In Memoriam: Sports Broadcasting Industry Mourns Loss of Legendary ESPN Producer Barry Sacks

The ESPN family was hit hard this week by news of the death of legendary producer Barry Sacks, 63, who died Sunday after suffering a heart attack. During his 35 years at ESPN, Sacks played an integral role in the launch of SportsCenter and College GameDay, among others, and helped to create the most prolific studio operation in sports television history.

Sacks, who is survived by his wife of 36 years Jo Ann and his son Jesse, was a mentor to countless ESPN staffers over the years and helped to create the unimitable culture still present today at ESPN’s Bristol, CT campus. After leaving ESPN in 2017, he taught sports production classes as part of the sports journalism master’s program and sports broadcasting to undergraduate students at Quinnipiac University. CLICK HERE for his full obituary and for information regarding visitation hours this weekend, memorial contributions, and plans for a celebration of Barry’s life.

In memory of this great loss to the industry, SVG has compiled tributes and memories from many of those who have worked alongside Sacks over the past three-plus decades:

George Bodenheimer, former President and Chairman, ESPN

“Barry was a beautiful person whose impact was felt across ESPN both professionally and culturally.  He contributed mightily to ESPN on many levels and will certainly be missed.”

Rick Abbott, former VP of Global Operations, ESPN

“Barry was a true ESPN OG. He made everyone feel as if they were part of the family from the first day they stepped on campus to long after they left ESPN to pursue other career goals. He truly was a special person.”

Steve Anderson, former EVP, Content Operations and Creative Services, ESPN

“Barry was one of the most important and influential producers and production executives that ESPN has ever had. His talents, creativity, passion for sports and his remarkable leadership qualities made a lasting impact on ESPN and the people who worked with him. Barry’s big voice and great laugh will be missed by all of us who were fortunate to know and work with him.

Steve Bornstein, former President/CEO, ESPN

“He was a dynamic and engaging colleague…beloved by all and a friend to everyone…extremely generous with his time and attention to all.”

Judson Burch, VP, Production, ESPN 

“There is an unmistakable void left by Barry’s death because of the personal investment he made in our lives well after he left ESPN. At the same time, Barry remains present at ESPN to this day because the games and shows people love to watch are produced by and hosted by people who either were directly trained and mentored by Barry, or by someone who was trained by someone who learned under Barry. That’s not changing any time soon. I met Barry in 1993. He was a joy to know every day I knew him.”

Lee Fitting, SVP of Production, ESPN

“His passion for sports and thoughtfulness about the overall product helped shape endless hours of television.  Barry’s contributions to ESPN are countless. For decades, Barry was the lifeblood of the newsroom.  His booming voice, with that unforgettable New York accent, hands on hips, a colorful tie, helping to shape shows, start….and settle debates, and maybe, just maybe, looking for a winner…B-Sacks made every event bigger and better. He would produce the overnight ESPNews show like it was the Super Bowl pregame, that’s how much he cared.  He never wanted a second of TV to be wasted.  Barry always said, ‘somebody is watching.'”

“It was in his newsroom office, where the door was always open, where he had the greatest impact.  Barry was the ultimate mentor, to everyone.  Every PA that walked thru the doors during a 30-year period was impacted by B-Sacks.  His knowledge, his advice, his care, and his love, all so real. Hundreds and hundreds of nervous 20-somethings were all made to feel at home when you sat across from B. He genuinely cared about you, your career, and your family.  But it didn’t stop with the PA’s.  Barry was a mentor to just about everyone – he wanted to help any and all – countless producers, directors, coordinating producers, to the highest of profile of on-air anchors, everyone wanted Barry’s ear.  Those conversations all took their own unique shape, but each one of them, came with a take, a strong take – on his Yanks, his G-Men, his Knicks, his Rangers, his Ithaca Bombers, or whatever the next game was on that night’s slate, Barry just loved sports.  And he loved ESPN….and its people, above all.  That was Barry Sacks.”

Fred Gaudelli, Executive Producer of SNF and TNF; former ESPN Sunday Night Football Producer

“Barry may not have been an ‘ESPN original’ by start date, but he embodied that phrase as much as anyone that’s ever called Bristol their work place. His loud, boisterous personality belied his thoughtful and caring approach to Producing television and inspiring all that worked with and for him.  Barry was an innovator, creator, mentor and for anyone who was there in the nascent years, a major influence in the rise and success of Sportscenter & studio programming. Some of my most memorable sports arguments were with Barry. He was unrelenting and you could never actually win one, but they always ended with a smile and hug. He will be missed by all.”

Geoffrey Mason, former Executive Producer, ESPN and ABC Sports 

Chuck Pagano, former EVP of Technology and CTO, ESPN

“I always admired Barry for his easy going and helpful demeanor. He was a true leader and a special friend. Also, he was the only colleague, other than George [Bodenheimer], who called me Chuckles!”

John Walsh, former Executive Editor, ESPN

“When I joined ESPN in 1988, it was obvious that Barry was integral to whatever was happening in studio life. And It was quickly evident that he knew what he was doing, had his unique voice, cared deeply about whatever show he was producing, treated all who worked with him fairly and compassionately, fought for his ideas and points of view with conviction and always produced shows for fans for whom sports mattered. Because Barry was a passionate sports fan himself. In short he symbolized the heart and soul of ESPN from the earliest days on.”

ESPN’s ON-Air Tribute

We remember the life & legacy of one of our own, Barry Sacks.

“We at ESPN are heartbroken… (He) is survived by a countless number of colleagues who love him and will miss him dearly.” – @suzykolber pic.twitter.com/WurXTp3YV5

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) February 12, 2023

If you would like to contribute a memory of or offer a tribute to Barry Sacks for this piece, please email [email protected]. 

For Barry Sacks’ full obituary and for information regarding visitation hours this weekend, memorial contributions, and plans for a celebration of Barry’s life, CLICK HERE.