You’ll Be Missed, Big Dog!
May 16th, 2019
Steve Duemig at Bucs training camp.
It’s been a rough, rough afternoon at JoeBucsFan.com world headquarters.
Lots of emotion.
The Dean of Tampa Bay Sports Radio, aka The Big Dog, legendary local sports radio icon Steve Duemig, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.
The”flag-wavers,” as Big Dog called Joe, are at half mast.
Joe spent many years arguing and laughing with Duemig, and a chunk of that was very public on the weekly JoeBucsFan Hour on WDAE-AM 620. The prime-time show had a great year-round run from 2013 through 2017.
Joe will have a Duemig-dedicated podcast in the coming days and will share a whole lot of stories and behind-the-scenes stuff — stuff Duemig enjoyed and would have loved to have out there. But now is not the time for that.
Today, Joe is remembering a devoted dad, an over-the-top-loyal friend to many and a fiercely passionate sports fan who logged long hours of research daily for his remarkable show.
Duemig was so, so proud of his daughter, his only child. Duemig once told Joe about how she never got less than an A in school — all the way through medical school. They were tight, and he was so appreciative of their relationship.
On the sports front, Duemig did what a lot of sports radio hosts and journalists don’t do any more: he watched all the freakin’ games!
Sometimes Joe would randomly visit Duemig at his local drinking establishment, and there he would be, taking written notes on a Rays game or texting himself detail about a Lightning scoring chance.
Duemig’s weekend college football show on FOX Sports Radio for years was impressive. It showcased his level of research and recall. And he could talk golf all day long (he was a former pro player) and he grew into a enough of a horse racing fan where he could discuss it expertly.
Throw in soccer, too. That’s where Joe first met Duemig in 1996, when The Big Dog was the public address announcer for the inaugural season of the Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer. Duemig would duck out of The Big Sombrero press box at halftime for a cigarette in the bleachers and Joe joined him for a chat.
Duemig absolutely loved that Mutiny team and in one of the dumbest moves in Tampa Bay sports history, the Mutiny didn’t bring Duemig back for Year 2. No wonder their popularity sank and they folded four years later.
Gambling? Fantasy football? Duemig had expert level knowledge in those arenas, too, all wrapped up into one guy on the radio.
His overall level of knowledge was extraordinary. And of course, Duemig had no shortage of powerful opinions.
One of Joe’s favorite memories of Duemig’s long-running show had nothing to do with his bluster or on-air schtick. It was when he read the entire Dowd Report on Pete Rose that led to his lifetime suspension.
Who would do that?
When the self-appointed defenders and moralists of sports journalism used to rag on Duemig, Joe always remembered Duemig reading that full report. That was the very essence of journalism. Joe can’t recall any newspaper printing the full Dowd Report.
Power Broker
About that loyalty Joe referenced, Duemig gave it but he demanded it, too. He took it to the extreme in both directions. It was admirable and fascinating at the same time. Joe often said it felt like Duemig was a loving mafia boss right out of the movies.
Before the JoeBucsFan Hour launched, Joe was shunned by Duemig for over a year on a technicality that was all about personal loyalty. It’s a heck of a story Joe will share publicly for the first time, one that illustrated how strongly Duemig cared about his friendships. It’s also what led to Raheem Morris getting heated with Joe in a Palm Harbor parking lot.
Ahead Of The Curve
For years, Joe and Duemig talked about having Joe write a book documenting all of Duemig’s great stories, a true hidden treasure of Tampa Bay sports history. Sadly, Joe and Duemig put it off too long.
Also, Joe used to hear local media blowhards talk about how Duemig wasn’t in locker rooms and was just a pompous guy blowing hot air. Frankly, those people didn’t know “spit,” to use Duemig’s pet phrase. Duemig’s list of active sources and friends in high places ran far, far deeper than most media types could ever imagine.
From an industry perspective, Duemig deserves a ton of credit for being ahead of the curve with technology. Born in 1954, Duemig embraced the Internet very early and was eager for anything that would give him an edge in the radio business, but in many ways it was more about his thirst for knowledge. Duemig had the heart of a hardcore sports fan and a hunger for truth, as Joe noted above with the Dowd Report.
