Maryland Community Mourns the Loss of Beloved Sports Journalist Craig Heist

MARYLAND, U.S. — October 11, 2025 — The Maryland sports and journalism community is mourning the passing of Craig Heist, a legendary figure whose career in sports journalism spanned over three decades. Craig, affectionately known as “Heisty” by colleagues and friends, wasn’t just a presence in press boxes across the region — he was the fixture, a beloved and respected voice whose dedication, passion, and personality left an indelible mark on the world of sports reporting.

Craig Heist’s career in journalism was characterized by tireless commitment, unwavering integrity, and a genuine love for the stories he covered. For more than 30 years, he documented high school, collegiate, and professional sports, bringing readers closer to the games they loved. Yet those who knew Heisty well understood that his impact went far beyond statistics and scores. He was equally invested in the people, the relationships, and the small moments that made sports journalism as much about humanity as about headlines.

Heisty was known for his presence in the press boxes long before the first whistle blew and often stayed late into the night, editing stories, fact-checking, and ensuring that every piece was accurate, compelling, and reflective of the heart of the game. Colleagues remember him for the grind, the spirited debates over plays, the laughter shared over coffee or late-night deadlines, and the camaraderie that made the newsroom feel like a second home.

“Craig didn’t just report on sports; he lived it,” said a longtime colleague. “He was the first to arrive, the last to leave, and the one everyone turned to for guidance, a joke, or a story. His passion was contagious, and his heart was enormous. There’s a reason people called him the fixture — because without Craig, the press box just wouldn’t feel the same.”

Beyond his professional achievements, Craig Heist was deeply cherished as a friend, mentor, and confidant. He nurtured countless young journalists, offering guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback to help them grow into their own voices. He had an uncanny ability to make even the most inexperienced reporters feel capable, valued, and part of the team. His mentorship shaped a generation of journalists who will carry his lessons, humor, and standards forward.

Friends and family remember Heisty not only for his love of sports and journalism but for his warmth, loyalty, and generosity. He had a quick wit, an infectious laugh, and a deep appreciation for life outside the newsroom. Whether at community events, local games, or informal gatherings, Craig had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across Maryland and beyond. Tributes have poured in from colleagues, athletes, coaches, and fans alike, celebrating his dedication, storytelling, and impact. Social media has become a space for sharing memories of Heisty’s reporting, his unforgettable commentary, and the moments of humanity he captured beyond the box scores.

Funeral and memorial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days, offering an opportunity for friends, family, and colleagues to gather and celebrate a life well-lived. Vigils, tributes, and storytelling sessions are anticipated, providing those who knew him with a space to reflect on his career, his generosity, and the countless lives he touched.

Craig Heist’s legacy will endure in the press boxes he once called home, in the stories he told with integrity and heart, and in the journalists he inspired to approach their craft with passion and dedication. Though the Maryland sports community mourns a tremendous loss, it also celebrates a life that was rich with purpose, laughter, and unwavering commitment to the profession he loved.

In remembering Craig “Heisty” Heist, the community honors a man who truly embodied the spirit of journalism — persistent, passionate, human, and unforgettable. His work, his mentorship, and his friendship will live on, leaving an indelible mark on Maryland and the world of sports reporting for generations to come.