Bob Ryan Bio, Wiki, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Children, Retirement, ESPN, Salary, and Net Worth

Bob Ryan Biography

Bob Ryan is an American sportswriter, author, and television personality who was born and brought up in Trenton, New Jersey, United States of America. He is widely known as a former writer for The Boston Globe. He started his career as a sports intern for the Globe and wrote several stories covering the Boston Celtics in the 1970s.

Globe days: Ryan joined The Boston Globe in 1968 and stayed for over five decades, penning countless columns, features, and articles. His work became a staple for generations of Boston sports fans, earning him immense respect and admiration.

Beyond print: Ryan’s reach extends beyond newspapers. He’s a regular contributor to radio shows like “Marty and Miller” and podcasts like “The BS Podcast.” He’s also authored several books, including “One Night in November: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and the Night Basketball Changed Forever.”

Accolades and honors: Ryan’s contributions haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s received numerous awards, including the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Red Smith Award from the Associated Press Sports Editors.

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10 Quick Facts About Bob Ryan

1. Name: Bob Ryan
2. Age: 78 years old
3. Birthday: February 21
4. Zodiac Sign: Pisces
5. Height: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)
6. Nationality: American
7. Occupation: Sportswriter, Author, and Television Personality
8. Marital Status: Married
9. Salary: Under Review
10. Net Worth: $3 Million

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Bob Ryan Age

Ryan is 78 years old. He was born on February 21, 1946, in Trenton, New Jersey, United States. He celebrates his birthday on February 21 every year and his birth sign is Pisces.

Bob Ryan Height

Ryan stands at a height of 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m).

Bob Ryan Weight

Ryan’s height including other body measurements is not available at the moment. We will update this section once the information is available. His hair color is white and his eye color is dark brown.

Early Life and Education

Ryan was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1946, Ryan’s childhood was steeped in the world of sports. His family “revolved around going to games,” immersing him in the excitement and drama of athletic competition from a young age.

Boston College: In 1964, Ryan entered Boston College, choosing history as his major. While immersed in academic pursuits, his passion for sports remained strong. He became a sports editor for the college newspaper, “The Heights,” and even covered the 1968 NCAA Final Four for a local Boston radio station.

Developing his Voice: During his college years, Ryan’s writing style flourished. He sharpened his wit, storytelling abilities, and critical thinking, all of which would later become hallmarks of his sportswriting.

Rise to Fame

Finding his niche: Initially covering various sports, Ryan found his true calling when he became the Boston Celtics beat writer in 1969. This coincided with the Celtics’ golden age, featuring legends like Larry Bird, Bill Russell, and John Havlicek.

Chronicling a Dynasty: Ryan’s vivid description of games, insightful player analysis, and captivating storytelling brought the Celtics’ dominance to life for fans. He became a trusted voice for Celtics Nation, earning their respect and admiration.

Beyond Game Reports: Ryan went beyond simply reporting game results. He delved into the history of the franchise, the personalities of the players, and the cultural impact of the Celtics on Boston. This depth and perspective set him apart.

Bob Ryan Family, Parents

Ryan was born and raised by his parents in New Jersey. Our efforts to find out more about his family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Bob’s parents is still unclear. It is also not known if he has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.

Bob Ryan Wife

Ryan is currently married to his wife Elaine. The couple tied the knot in 1969 and together they have two children, a daughter named Jessica and a son named Keith who died in 2008. They are grandparents of triplets. Today, he resides in Hingham, Massachusetts.

The dedication page in Forty-Eight Minutes, one of Ryan’s books, says, “To Elaine Ryan: In the next life, maybe you’ll get a nine-to-five man who makes seven figures.” Ryan has also done humanitarian fundraisers for years to help inner-city teenagers with their educations.

Bob Ryan Son Death

On January 28, 2008, Ryan’s 37-year-old son, Keith, was found dead in his home in Islamabad, Pakistan. Initial reports indicated that Keith’s death was an apparent suicide; however, reports in the Pakistani newspapers Dawn and The News International indicated that his death may be investigated as a murder. A State Department spokesperson would only say the death was under investigation.

His father, Bob Ryan, released the following statement: “Everyone is devastated. I am well aware of these reports and we are very concerned about that. (But) we have no reason at this time to doubt the official version”.