Many also might remember the extremely deep dives Duemig did on the air into Team Glazer’s financial interests in Manchester United and how it was — or wasn’t — affecting the Bucs.
Duemig took his share of chances on the air, taking on subjects or social issues that didn’t fit sports radio. He didn’t do it often, but when he did, he wasn’t afraid to go deep.
Duemig once spent nearly an entire show on local schools not opening up their fields and outdoor facilities to the tax-paying public during off hours.
Joe could go on and on and on. But Joe will cut it short.
One question Joe always got from Duemig fans and haters was, ‘Is Duemig really like that off the air?’ The answer was always, “Yes.”
Joe lost a friend today. Tampa Bay lost a treasure.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Wow so sad! RIP Steve!
May 16th, 2019 at 7:08 pm
God bless you Steve. May you rest in the peace of Christ
May 16th, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Very well written.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:14 pm
Thanks for the article. Such a sad day. So many memories listening to Steve. RIP Big dog.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Sorry for your lost Joe.
Thank you for sharing with us.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:19 pm
RIP Big Dog, sorry for your loss Joe, I know you guys were friends.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:19 pm
God rest brother!
May 16th, 2019 at 7:22 pm
I am glad you mentioned Steve’s takes on social issues… that took balls and while I didn’t always agree with many other opinions of his about this or that I respected him for his big picture morals on social issues…. I was listening when the radio show went strangely silent with an awkward return when he a Scot Brantley did a show together….. RIP a Tampa gem !…. like that Frank Sinatra song ….. “I did it my way “ ….. Sad
May 16th, 2019 at 7:25 pm
So sad, I have missed him a lot over the last year or so. What a fun man to listen to regardless of the topic at hand. RIP Big Dawg. God bless you for all the enjoyment you brought to so many amen.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:27 pm
Well said Joe! Steve was a TB icon… I drove home with him in the car every afternoon. RIP BigDog … bull spit!!!!
May 16th, 2019 at 7:39 pm
This makes our little disagreements on here so trivial. Life is way too short Bucs fans and we should all take a minute to look around and not let life pass you by. It seemed like yesterday when he was barking out what he believed was right or wrong with the Tampa sports world or especially the derby. I’m sure his family will take pride knowing he’ll be fondly remembered in this community.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:41 pm
Tom McEwen, Chris Thomas and now Steve Deumig. Tampa has lost another sports media icon. Rest well sir. You’ll be missed.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:43 pm
THANK YOU STEVE THE BIG DOG FOR EVERYTHING YOU TALK ABOUT SPORTS, BUC’S ON RADIO , YOU WILL BE MISS BY MANY….. RIP… LOVE YOU BROTHER…….
May 16th, 2019 at 7:45 pm
RIP Big Dog. Like for many other sport fans, I listened to your show in the afternoon. A radio icon, love him or hate him.
Joe- Great piece. Sorry for yours and our loss.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:46 pm
RIP Big Dog God bless and be with your family. I’m going to miss you .have been listening to you for about 19 yrs or so sad day in Tampa Bay…
May 16th, 2019 at 7:47 pm
Nice job Steve I. Was hoping I would see a first class article on the big dog and you delivered. Thank you. Classy move. Looking forward to the Podcast tribute to SD.
May 16th, 2019 at 7:55 pm
Very well written. Big Dog led the tampa sports community to be fans of the bucs, rays and bolts and leave your hometown allegiance back where you came from. It was great when the bolts rays and bucs would win their conference championships and he would destroy new york or boston jagoffs. Todays local hosts should take note of how prepared and organized steve was on his show regarding local sports & social issues. Local radio is not the same. Thank god for the ira podcast
May 16th, 2019 at 8:00 pm
Sad to hear he has passed on. Hugs from strangers to his family, and friends. He was not my favorite, but I did listen occasionally on iHeartRadio. Him and his show is missed.
May 16th, 2019 at 8:13 pm
RIP Big Dawg. I’m 38 years young and loved his show The man had real balls and would dare jack wagons (like some on hear we won’t mention) to stay on the line so he could roast there lack of knowledge. But if you could bring it he would give you your props. The man was old school and had values Never perfect but was proud. Miss those drives home @joes never let his memory be lost with this great platform
May 16th, 2019 at 8:16 pm
And so you know we love the bull spit you guys put out
May 16th, 2019 at 8:22 pm
Sorry for your loss Joes.
