Theodore A. “Ted” Sarandis, a prominent American sports radio personality renowned for his influential presence in Boston’s sports media landscape, has passed away.
Sarandis was best known for hosting the “Ted Nation” show on WEEI and serving as the play-by-play announcer for Boston College basketball. His dynamic broadcasting style and unwavering commitment to collegiate athletics left an indelible mark on the sports community.
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Ted Sarandis graduated from the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where he honed his skills in journalism and broadcasting. His passion for sports and media was evident early on, setting the stage for a distinguished career in sports radio
In 1992, Sarandis began hosting “Ted Nation,” a weeknight sports talk show on Boston’s WEEI radio station. Airing from 7 PM to midnight, the program quickly gained a dedicated following, particularly among male listeners aged 25–54, and consistently achieved top ratings in its time slot.
Sarandis was a fervent advocate for college sports in the Boston area, using his platform to highlight collegiate athletics and engage with fans on pressing sports topics. His tenure at WEEI concluded in September 2005, with “Ted Nation” being succeeded by “The Planet Mikey Show” hosted by Mike Adams.
Beyond his role at WEEI, Sarandis was the distinctive voice of Boston College men’s basketball from 1995 to 2010. His enthusiastic commentary, marked by his signature exclamation “WOW” during pivotal plays, endeared him to fans and became a hallmark of his broadcasting style.
He often concluded Eagles’ victories with the emphatic declaration, “The horn sounds, this one is over, and Boston College has won. WOW!” In 2009, in recognition of his contributions to collegiate basketball broadcasting, Sarandis was inducted into the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sarandis’s passion for college basketball extended beyond his work with Boston College. He co-developed and hosted “College Basketball Tonight,” an in-depth program featuring discussions with coaches, analysts, and other experts.
The show aired weekly during the NCAA tournament season, providing listeners with comprehensive coverage of “March Madness” through the Final Four. In 2013, Kennesaw State University men’s basketball coach Al Skinner co-hosted the show on WATD 95.9, and starting in 2014, it was broadcast on New York City’s WNYM-AM (970) “The Answer.”
Throughout his career, Sarandis lent his voice to various collegiate sports programs, including basketball play-by-play for Boston University, Harvard University, Northeastern University, and Holy Cross.
His versatility also saw him covering professional sports, such as play-by-play for the Boston Celtics, Harvard University hockey, and the Beanpot Hockey Tournament on radio. Additionally, he provided television commentary for the ECAC Basketball Game of the Week, Boston University basketball, and Lowell Lock Monsters hockey.
In May 2006, Sarandis announced his candidacy as an independent for a position on the Massachusetts Governor’s Council, challenging incumbent Democrat Michael Callahan. The Governor’s Council is an elected body responsible for overseeing and approving gubernatorial appointments, including judicial positions. Sarandis’s platform advocated for term limits for judges and sought to end the practice of judicial candidates making political donations.
His commitment to public service extended to military support. Sarandis was a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia, and the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts.
He volunteered for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and frequently spoke at ceremonies for National Guard and Reserve units deploying to or returning from Southwest Asia. In April 2006, he participated in a Joint Civilian Orientation Conference in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, gaining firsthand insight into military operations and training.
After relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2008, Sarandis continued his involvement in sports broadcasting as a freelance sportscaster and managed a real estate business. In 2024, he ran as a Republican candidate for the Port of Palm Beach District Board Group 2, demonstrating his ongoing dedication to public service and community engagement.
Ted Sarandis’s passing marks the end of an era in sports broadcasting. His energetic commentary, steadfast support for college athletics, and deep connection with the Boston sports community have left a lasting legacy.
He is survived by his wife, Mary-Ellen, a successful attorney, and their extended family. As fans and colleagues reflect on his contributions, Sarandis’s voice and passion for sports will be fondly remembered and greatly missed.
