Longtime Washington Nationals broadcaster Craig Heist passes away at 66

Veteran MLB broadcaster Craig Heist, beloved voice of Washington Nationals postgame shows, has died at 66

Veteran sports broadcaster Craig Heist, best known for his coverage of the Washington Nationals on 106.7 The Fan (WNEW), has passed away.

Heist was a respected figure in the D.C. sports community, remembered for his warmth, professionalism, and deep love for the game of baseball.

In a statement released Friday, Nationals owner Mark Lerner expressed the organization’s grief, saying, “The Washington Nationals are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague Craig Heist. He was a fixture in the press box and the clubhouse, always celebrating with the team through its biggest moments. We will profoundly miss his kindness, enthusiasm, and passion for baseball.”

We'll miss you, Craig. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/qnFPDPosDz

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) October 10, 2025

Heist began his broadcasting career in 1979 as a DJ, sportscaster, and news anchor with WKHI in Ocean City, Maryland, while still a student at Salisbury University. Over the decades, he built an impressive career across multiple Mid-Atlantic stations before joining 106.7 The Fan, where he became a household name among Nationals fans.

The Baltimore Orioles also honored Heist on social media, writing, “The Orioles are saddened to learn of the passing of Craig Heist, veteran sports broadcaster who covered the team for more than 35 years. We send our condolences to his wife, Suzanne, and the many friends he made throughout his career.”

Fellow journalists and colleagues echoed the sentiment, remembering Heist as a friendly and familiar face in every press box from D.C. to Baltimore. His decades-long dedication to Major League Baseball coverage leaves behind a lasting legacy in sports media.