He had been working as an attache for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in Pakistan since December 2006. He was a 1988 graduate of Hingham High School, Trinity College, the London School of Economics, and Boston College Law School.

Keith had previously worked for the U.S. Border Patrol, LAPD, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service, where he was assigned to the violent gang task force.

Keith Ryan was married to Kate and had three children, Conor, John, and Amelia, who live in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Bob Ryan Net Worth

Ryan has an estimated net worth of $3 million dollars as of 2023. This includes his assets, money and income. His primary source of income is his career as a sportswriter, author, and television personality. Through his various sources of income, Bob has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.

Bob Ryan Measurements and Facts

Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Bob.

Bob Ryan Wiki

• Full Names: Robert P. Ryan
• Popular As: Bob
• Gender: Male
• Occupation / Profession: Sportswriter, Author, and Television Personality
• Nationality: American
• Race / Ethnicity: White
• Religion: Not Known
• Sexual Orientation: Straight

Bob Ryan Birthday

• Age / How Old?: 78 years old
• Zodiac Sign: Pisces
• Date of Birth: February 21, 1946
• Place of Birth: Trenton, New Jersey, USA
• Birthday: February 21

Bob Ryan Body Measurements

• Body Measurements: Not Available
• Height / How Tall?: 6 feet 1 inches (1.85 m)
• Weight: Moderate
• Eye Color: Blue
• Hair Color: White
• Shoe Size: Not Available

Bob Ryan Family and Relationship

• Father (Dad): Not Known
• Mother: Not Known
• Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
• Marital Status: Married
• Wife/Spouse: Married to Elaine Ryan
• Dating / Girlfriend: Not Applicable
• Children: Sons (Keith Ryan) Daughter(s) (Jessica Ryan)

Bob Ryan Net Worth and Salary

• Net Worth: $3 Million
• Salary: Under Review
• Source of Income: Sportswriter, Author, and Television Personality

Bob Ryan Celtics Beat Writer

In the fall of 1969, a vacancy on the Globe’s Celtics beat was created, and Bob Ryan got the job. While covering the Celtics, he developed a close relationship with the Celtics organization. Ryan would even go out to dinner with the team.

He sat at the press table 8 seats from the Celtics’ bench, where colleagues referred to him as the “Commissioner”, not unlike Peter Gammons’s nickname. Boston Sports Media critic Bruce Allen has said, “His passion is not faked.”

One night Hue Hollins, the referee, went to the press table to explain a call to Bob during a time-out even though he was not obligated to. Another time he wrote a column about the Washington Bullets’ Rick Mahorn and how he played dirty under the hoop.

When Mahorn was called for a foul Gene Shue, the Bullets’ coach, turned around and said, “That’s your fault, Bob Ryan, your fault!” Dennis Johnson was often annoyed with Ryan and would go up to the press table and say, “Hey, Bob, keep it down. We got a game going on here” when Ryan sideline coached.

From Ryan’s first column on Larry Bird headlined “Celtics draft Bird for oh what a future” to his last “Larry! Larry! Larry!” Ryan was always a fan of his and eventually co-authored a book with him

Bob Ryan Heinsohns Book

In Tom (Tommy) Heinsohn’s book Give ’em the Hook, Heinsohn is negative towards Ryan. Bob Ryan, who began writing for the Globe in Heinsohn’s rookie season as a coach, would make friends with the players and vent their feelings towards Heinsohn, their fans, and their teammates, claims Heinsohn.

Heinsohn didn’t like how he didn’t feel in control of his team. Heinsohn believes that Ryan started to “think of himself as another member of the family” and that he even started coaching the team through his beat stories.

Heinsohn goes on to talk about Ryan’s bloated ego and the fact that he was then thinking of himself as a basketball guru. Heinsohn also says while noting disapproval of Ryan that at the time anyone who lived in Boston and even remotely followed basketball read Bob Ryan.

In recent years Ryan has been less critical of Celtics coaches, including Doc Rivers, of whom he said, “I’m a Doc guy.”