I never followed The Big Dog, but I have followed you guys for years and you always spoke well of him. Sad day for his family.
There’s nothing else that can be said but GO BUCS!
May 16th, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Nice job Joe. Nailed it. I’m going to set aside a block of time to sit down and listen to that podcast. Thank you
May 16th, 2019 at 8:31 pm
That was powerful Joe. This is one of your best works. I felt it. Props 🙂
May 16th, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Rip big dog!
You Are a Tampa Bay Legend.
May 16th, 2019 at 8:42 pm
Sorry for your loss Joe.
May 16th, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Sad News
Rest In Peace Big Dog
May 16th, 2019 at 8:56 pm
Well written. Hat-Tip Joes!
May 16th, 2019 at 9:05 pm
Thank You Big Dog For Your Unmatched Passion and Insight !!!
RIP
May 16th, 2019 at 9:08 pm
Absolutely terrific and heartfelt writing! Kudos to you, Joes!
Your love and respect for Steve Duemig came through loud and clear.
tickrdr
May 16th, 2019 at 9:10 pm
Sad day indeed I used to listen to Duemig and Brantley on the way home from USF and eventually he got his own show. he was always fascinating and was non-pc which is respectable in today’s media. I used to love his rants on Dilfer.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Sad day indeed I remember listening to him and Brantley on the way home from USF. Eventually got his own show and was very good I loved his non-pc takes and his rants on Dilfer.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:14 pm
What was he like as a person? Joe, you knew him better than any of us, and I’ll take your word for it. The biggest complement that I could give anyone in the communications business, media field, media entertainer, is one I have to give to Steve; he was never boring and always had something interesting and unique to say. It never felt like he was filling or killing time…something almost unimaginably difficult in a multi-hour program. Steve was always entertaining…always straight ahead… a true professional.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:16 pm
Worked with a Steve back in the 910 days. Always a nice guy. Very sorry to hear the news.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:20 pm
I enjoyed Duemig for a long time. I first listened to him and Todd Wright on 910 am. I am proud to say he blocked me on Twitter. Not because I was rude but because I strongly disagreed with him about about Matt Carle and Valtteri Filppula. I said they needed to be gone because of cap reasons. They were gone in a seasons time. I wasn’t mad at him because I liked him a lot. His program brought the heat to players and coaches who deserved it. He was the first on air sports personality that criticized the home team. He was like how a big market host would be. RIP Big Dog.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:27 pm
So sorry to hear! RIP big dog 🙁
Use to love his opening monolog of his show. The passion and fire he had was great,
May 16th, 2019 at 9:34 pm
The old WDAE lineup with Dan Sileo, Ron and Ian, Jim Rome, and of course the 3 o’clock start to the Bark Heard ‘round the Bay!
There was plenty that I didn’t agree with him on, but boy did I do my best to tune in everyday!
My dad is an old radio guy so there’s a soft spot in my heart for old radio guys. It’s a sad day for sure, but at least we were able to tune in for a little while.
Some of my favorites were his conversations with Esposito, Mr. Derek Brooks, Laundry, and the Joe’s.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:36 pm
One other though, if I mayt… no one had more love and pride in a child as he did in the “little dog”. You could hear it right through the mic. Hope she is doing well…our condolences….I’m certain your dad loved you with all his heart.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:50 pm
Well said, Joe. I am very saddened by this. My condolences to hia family, friends, colleagues, and fans.
May 16th, 2019 at 9:53 pm
Joe’s beautiful article, its the best work I’ve read from you. Really looking forward to additional stories from you about him.
He was a friend to me as well. As long as you were genuine, he had time for you. I had the pleasure of playing golf with him, but watching games with him was an even better experience.
He carried the torch for a long time in Tampa Bay and radio hasn’t been the same since he left the airwaves.
My prayers are with Steve and his family, the Joe’s and the lot of you fellow degenerates on this site.
I Love You Guys/Gals!
