Andy Pollin - Biography

Biography

Pollin grew up in Chevy Chase, Maryland and graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 1976. After enrolling in American University he became involved in that school's radio station and left to start his radio career in Beaumont, Texas. He later graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio.

Pollin served as reporter for sports talk radio pioneer WFAN in New York City from its inception in 1987 until leaving for WTEM. Prior to that he reported for the UPI Radio Network in Washington, D.C. (1983–1987), and WFAA-AM in Dallas (1981–1983).

Pollin is the co-author of The Great Book of Washington, D.C. Sports Lists with Leonard Shapiro.

When Pollin was with The Tony Kornheiser Show on ESPN Radio, he was nicknamed "Andy Polley." A listener angered by Pollin's comments about baseball player Rafael Palmeiro had called the show and mispronounced Pollin's name, screaming, "Andy Polley, you are an idiot!" Show producer Denis Horgan, Jr. recorded the "Andy Polley" soundbite and the staff often aired it when Pollin spoke.

The nickname stuck, and the gag was later extended into a now-defunct website, which featured photos and comments about Pollin often related to current Kornheiser radio shows. Polley evolved into a full character, who drives a beat-up old Honda, with orange juice on the leather seats. Currently he is working for ESPN 980 (formerly WTEM) along with Steve Czaban.

Andy Polley’s rules:

• AP Rule # 1: All computers are different.
• AP Rule # 2: Big screens skew the TV ratings. Big screens = lower rating with more people watching one TV
• AP Rule # 3: Leather seats in your car are a waste of $$.
• AP Rule # 4: $200 a year for his clothing allowance.