Bob Ryan General Sports Columnist

In 1982, Bob Ryan would hand the torch of the Globe Celtics beat to then-not well-known Dan Shaughnessy, and later Jackie MacMullan. Ryan did this in order to go to WCVB for a couple of years.

He ended up hating it and moved back to the Celtics beat in 1984 for two more seasons before getting promoted to general sports columnist in 1989.

Ryan would cover 20 NBA finals, 20 Final Fours, nine World Series, five Super Bowls, the last seven Olympics, and many other events. In recent times he has become less basketball-oriented and more general sports-oriented. Ryan continues to write for Basketball Times. Ryan votes for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Bob Ryan Books

• Wait Till I Make the Show: Baseball in the Minor Leagues (1974)
• Celtics Pride: The rebuilding of Boston’s world championship basketball team (1975)
• The Pro Game: The World of Professional Basketball (1975)
• Hondo: Celtic Man in Motion (1977) co-authored with John Havlicek

• Forty-Eight Minutes (1987) with Terry Pluto
• Cousy on the Celtic Mystique (1988) co-authored with Bob Cousy
• Drive: The Story of My Life (1989) co-authored with Larry Bird
• Boston Celtics: The History, Legends, and Images of America’s Most Celebrated Team (1990)

• The Four Seasons (1997)
• The Road to the Super Bowl (1997)
• A Day of Light and Shadows (2000) Only introduction
• When Boston Won the World Series: A Chronicle of Boston’s Remarkable Victory in the First Modern World Series of 1903 (2004) released before Red Sox victory

• The Best of Sport: Classic Writing from the Golden Era of Sports (2005)
• “Scribe: My Life in Sports” (2014) is a memoir of Bob’s life leading up to, throughout, and post-retirement from covering sports.

Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences

Traveling the World for Basketball:

• Olympic Games: Ryan has covered numerous Olympic Games, witnessing firsthand the global reach and impact of basketball. These experiences broadened his understanding of the sport and its cultural significance beyond the United States.
• International Tournaments: From the FIBA World Cup to EuroLeague games, Ryan has traveled extensively to cover international basketball, immersing himself in different playing styles and cultural contexts. This widened his knowledge and appreciation for the diverse ways the game is played around the world.
• Behind the Iron Curtain: In the pre-internet era, Ryan made several trips to the Soviet Union to cover international basketball. These experiences gave him unique insights into the Cold War sports landscape and the challenges faced by basketball players in Eastern Europe.

Experiencing History:

• 1972 Munich Olympics: Ryan was present at the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics, covering the basketball competition while witnessing the hostage crisis unfold. This harrowing experience left a lasting impact on him and shaped his perspective on the intersection of sports and politics.
• “One Night in November”: Ryan’s book “One Night in November” chronicles the legendary 1986 game between Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. He was present at the game, which marked a turning point in basketball history, and his firsthand account brings the event to life with vivid detail and historical context.
• Muhammad Ali’s Thrilla in Manila: While not directly related to basketball, Ryan also witnessed the iconic 1975 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier in Manila. This experience exposed him to the global appeal of boxing and the power of athletic competition to transcend national boundaries.

Unique Cultural Encounters:

• College World Series in Omaha: Ryan’s annual pilgrimage to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, has become a personal tradition. He has immersed himself in the local culture and baseball atmosphere, creating lasting memories and relationships.
• Kentucky Derby: As a horse racing enthusiast, Ryan has attended the Kentucky Derby on multiple occasions, appreciating the tradition, pageantry, and sporting spectacle of the event.

Future Aspirations and Goals

Continuing Legacy of Storytelling:

• Writing more books: Ryan’s passion for storytelling extends beyond newspaper columns. He might continue writing more books, perhaps focusing on lesser-known basketball stories or exploring other sports in depth.
• Sharing his knowledge with young writers: Ryan’s vast experience and engaging style make him a valuable mentor. He might dedicate more time to teaching and inspiring aspiring sportswriters, either through workshops, online courses, or guest lectures.
• Exploring new media formats: With the evolving media landscape, Ryan might experiment with new ways to share his stories, such as podcasts, documentaries, or even online video series.

