Fred Hickman, the longtime sports broadcaster who was the first person seen and heard on the Yes Network in 2002, died Wednesday at 66.
“Fred was a pleasure to work with and a delightful person,” Yankees announcer Michael Kay said in a statement. “A consummate pro who makes you feel comfortable knowing he’ll lead you the right way in the air. He was the first voice heard on Yes and his professionalism set us on the right track, the track we are on after all these years.”
“This is truly sad news and Fred will be missed by all who knew and worked with him. Condolences to his family. RIP Fred.”
Hickman may be best known for his work on CNN’s highlight show “Sports Tonight,” a rival to “SportsCenter,” which he would anchor later in his career. He won two CableACE Awards and a New York Sports Emmy.
Hickman and Nick Charles combined to host more than 3,000 shows of “Sports Tonight” in two stints since 1980.
“How did Nick and I stay together for so long? I guess because I’m not going home,” Hickman told Sports Illustrated in 1994.
Later in his career, Hickman worked for Fox Sports South, WVUE in New Orleans, WVLA-TV in Baton Rouge and most recently WDVM-TV in Maryland.
He founded Fred Hickman Communications, Inc. to provide broadcast training and media training to retired athletes and athletes, coaches and front office staff. Also established.
Memories flooded social media for the legendary sportscaster, including messages from ESPN anchor Hannah Storm.
“I was the only female anchor on CNN Sports, and Fred was a welcome presence…always with a smile, a joke, a story…and extremely talented. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Yes Network President of Production and Programming John J. “His legacy, in addition to being an extraordinary achievement, was his dignity, grace and kindness to all who had the good fortune to come in contact with him — as a person,” Filippelli said. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this most difficult time.”
The cause of death was not announced.
