On his 82nd birthday, July 4th, sports media analyst Hank Goldberg passed away at his home in Henderson, NV.
Henry Edward Goldberg, also known as Hammerin’ Hank, was a renowned American sports radio and television personality based in Miami, Florida. He dedicated 40 years of his life from 1978 to 1992 as the radio commentator for the Miami Dolphins.
Hank Goldberg rose to national prominence in 1993 when he began serving as an NFL reporter and handicapper at ESPN, a position he held for two decades. He was a regular face on the popular NFL Countdown and ESPN Radio, and also played a key role in ESPN’s thoroughbred racing coverage.
Chris Berman, a longtime ESPN anchor and host of NFL Prime Time, stated:
“Hank’s contribution to ESPN’s essence was immeasurable. His knowledge enriched our understanding, his perspective enhanced our wisdom, and his camaraderie made us better individuals. Rest in tranquility, Hammer, and accept heartfelt gratitude from each one of us.”
Hammerin’ Hank the handicapper
In the 1970s, renowned TV and radio personality Larry King suggested Hammerin’ Hank for a role in sports media and radio, marking Hank’s entry into the radio industry. Goldberg additionally boosted his earnings by serving as a ‘ghost handicapper’ for Jimmy ‘the Greek’ Snyder on CBS’s innovative studio program, The NFL Today.
Brent Musburger, who once hosted that popular NFL lead-in show to Sunday’s games, is currently the lead on-air talent and managing editor for the Vegas Stats & Information Network (VSiN).
Goldberg and Jimmy The Greek were joined at the hip, with Goldberg being the main source of information for the NFL picks. Years later, Hammerin’ Hank’s career as a sports betting analyst and handicapper skyrocketed at ESPN.
Goldberg had an extensive contact list within the sports and media industry. Throughout his broadcasting and reporting career, he established sources within every NFL team. Many players and athletes considered him a close contact, and he was a reliable source for many in the industry, including the owner of the Raiders, Al Davis.
Hank found his comfort zone behind the microphone, with his innate ability to narrate stories enhancing his renowned coverage of sports and horse racing events. His bold, resonant voice also played a significant role in his popularity. Goldberg’s controversial approach, showcased during his three-hour radio show “Goldberg at Night” on WIOD, influenced two generations of South Florida sports enthusiasts.
Goldberg was also passionate about handicapping and betting on horses. He reported on major horse racing events, from the Triple Crown to the Breeders’ Cup, for ABC and ESPN for over two decades.
What Hank Goldberg meant to the industry
Goldberg had resided in Henderson from 2018, relocating there to be closer to his younger sister, Liz, who took care of him during his kidney disease treatment. Hank had numerous contacts in the Nevada sports betting scene.
This involved a 20-year friendship with Jim Feist, a pioneer in Las Vegas sports betting information. Feist informed PlayUSA that they collaborated and co-hosted a bi-weekly NFL podcast during the 2019 season, before Hank’s health began to deteriorate more quickly.
Feist commented:
He was incredibly knowledgeable, and our conversations would often last an hour, delving into insider news that most people were unaware of. Throughout the years, we enjoyed numerous dinners together, with him always proving to be the most delightful dinner guest. Hank was a treasure trove of stories, impressively connected and had spent significant time with some of the most prominent figures in the sports and horse racing world.
Art Manteris, a recently retired bookmaker from Las Vegas, recently had lunch with Goldberg at Weiss Deli & Bakery in Henderson. During an interview with ESPN, Manteris shared details about Goldberg’s handicapping process.
“I can confidently tell you that he was authentic. The Hammer consistently backed up his words with actions, instantly gaining my utmost respect. In my extensive career as a Las Vegas bookmaker, I held few opinions in higher esteem than Hank’s on the NFL.”
TheLines, a sports betting news site, received further insight into Goldberg’s influence from Chris Fallica, an ESPN sports betting analyst.
Whether they acknowledge it or not, most individuals from this generation were influenced by him. His choices were among the earliest on mainstream platforms. Notable names include Jimmy ‘The Greek,’ Pete Axthelm, and Hank Goldberg.
If they hadn’t broken through, I’m uncertain if there would be discussions about gambling on College GameDay, in addition to ‘Bear’s Board’ and the sports betting show, Daily Wager. Nowadays, everyone is leveraging and elevating his success to a higher level.
Hank Goldberg passed away following a seven-year fight with kidney disease. Nonetheless, he will always be remembered as ‘Hammerin’ Hank’, a standout figure in the sports media industry. His legacy lies not just in his event coverage, but also in his fervor and enthusiasm for race and sports betting.
Decades before the US legalized sports betting, he introduced betting and prognostication to the general public.
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