Deepening his Connection with Fans:

• More live events and speaking engagements: Ryan’s charisma and wit shine in live settings. He might participate in more public events, Q&A sessions, or even host his own live podcast show to directly interact with fans.
• Increased social media presence: While Ryan isn’t the most active on social media, he might utilize platforms like Twitter or Instagram to engage with fans, share behind-the-scenes stories, and offer his unique perspective on current events.
• Continuing to cover the Celtics: Even in retirement, Ryan’s passion for the Celtics remains. He might continue to write occasional columns, contribute to Celtics podcasts, or even participate in team-related events, maintaining his connection to the franchise he chronicled for so long.

Personal Goals and Pursuits:

• Travel and exploration: Ryan’s travel experiences have enriched his work. He might dedicate more time to personal travel, exploring new destinations and cultures, which could later inspire future writing projects.
• Focus on hobbies and interests: Beyond sports, Ryan has interests like horse racing and music. He might dedicatemore time to these pursuits, enjoying them for their own sake and potentially finding inspiration for future projects.
• Spending time with family and friends: After a long and successful career, Ryan might prioritize quality time with loved ones, creating lasting memories and cherishing personal connections.

Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement

Supporting Education:

• Harvard Business School Fellowship: Ryan established a need-based fellowship at Harvard Business School, his alma mater, to support students from underprivileged backgrounds. This initiative reflects his own appreciation for the educational opportunities he received and his desire to ensure access for others.
• Community Involvement: Ryan often participates in events and fundraisers aimed at supporting local schools and educational programs. He understands the power of education in empowering individuals and communities, and his involvement underscores his commitment to improving access and opportunities.

Advocating for Children:

• Jimmy Fund: Ryan has been a longtime supporter of the Jimmy Fund, a Boston-based organization raising money for pediatric cancer research and treatment. He participates in events, raises awareness, and encourages others to support this crucial cause.
• Other initiatives: Ryan has lent his voice and influence to various organizations working with children facing different challenges, from illness to poverty. His involvement shines a light on these issues and motivates others to get involved.

Promoting Community Development:

• ABCD Action for Boston Community Development: Ryan co-hosts the annual Hoop Dreams charity basketball tournament with Doc Rivers and Brad Stevens, raising funds for ABCD programs supporting youth development, education, and health initiatives in Boston’s underserved communities.
• Local Initiatives: Ryan actively participates in events and fundraising efforts benefiting various aspects of his community, from supporting local parks and sports programs to aiding cultural institutions. His involvement reflects his dedication to enriching and strengthening the Boston community.

Bob Ryan Awards Accomplishments and Achievements

Awards and Recognition:

• Curt Gowdy Media Award (2004): This prestigious award, bestowed by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizes outstanding media contributions to basketball. Ryan’s in-depth reporting and captivating prose solidified his position as a basketball guru.
• Red Smith Award (2009): Awarded by the Associated Press Sports Editors, this accolade honors outstanding column writing on sports. Ryan’s insightful and engaging columns cemented his place as a master of the craft.
• PEN/ESPN Lifetime Achievement Award for Literary Sports Writing (2012): This esteemed award from PEN America and ESPN celebrates excellence in sports writing. Ryan’s body of work, encompassing columns, books, and essays, earned him this well-deserved recognition.
• Multiple Emmy Awards: Ryan’s contributions to television shows like “Around the Horn” and “Pardon the Interruption” garnered him recognition through several Emmy Awards, showcasing his expertise and engaging personality on screen.

Accomplishments and Achievements:

• Chronicling a Dynasty: Ryan’s coverage of the Boston Celtics during their golden age in the 1970s is nothing short of legendary. His vivid descriptions, player analyses, and historical context brought the team’s dominance to life, solidifying his reputation as a trusted voice for Celtics Nation.
• Expanding Beyond Basketball: While basketball remains his forte, Ryan’s knowledge and commentary extend to various sports, from baseball and football to golf and horse racing. He has successfully transitioned beyond being a “beat writer” to a respected voice across the sporting landscape.
• Prolific Author: Ryan’s passion for storytelling extends beyond newspaper columns. He has authored several acclaimed books, including “One Night in November” and “The Four Seasons,” offering unique perspectives on iconic moments and legendary athletes.
• Inspiring a Generation: Ryan’s dedication to his craft and his engaging writing style have inspired countless aspiring sportswriters. He has established himself as a role model, demonstrating the power of hard work, passion, and storytelling in the world of sports journalism.

