Longtime ESPN producer Howie Schwab dies

Howie Schwab, a longtime ESPN producer and star of the ESPN trivia show “Stump the Schwab,” died Saturday at the age of 63, according to his family.

Schwab joined ESPN in 1987 and worked for the company through 2013. Along with his work on multiple ESPN shows, he was perhaps best known as the final challenge on “Stump the Schwab,” where contestants would attempt to outduel him in a trivia showdown for cash prizes. The show aired from 2004 to 2006.

“Howie played a vital role in my career — his incredible research was so valuable for decades,” ESPN analyst Dick Vitale said in a statement. “Howie’s loyalty & dedication was so special. His passion & love for sports was off the charts. Most recently he was ecstatic with the UConn Huskies going back to back and was also thrilled to see Rick Pitino bring back his beloved St. John’s to prominence.”

After ESPN, Schwab, a St. John’s graduate, also worked for Fox Sports and on “Sports Jeopardy!” as a consultant and writer.