April 29, 1951: Howard Eskin is Born
American sports commentator and radio host, Howard Eskin, was born on April 29, 1951.
1968: Eskin Graduates High School
Howard Eskin graduated from Northeast High School in Philadelphia in 1968.
1972: Eskin Starts Radio Career at WFIL
Howard Eskin's career in radio began in 1972 when he was hired as an engineer by George Michael at WFIL.
1982: Eskin Joins KYW-TV
In 1982, Howard Eskin became a sports anchor at KYW-TV.
1986: Eskin Joins WIP and Hosts First Show
Howard Eskin joined WIP in 1986 when the station switched to a sports radio format, hosting the first show on the new format.
1986: Eskin Co-Hosts "Sports Rock" and Becomes Sports Director at WTXF-TV
In 1986, Eskin co-hosted "Sports Rock" on WMMR's Morning Zoo with John DeBella, and became the original sports director for WTXF-TV's Ten O'Clock News.
1991: Eskin Leaves WTXF-TV
Howard Eskin concluded his role as sports director at WTXF-TV's Ten O'Clock News in 1991.
1992: Eskin Returns to KYW-TV
Howard Eskin returned to KYW-TV in 1992.
1996: Eskin Interviews Joey Merlino
Howard Eskin interviewed reputed Philadelphia mob boss Joey Merlino in 1996 regarding the Mafioso's presence in Eric Lindros' seats at a Flyers' game. Merlino denied receiving the tickets from Lindros.
1996: Eskin Joins WCAU-TV
Howard Eskin joined WCAU-TV in 1996 as the host and contributor to Sports Final.
1997: Eskin Sends Roses to Murder Victim
In 1997, Howard Eskin was revealed as the "prominent Philadelphia sportscaster" who had sent roses to a woman days before she was murdered by her husband, who discovered her fake dating profile. Eskin maintained that the gesture was innocent.
2000: Eskin Suspended for Miss America Comments
Howard Eskin was suspended and made to apologize on air in 2000 to the Miss America pageant organizers for suggesting on air that the contest was rigged.
2003: Eskin Receives "Man of the Year" and "Media Person of the Year" Awards
Howard Eskin was honored with two awards in 2003: "Man of the Year" by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and "Media Person of the Year" by the March of Dimes.
2004: Eskin's First Bobblehead Released for Charity
Howard Eskin's first bobblehead doll, featuring him in a fur coat, was sold for charity in 2004.
April 2005: Eskin Leaves WCAU-TV
In April 2005, Howard Eskin ended his time as host and contributor on WCAU-TV's Sports Final.
October 10, 2005: Phillies Fire Ed Wade
Ed Wade was fired by the Philadelphia Phillies on October 10, 2005, after Howard Eskin reported that Wade would be let go if the Phillies didn't make the playoffs.
2005: Eskin's Second Bobblehead Released for Charity
A second edition of Howard Eskin's bobblehead doll was sold for charity in 2005, with the first 100 dolls featuring a small diamond chip in the necklace.
2005: Eskin Organizes Mock Funeral for Terrell Owens
Howard Eskin organized a mock funeral to celebrate Terrell Owens's departure from the Philadelphia Eagles during their 2005 season.
September 20, 2007: Eskin Celebrates Milestones in Radio and Television
Howard Eskin marked two significant milestones in his career on September 20, 2007: his 5,000th radio show, more than anyone else in the country at the time, and his 25th year in television.
2007: Eskin's Confrontation with Charlie Manuel
Howard Eskin confronted Phillies manager Charlie Manuel in 2007 after a poor start to the season, suggesting Manuel wasn't tough enough on the players. Manuel, threatening to fight Eskin, had to be restrained by hitting coach Milt Thompson.
2010: Eskin Receives March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Award
Howard Eskin received the March of Dimes Lifetime Achievement Award for Achievement in Radio in 2010.
September 2, 2011: Eskin Hosts Final Show in 3:00 to 7:00 PM WIP Slot
After nearly 6,000 shows and 25 years, Howard Eskin hosted his last 3:00 to 7:00 PM show on WIP on September 2, 2011.
2011: Eskin Inducted into Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame
Howard Eskin was inducted into the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame in 2011.
2012: Eskin Returns to WTXF
Howard Eskin rejoined WTXF in 2012, contributing to their coverage of Eagles football.
May 2024: Eskin Banned from Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center
In May 2024, Howard Eskin was banned from Citizens Bank Park for the remainder of the season by the Philadelphia Phillies following an "unwanted advance" towards a female food service employee. Subsequently, the Philadelphia 76ers indefinitely banned him from Wells Fargo Center.
2024: Spike Eskin Returns to WIP
Brett "Spike" Eskin, Howard Eskin's son, returned to WIP in 2024.