Craig Heist, a fixture in mid-Atlantic sports broadcasting and a beloved voice for fans of the Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles, has died at the age of 66. Known for his booming laugh, encyclopedic sports knowledge, and unmistakable presence, Heist spent more than four decades covering baseball, football, and everything in between across the DMV (Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Virginia) region.
Heist’s career began in 1979 at WKHI in Ocean City, Maryland, where he wore many hats: DJ, news anchor, and sportscaster. But it was in the ballparks and radio booths of Washington and Baltimore where he truly made his mark. For over 35 years, he covered the Orioles with a blend of insight and candor that endeared him to fans and players alike. Starting in 2013, he extended that legacy to Washington as a postgame host on the Nationals Radio Network, where he quickly became a trusted and familiar presence for Nats fans, someone who could break down a tough loss or celebrate a walk-off win with equal parts insight and heart.
Beyond his work with the Nationals and Orioles, Heist was a three-time Maryland sportscaster of the year and spent 14 years at WTOP Radio. He also appeared regularly on MASN and ESPN Radio, and contributed to national outlets like CBS Sports Radio and Sirius NFL Network. Whether it was breaking down a pitching rotation or riffing on clubhouse dynamics, Heist brought warmth, wit, and a no-nonsense edge to every broadcast.
Colleagues affectionately called him “Heisty,” a nickname that captured both his spirited personality and his deep love for the game. According to the Daily Mail, ESPN’s Clinton Yates recalled how Heist once welcomed his younger brother into the press box and took the time to teach him the nuances of baseball, a gesture that left a lasting impression.
“He was the real deal,” MASN’s Mark Zuckerman posted on X. “Press boxes throughout the DMV will never be the same”.
Loading twitter content…
Tributes poured in from across the sports world. According to the Daily Mail, Nationals owner Mark Lerner called Heist a “fixture” in the clubhouse, always celebrating the team’s biggest moments with genuine joy. The Orioles, Commanders, and countless journalists echoed the sentiment: Heist wasn’t just a broadcaster — he was part of the fabric of local sports.
Heist is survived by his wife, Suzanne. No cause of death has been announced.
More MLB: Mets Could Turn to Former First-Rounder From A’s as Pete Alonso Replacement