May 16th, 2019 at 9:53 pm
Pete. Actually the real old lineup did not have Sileo but one Chris Thomas. Another great sports guy who died too soon. Duemigs show was good entertainment back in the 90s and 2000s. He also did the Grey Goose show for the Golf Channel. There are many great sports journalists thst I really miss as the current talent is well below their standard: Tom McEwan, Hubie Mizel, Chris Thomas and now Duemig…. He did love his daughter so much. You could tell from his bringing the lil Dog on the air so much. She is a doctor now. I remember Duemig back to those days when he was teamed with Scot Brantley who is also in a tough spot in his life now. Talk radio was so good back then. Now its kinda meh…… RIP Big Dog. Knock back a sazerac with Tom McEwan and ask him what he had for breakfast.
May 16th, 2019 at 10:05 pm
Sorry for ur loss Joe
May 16th, 2019 at 10:13 pm
Didn’t know him but Joe’s article makes me wish I did
May 16th, 2019 at 10:17 pm
Nice piece Joe.
RIP Big Dog
May 16th, 2019 at 10:18 pm
RIP Big Dog! I did not like him at first but he grew on me. I did not agree with everything he said but I agreed with most of it. He was very intertwining and I listened everyday. Loved Chris Thomas as well. This was a great piece Joe. I don’t listen to podcast but I will listen to that one.
May 16th, 2019 at 10:38 pm
Nice piece Joe’s as it was well articulated and thought out. Well deserved as he was one of a kind in this community. I have been fortunate to hear his banter over the waves from his beginning. As you said he was always prepared whether your liked what he said or not. The man knew his stuff and he had a little entertainment in his spit. I didn’t agree with all he said but he had that edge that wanted me to hear more. He is missed and he indeed left his mark. Thanks Big Dog you are the man!
May 16th, 2019 at 10:40 pm
The Dowd Report – that’s how I met Steve Duemig – as a fan we traded emails now and then and got to Pete Rose one day. We had different opinions and I told him I had a copy of the Dowd Report if he would like to see it and I sent it to him. Years later I met Steve in person at a driving range on Gandy Blvd and we had a great talk about the whole thing. We reminisced about that driving range again via e-mail, when he got sick a while back – he will be
missed –
May 16th, 2019 at 10:47 pm
In my mind, the Dean of Tampa Sports is having a drink tonight with Chris Thomas. Two great guys gone too soon.
May 16th, 2019 at 10:56 pm
Just because you passed does not mean you lost the fight Steve … love and respect Godspeed … Rest In Peace …. from one cancer fighter to another … you fought the fight but didn’t give up
May 16th, 2019 at 11:02 pm
🙂
May 16th, 2019 at 11:17 pm
Oh man. I wouldn’t know half of what I know about sports/media without this mans influence. Im just lost for words right now. Rest easy Big Dog.
May 16th, 2019 at 11:45 pm
R.I.P. Big Dog! You will be missed by this fan.
May 16th, 2019 at 11:50 pm
I spent many hours over many years listening to Steve on the way home from work. Always informative and entertaining. I’ll miss him and may be rest in peace.
May 17th, 2019 at 12:06 am
I have been using the “bull spit” phrase forever. I haven’t really listened to local Tampa sports talk for years, but now have to concede that I may have picked that up from Steve while growing up in New Port Richey.
Good stuff, Joe. Thanks.
May 17th, 2019 at 12:16 am
| Sadly, Joe and Duemig put it off too long.
A life lesson for us all. You don’t always have tomorrow. Thanks Joe for a wonderful tribute. It’s a sad day in Tampa.
May 17th, 2019 at 12:21 am
He was a force of nature
Hopefully he is with his ole Chris tonight
May 17th, 2019 at 12:54 am
Love how everyone on here is supportive in a sad time. Much respect. Prayers for his family an friends god bless them an his soul. Amen
May 17th, 2019 at 1:21 am
Very sad to hear this as a human. But, he was a dick on air. I cringed when hearing his voice and couldn’t tolerate his show. I see a lot of media members saying he was better off air and a great person now that he’s gone. I didn’t know him other than his on air personality and that personality was brutal. Sad he died but when people have to substantiate your personality after you die because you were a dick to most doesn’t lend well towards your legacy. RIP but he was obnoxious on the radio
May 17th, 2019 at 2:15 am
@BucsScout
Not saying that I agree with you, but if you do it right, obnoxious can be very successful. Opie and Anthony. Bubba the Sponge. Howard Stern. Lots of people find them caustic. I guess it’s part of the charm.
