Howie Schwab, the former ESPN personality best known for his incredible knowledge of sports trivia and statistics, died Saturday.
Sports broadcaster Dick Vitale, a longtime friend, broke the news on X/Twitter.
“So sad to learn of the passing of my loyal dedicated buddy @howieschwab — he was recently at my home,” Vitale posted. “Had various health issues but was feeling good when he visited. May he please RIP.”
So sad to learn of the passing of my loyal dedicated buddy @howieschwab – he was recently at my home . Had various health issues but was feeling good when he visited .May he please RIP pic.twitter.com/mbkiZ9h5cg
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 20, 2024
A native of Baldwin, New York, who graduated from St. John’s University in 1982, Schwab joined ESPN in 1987 and handled various roles during his career. He served as the coordinating producer for the network’s website in the mid-1990s and later served the same role for ESPN studio production on shows such as SportsCenter and Outside the Lines.
However, he’s best remembered for his role as the star of ESPN’s Stump the Schwab show, which ran on ESPN2 and ESPN Classic from 2004 through 2006. In that role, the ESPN statistician and sports trivia guru faced off against contestants in a sports trivia game. The late Stuart Scott hosted the show.
Although the results were entirely predictable — Schwab almost always defeated each episode’s challenger — the show earned a cult following.
“(Schwab) looks like someone you’d be disappointed to find as your dinner party seatmate, or next to you on a cross-country plane trip,” wrote David Blum of the New York Sun. “But that’s exactly what makes the Schwab such a compelling television persona, and what makes Stump the Schwab one of the best game shows on television.”
Although Schwab and ESPN parted ways in 2013 as part of a cost-cutting move, his legacy was secure.
The sports world paid tribute to Schwab Saturday.
“One of my absolute favorites at ESPN. Greatest stat brain ever and hell of a human,” wrote Darren Rovell.
One of my absolute favorites at ESPN. Greatest stat brain ever and hell of a human. https://t.co/fYwGkFG5t8
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) April 20, 2024
RIP Howie…A Bristol original…and just a great guy. Absolutely legendary that he became a TV star as well! https://t.co/j3klAFSyuq
— Burke Magnus (@burkemagnus) April 20, 2024
https://twitter.com/StJohnsBBall/status/1781690712582484015
RIP to a sports television legend…
Howie Schwab “Stump The Schwab” passed away.
I sure watched a lot of that show as a kid. pic.twitter.com/09iHfwmY3U— Arrick Upton (@ArrickUptonGB) April 20, 2024
A true legend. Never met anyone who loved sports as much as Howie. All sports. Helped to raise a ton of money for great causes as well. He'll be missed https://t.co/jJ54Zz13G6
— Seth Markman (@tunasweasel) April 20, 2024
Very sad news. Howie was great, and man he just LOVED working for ESPN. Was in the room when Stump The Schwab was conceived, credit to Mark Shapiro. Everyone thought it was a crazy, but fun, idea. Howie had never been on camera before, but he was totally game. Rest is history. https://t.co/cNrGPlwHO7
— Ron Wechsler (@RonWechsler) April 20, 2024
Damn. Howie was pure ESPN. What a time it was in Bristol when everyone was a fanatic sports follower–the real heart and soul of the place. The newsroom had such a palpable energy and Howie was a light all us bugs were drawn to. Lived and loved the job. A producer once asked… https://t.co/0mkzyfqCeP
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) April 20, 2024
One of the most pleasant and genuinely nice people I’ve ever come across at ESPN. Rest, peacefully Schwab. https://t.co/LHNz7kLaTR
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) April 20, 2024
When @SpiderMBB made the 2012 Sweet 16, I was ESPN’s lead CBB researcher.
Howie talked to my bosses about my schedule and then used HIS miles to get me a flight and hotel to watch my alma mater. All without me knowing. Until he told me I was going.
Legendary man and ESPNer. RIP https://t.co/wBKxQ7StDm
— Jason McCallum (@JMacSC) April 20, 2024
Howie Schwab was a fountain of information. He was one of one. He loved statistical analysis, trends and anecdotes. And he was incredibly loyal to @DickieV, providing him with stats and background for his broadcasts. He was ESPN family. He continued to reach out to all of us…
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz) April 20, 2024
RIP, Howie Schwab.
When I visited Bristol in ‘92, there were two staffers Mike Soltys and his crew were most insistent I meet as part of ESPN’s DNA: Bob Ley and Howie Schwab.
Howie was Google before Google. For sports.— John Walters (@jdubs1966) April 20, 2024
He was one of the true believers in ESPN and its place in the sporting world, someone who defined the institutional knowledge at a place.
He was then part of an awful layoff in 2013. It was a sober reminder of how many are just line on a balance sheet.
I wish his family peace… https://t.co/KyE9EwQoxP
— Richard Deitsch (@richarddeitsch) April 20, 2024
We're saddened to hear that "The Schwab" has passed away. Howie championed the Hartford Whalers like none other. https://t.co/zqe9BEb1Yu
— Hartford Whalers (@WhalersPlates) April 20, 2024
On Sunday, Schwab’s widow Suzie used his account to express gratitude for all the messages of support she’d seen, calling them “an immense solace.”
Dear family& friends, I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the beautiful messages you sent in memory of my dear husband Howie your words of comfort and support have been a source of immense solace during this challenging time! regards,
suzie Schwab— Howie Schwab (@howieschwab) April 21, 2024
[Dick Vitale on Twitter/X]
