The Definition of Good Sports Radio

This morning I made it a point to tune into WEEI at 6:00 AM on the dot for pretty petty and shallow reasons. As a transplanted New Englander living in Dirty Jersey, the Dennis and Callahan show on WEEI has been New England lifeline in some ways. This morning’s show promised to be a bit of a watershed moment as it marked the return of John “Dino” Dennis to the show after a hiatus over a dispute with the third man in (and rising) Kirk Minihane. It was recently announced that Dino would be leaving the show for health reasons – but that he would anchor the Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon broadcasts.

Upon tuning in, it was clear that the two have put aside their petty differences and decided to execute their yearly broadcast to raise money for the Jimmy Fund. If you don’t know about the Red Sox Partnership with the Jimmy Fund and the Dana-Farber Institute, I implore you to learn more by clicking here. There are no words I can type in a blog will do their work any justice.

I can tell you that this is the 15^th annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund and, since 2002, it has raised more that $40 million to support pediatric and adult cancer and research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I can also tell you that each time I listen I get a yearly attitude adjustment and realize that any complaints about my kid’s behavior and health are minor compared to the stories that are shared on the WEEI airwaves. In addition to interviewing the brave pediatric patients and staff Doctors, they talk with the true super heroes – the nurses. There are amazing stories shared that don’t always have happy endings.

I am glad that for a couple days my favorite radio team has gotten back together and made good sports radio. Some things are bigger than arguing over hurt feelings and egos. On Wednesday, they can go back to not getting along behind the scenes, field a series of groan worthy calls about a backup QB not standing for the National Anthem, and Tom Brady playing in a preseason football game.

You can make a gift online to benefit the lifesaving mission of the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.