🙂
May 17th, 2019 at 4:01 am
I truly enjoyed listening to my friend Steve Duemig. We butted heads for yards before I actually met him and got to know him. Steve would talk a lot about things that were happening that day, and being a disabled veteran Steve always allowed me to speak about things VA or political. I will truly miss you Big Dog I loved you like a brother. Go Bleed his family during this time.
May 17th, 2019 at 4:07 am
Glad I got to call in ON AIR and speak to BIG DOG about the Bucs back a few yrs ago. If you listened to him it was Monday at 3PM to hear him rip into the BS from Sunday NFL…..REALLY MISS THIS GUY!!!! Soooooo Sad rt now, I actually hated his opinions sometimes but I loved this dude. Damn
May 17th, 2019 at 4:08 am
BucScout: You just showed, everyone hear who the biggest dick is and guess what! You win first prize..
May 17th, 2019 at 4:32 am
Those of us born and raised here know the legend of Big Dog will live on forever
We lost one of the good ones
RIP Big Dog!!!!!!
May 17th, 2019 at 5:26 am
Hey Dawg, to me you’ll always be they guy who pushed hard for the Bucs to take Roberto in round two… rest in peace.
May 17th, 2019 at 5:29 am
Sad to hear about this,Joe . My condolences and may he rest in peace. One of the first people that I ever listened to on WDAE. He was a wealth of Knowledge
on many sports including the lightning and the Bucs.
May 17th, 2019 at 6:36 am
Very sad news. RIP Steve…
May 17th, 2019 at 6:41 am
I grew up in Cincinnati which had a sports personality That was a true Icon. Wayte Hoyt, a personality that many of the youngsters would not remember. More people would turn on the Reds radio broadcast when the game was rained out then listened to the game. Steve Duemig had the same impact. Duemig was highly opinionated and that bothered some people. I, however, would tape his show so as to not miss it. In my opinion, there has been a void in the sports media that has not even become close to being filled since he left.
RIP.
May 17th, 2019 at 6:52 am
I will always remember the day after 9/11. A ‘goober’ called his show to complain about all the conversations about the attack. The caller said he was listening to hear sports talk. Steve RIPPED the caller and went on for about 5 minutes to educate the goober that what is important in real life. The nation was turmoil and he was helping smooth the anger, grief & mourning. Steve was a brilliant guy.
May 17th, 2019 at 7:04 am
RIP In Peace Big Dog
May 17th, 2019 at 7:19 am
64 is far too young….Local sports talk wont be the same.
May 17th, 2019 at 7:44 am
The sun came up today as Steve Duemig rests in eternal peace….620 came on with my first cup of coffee and I was hearing a replay of his show on ….some of you may think 64 is old and he had a full life….he was taken too soon and he had much more to share…I am missing a part of my life
May 17th, 2019 at 7:54 am
Big Dog often times had me SPITTING NAILS mad!!! But I always tuned in. He also made me laugh. And his knowledge of hockey taught me a lot. RIP Steve.
May 17th, 2019 at 8:30 am
Think back to the days when we had Tony Bruno morning drive, Chris Thomas (a true genius) mid morning and The Big Dog afternoon drive. Could not have been better. RIP Chris, RIP Steve.
May 17th, 2019 at 8:32 am
There was no reason to change the station.
May 17th, 2019 at 8:40 am
Nope, even on 911 I first heard about it from Tony Bruno, then Chris Thomas took over and Steve joined him and I stayed with them all day.
May 17th, 2019 at 8:50 am
Steve was the guy I listened to after work for about two years. He will be missed. Blessings and condolences to his family and friends.
May 17th, 2019 at 9:05 am
Razor Ramone, if I followed Chris Thomas’ advice on purely for entertainment purposes handicapping of football, baseball and the thoroughbreads at TBDowns it probablywould have paid a good chunk of my daughter’s tuition at FSU. Yeah his show in the late morning was the best. Hard to believe he has been gone 15 years. Big Dog was not bad at handicapping as well. Again RIP.
