If you grew up anywhere near New England, Bob Lobel wasn't just a guy on the news. He was the voice of your Sunday night. You probably remember him hitting that big red "Panic Button" when the Red Sox were blowing it, or looking at the camera with that classic smirk and asking, "Why can't we get players like that?" He was the definitive vibe of Boston sports for three decades.
But since he left the anchor desk at WBZ-TV years ago, people have started to wonder about him. Is Bob Lobel still alive? It’s a question that pops up a lot, especially when a legendary figure stops being a nightly fixture in your living room.
The short answer: Yes, Bob Lobel is very much alive in 2026.
He isn't just "around," either. Even at 82 years old, the man is still talking sports, still cracking jokes, and still very much a part of the Boston media fabric. Honestly, he’s busier than some people half his age.
The 2026 Update: Where is Bob Lobel Now?
You might not see him on Channel 4 at 11:00 PM anymore, but you can definitely still hear him. Bob has fully embraced the digital age. He currently co-hosts the UnAnchored Boston podcast alongside another local heavyweight, Mike Lynch.
Think about that for a second. Lobel and Lynch—the two titans of Boston sports broadcasting—working together. It’s like the Avengers of New England media. They drop weekly episodes where they dissect the current state of the Patriots or the Celtics, but the real magic is in the "behind the curtain" stories. They talk about the stuff they couldn't say on the air back in the 80s and 90s.
It’s great. It’s unfiltered. And it proves that Lobel’s wit hasn't dulled a bit.
Beyond the podcast, he’s still a frequent guest at local events. Just recently, he's been spotted doing "sit-down" sessions in places like Cohasset and Hamilton, sharing stories with fans who still call him "Lobe." He’s also been honored recently with the Gold Circle Award from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, which is basically a lifetime achievement award for being a legend.
Tackling the Health Rumors
One reason people constantly ask "is Bob Lobel still alive" is because of his very public battle with health issues. He hasn't had it easy, and he’s been incredibly open about it, which is part of why people love him.
Bob has struggled with spinal stenosis for years. It’s a brutal condition that affects mobility, and for a long time, it forced him to use crutches or a wheelchair. Then, in 2020, things got even tougher when he was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder that caused inflammation of the spinal cord. At one point, he was paralyzed from the waist down.
But here’s the thing about Bob: he’s a fighter.
He spent significant time at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. He’s used "bionic" leg technology—robotic exoskeletons—to help him regain movement. He’s worked through grueling physical therapy at the South Shore YMCA. While he might not be sprinting across a golf course these days, his resilience is actually pretty inspiring. He’s turned his personal health struggles into a way to advocate for others with disabilities, even filing a high-profile discrimination lawsuit years ago when a golf club wouldn't let him use a specialized cart on the greens.
He doesn't let the chair or the crutches define him. He just keeps moving.
Why We Still Care About "The Lobe"
It’s hard to explain to people who didn't live through it, but Bob Lobel was the glue of Boston sports culture. Before the internet was everywhere, you waited for Sports Final on Sunday nights to find out what was actually happening.
He was the guy who put Ted Williams, Bobby Orr, and Larry Bird in the same room in 1992. No one else could have pulled that off. He had this way of being a professional while also feeling like the guy sitting next to you at the bar. He wasn't a "talking head"; he was a fan with a microphone.
He stayed at WBZ for nearly 30 years until his contract was bought out in 2008 during a round of layoffs. That was a dark day for Boston TV. But as we see now in 2026, you can’t really "retire" a personality like that.
Fast Facts About Bob Lobel's Legacy
- The Catchphrase: "Why can't we get players like that?" usually uttered when a former Red Sox or Patriot was crushing it for another team.
- The Prop: The "Panic Button," which he actually kept on his desk and would physically smash during losing streaks.
- The Big Moments: He covered the 1986 World Series (the "Bill Buckner" game) and the Patriots' first Super Bowl win in 2002.
- The Ohio Roots: Despite being a New England icon, he was actually born in Apple Creek, Ohio.
What’s Next for the Legend?
If you want to keep up with Bob today, your best bet is to subscribe to UnAnchored Boston. They release new content regularly, and it’s arguably the best way to get your fix of classic Boston sports nostalgia. He also remains active with various charities, particularly those focused on children's health and physical rehabilitation.
The "is Bob Lobel still alive" question usually comes from a place of nostalgia. People want to make sure the guy who narrated their childhood is still doing okay. Luckily, the answer is a resounding yes. He’s still "UnAnchored," still opinionated, and still one of the most important voices New England has ever had.
To stay updated on Bob's latest projects or to hear his take on the current season, check out his podcast on iHeart or Apple Podcasts. It's the best way to support a local legend who gave thirty years of his life to our living rooms.