Legacy

The Master Storyteller:

• Eloquent Prose: Ryan’s writing isn’t mere reporting; it’s an art form. His vibrant prose, witty observations, and insightful analysis bring games to life, transforming stats and scores into captivating narratives. Readers and listeners find themselves transported, not just informed.
• Beyond the Headlines: Ryan delves deeper than the final buzzer. He unearths the history, personalities, and cultural significance of sporting events, enriching the experience for fans and offering timeless perspectives.
• Chronicler of an Era: Ryan’s career coincided with some of basketball’s most iconic moments, from the Celtics’ golden age to the rise of Michael Jordan. His firsthand accounts and vibrant descriptions preserve these memories for future generations.

Beyond the Celtics:

• Sporting Polymath: While basketball might be his forte, Ryan’s knowledge and expertise extend to multiple sports, from baseball and football to golf and horse racing. This versatility showcases his genuine love for sports and his ability to connect with fans across disciplines.
• A Voice for Generations: Ryan’s career spans generations, adapting to changing media landscapes while retaining his core values. From newspaper columns to podcasts and television shows, he has consistently found new ways to engage fans and share his passion.

Inspiring a Tribe:

• Mentor and Role Model: Ryan’s dedication, work ethic, and commitment to his craft have inspired countless aspiring sportswriters. He embodies the ideal of journalistic excellence and encourages others to strive for similar heights.
• Championing the Fan Experience: Ryan never forgets that sports are for the fans. He champions their passion, celebrates their knowledge, and provides them with a voice in the conversation, bridging the gap between athletes and audience.

Hobbies and Interests

Music: Ryan is a big music fan, with a particular love for jazz and classic rock. He’s known to reference music in his writing and occasionally participates in music-related events and interviews.

Horse Racing: Ryan is an avid horse racing enthusiast. He regularly attends races, particularly the Kentucky Derby, and even contributes columns and insights on the sport.

Reading: When not writing or watching sports, Ryan enjoys reading extensively. He has a diverse taste, ranging from history and biography to fiction and current affairs.

Travel: While his travels often revolve around covering sports events, Ryan also enjoys exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. He’s particularly fond of historical destinations and cities with vibrant cultural scenes.

Food and Wine: Ryan is a dedicated gourmand and enjoys good food and wine. He’s known to frequent Boston’s culinary scene and occasionally writes about his restaurant experiences.

Family and Friends: Despite his busy schedule, Ryan prioritizes spending time with loved ones. He values family gatherings and enjoys connecting with friends, often reminiscing about past events and experiences.

Other Pursuits: Ryan’s interests stretch beyond these specifics. He might be found attending cultural events like theatre or art exhibitions, pursuing outdoor activities like golf or hiking, or simply engaging in quiet hobbies like reading or crossword puzzles.

Personal Beliefs

• Social Justice: Ryan has advocated for social justice and equality on several occasions, including supporting educational initiatives for underprivileged communities and lending his voice to causes like the Jimmy Fund (supporting pediatric cancer research). These actions suggest a commitment to fairness and a desire to help others.
• American Values: He often expresses appreciation for American values like hard work, perseverance, and fair play. He’s celebrated iconic athletes who embody these values and has spoken against acts of injustice and intolerance. This suggests a belief in the principles that unite his fellow citizens.
• Patriotism: While not overly nationalistic, Ryan has expressed pride in his country and its achievements. He’s covered historical events like the Olympics and commemorated moments of national significance. This suggests a sense of patriotism and respect for his nation’s history and traditions.
• Religious Views: Ryan rarely mentions his religious beliefs publicly. However, some sources suggest he might have Quaker influences, perhaps instilled by his wife Jessica who comes from a Quaker background. These influences might contribute to his values of pacifism and social justice.

Quotes

Conclusion

Bob Ryan is a trailblazer. He is not afraid to break the mold and do things differently. He is an inspiration to us all to follow our own path and to never let anyone tell us that we can’t achieve our dreams.

Bob Ryan Contacts

• Instagram
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Youtube
• Tiktok
• Website

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