May 17th, 2019 at 9:06 am
RIP Steve. Those 3pm afternoon monologues were must listen radio.
May 17th, 2019 at 9:11 am
Very nice tribute, Joe! I first got to know Steve back in 1991 when he co-hosted a sports radio show with Scot Brantley. I think I can say with some confidence that I probably chatted with Steve more than anyone in his 25-plus years on sports radio. R.I.P. Steve. God bless you. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends, as well as everyone at WDAE.
May 17th, 2019 at 9:13 am
Morgus… Remember the time Steve did the “Bucs are great” homer sketch? He showed you that if that is all we want, we are selling ourselves and the team short. He went below the surface. Sometimes taking the contrarian and almost always the realist position has value, especially when you knew he always wanted the best for the Bucs. He was never dull
And as some of you have said, he and Chris were quite a “one/two” punch. I can almost hear both their distinct voices, when I tune out the sounds of the world… Chris dropping some of his humor on us, in his well phrased way. We were blessed to have them both in this market.
What sometimes amazed me is how well these guys could read through tio the motives of the callers. Most of the guys Steve confronted had ulterior motives, and he picked up on it in a split second. I called a couple times, and he was pleasant and reasonable to me…but then, I wasn’t trying to put down the Bucs or his program.
May 17th, 2019 at 9:34 am
I have lived here my whole life so I have a right to call the Buccaneers the Succaneers.. It would always be fun to hear him rip Lovie Smith and the Sucs a new asshole
May 17th, 2019 at 9:34 am
Rip!
May 17th, 2019 at 9:57 am
He’s already missed. Definitely a local sports radio icon. RIP
May 17th, 2019 at 9:58 am
For years I would take a break at 3:00 to listen to the Big Dog monologue. I would also leave work 5 minutes early at 4:55 so I could make it to the car on time for the start of the JoeBucsFan hour.
In our current times of soft, mentally weak millennials who want to pander to this idea that no one wrong but everyone is different, Steve was a throwback to an era where people told you what they really think and would do it to your face. Such honesty was refreshing. Heck, even among Bucs fans we have a lot of people out there clinging to “hope” and “faith” this team will go to the playoffs and anyone who says different isn’t a true fan and should “root for another team.” It’s absurd!
May 17th, 2019 at 10:21 am
Yeah, I’m probably the only one here that holds this opinion, but Big Dog was the reason I STOPPED listening to Sports Radio in the early 2000’s. Got so tired of his rants and personally attacking people. Not my cup of tea. Didn’t like his radio, but I respect his battle with cancer. I offer my condolences to his family. May he rest in peace.
May 17th, 2019 at 10:52 am
Thank you Joe for what could be the best article I have ever read on this site. I was looking all day for the response when I heard of his passing. I listened to the Big Dog every chance I could. The guy was the Tampa Alpha that we miss. The locker room leader of the airwaves. Ive listened to him so many times coming home from work I felt like I knew him like a buddy you routinely go to the sport bar with. He actually did his research and didn’t stoop to cheap topics to try to boost reactions. Sports radio seems to have really been suffering the past few years and his absence may be a big reason why. Long live the Big Dog in our hearts and memories!!!
May 17th, 2019 at 11:31 am
Thank you for the beautiful article, JOE.
My introduction to sports radio was nearly 30 years ago, listening to a small AM station in Tampa Bay to Steve Duemig & Scot Brantley (with Darek Sharp).
It became a way of life.
Steve Duemig became a legendary fixture here in Tampa Bay who would tell you and first and foremost that he was a FAN. – And he was damn proud of it and proud of Tampa Bay.
As tough as he was on the air, he was every bit as down to earth and welcoming to fans that he met around town or in sports bars. I got a chance to talk with him for hours at a sports bar, and it was as though we had known each other for years.
I LOVED the time that JOE BUCS FAN had with Steve, on air. It was my favorite listening time every week.
STEVE DUEMIG, you will be missed. LEGEND.
R.I.P.
May 17th, 2019 at 11:33 am
Very eloquently stated Joe. A good read on some stuff I was not aware of. Keep up the great work!
May 17th, 2019 at 11:54 am
RIP Steve.
Didn’t always agree with his opinions, but you could never deny his passion! Nice article Joe
May 17th, 2019 at 12:08 pm
One of a kind. RIP Steve.
May 17th, 2019 at 12:32 pm
@crack3rk no reason to even post buddy. Let it go.
May 17th, 2019 at 2:47 pm
What Lunchbox said…Perfectly stated.
May 17th, 2019 at 2:56 pm
I didn’t see eye to eye with him that much and most of the time I couldn’t stand him. But he was damn talented and FAR better then most of the other “talent”, especially that little twerp, Jim Rome.
May 17th, 2019 at 3:02 pm
My favorite Big Dog moment: 2004. Bucs beat the Falcons 27-0 and still have a glimmer of hope at winning out to make the playoffs.
Falcons fan calls up and tell Steve that the Falcons will go to the Super Bowl and that the only bowl the Bucs are going to is the toilet bowl.
Steve tells him, “Get the hell out of here you GD Atlanta SOB” and hangs up on him.
And Steve didn’t abbreviate the curse words either.
FCC be damned, lol.
May 17th, 2019 at 3:10 pm
Beautifully written, JOE.
My introduction to TB Sports Radio in 1991 was listening to Steve Duemig & Scot Brantley (along with Darek Sharp), on a small AM station.
Steve would become a legendary Tampa Bay Sports figure and he meant a lot to me. The bite that he had as a host… he was equally as engaging & welcoming a fan that he might cross paths with in a store or in a sports bar.
I got an opportunity to have several beers & talk sports with Steve for hours once, on a chance encounter at a local sports bar. It was as though we had been friends forever.
I REALLY loved the Joe Bucs Fan time with Big Dog on air, too. That was my favorite time to listen.
STEVE DUEMIG, you will be missed. LEGEND.
R.I.P.
May 17th, 2019 at 3:19 pm
Thank you. Joe misses that as well.
May 17th, 2019 at 3:54 pm
Steve was great to listen to. I loved his yearly Chris Thomas special. When Steve would go off it was a treasure to behold. When something didn’t go right in the world of Tampa sports I knew the drive home that day was going to be a lot of fun. I’d race to the car and turn on the radio and jumping out of the speakers was Steve blaring about something that got under his skin. He would then dissect it, extricate it then nuke the F$%K out of it for 4 hours. 99% of the time he was saying what we were all feeling. After a huge loss, etc… He connected with his listeners. Joe/s got that skill as well, Im sure he was an inspiration for you guys.
I proud to say he nuked me a few times via email. He was not one to hold back and I admired the heck out of him for that. You could go off too and he didn’t get any hurt feelings.
He would talk some soccer too which was a pleasure cause he knew what the hell he was talking about and soccer talk on Tampa radio, gtfo.
Rest in peace Steve and thank you for being you. You wouldn’t have it any other way!
SEEEEE YA!!!
May 17th, 2019 at 4:54 pm
Rest in piece Big Dog
May 17th, 2019 at 5:16 pm
Big Dog back Tampa sports fans more than anyone
May 17th, 2019 at 5:45 pm
Great tribute to a great presence in Tampa Bay!
We have lost a great person !
May 17th, 2019 at 6:20 pm
Well done Joe. There were times I loved this guy and times I hated him as well. However, that’s what makes people listen. I, too, was always interested in his monologue when there was a major local story. Loved his devotion to Chris Thomas. I think Steve is drinking Belvedere and Chris Thomas is having a cigarette and a scotch and they’re discussing the fact that Dog quit smoking. Chris will have him huffing butts again before this evening ends. They’re at a bar and laughing so much that other patrons are giving them the stink eye.
May 18th, 2019 at 2:13 am
well said joe…well said…
duemig was the man
#RipBigDog
May 18th, 2019 at 2:14 am
he was the cocksman amongst the flocksman 🙂
May 18th, 2019 at 2:29 am
Not a Big Dog fan, but definitely listened in to hear his takes. Agree or disagree, Steve did excellent radio.
May 21st, 2019 at 10:16 am
This “message board maggot” always respected Steve’s ability to entertain………….