I learned about NEO Sports Insiders (NEOSI) in 2022 when my college roommate Al Kornspan (@careersinsports) began writing for them and snapping photos at local sporting events. I’ve enjoyed reading Al’s articles and seeing his photography. I was already aware of his writing prowess; Al speaks with good grammar, a strong vocabulary, and inquisitiveness. Most importantly, Al loves to write. What I did not know is that Al is an amazing sports photographer! Al’s an artist, I love his photography and I hope people are seeing his work. Especially baseball photography: kudos to you Al and keep up the great work!
This article wasn’t intended to elevate my friend Al. The article aims to recognize Matt Loede and the legacy he created as a co-founder of NEO Sports Insiders. Matt’s legacy is giving Al a voice, and a chance to share his craft with the cyberworld. Unfortunately, Matt died way too young, but his passion for sports lives on through others that share his passion and write about it.
I never had the chance to meet Matt Loede before he passed away two years ago on September 29, 2021. I hadn’t heard of him, but that doesn’t lessen his impact on family and community. Matt was in Cleveland and I’m in Columbus, and the radio frequency only goes so far. I would have enjoyed meeting Matt and talking sports with him. I appreciate any opportunity to talk sports in-depth, especially with someone who shares a passion for Ohio sports and enjoys taking a deep dive into the past. We would have reminisced about key sports moments big and small. We probably would have laughed about comical moments until it hurt to breathe.
I would have asked Matt for his takes on a few interesting sports moments in Cleveland sports history in my lifetime. I wouldn’t (necessarily) ask his take on the Byner fumble, a painful moment for Browns fans to this day. Rather, what was his take on the Cavaliers’ chances of winning the 2016 NBA title after Cleveland lost game 4 and fell behind 3 games to 1? Does he remember when Indians pitcher Paul Shuey struck out four batters in the 9th inning to record three outs on May 14, 1994?
Thanks to a referral from Al, I’m now a writer for NEO Sports Insiders. Writing about sports – and being published – is a great hobby that has impacted my life in a positive way. I’m very appreciative of the opportunity to write about sports and express my voice. I’m having a great time sharing my memories and thoughts on Buckeye football, which I’ve been following since the 1970’s in my dad’s footsteps. I’m even more excited to be following the Columbus Crew as Major League Soccer explodes leading up to the 2026 World Cup in North America.
My dad passed away earlier this year. Bernie Speyer was a Buckeye superfan original, the “World’s Greatest Buckeye Fan,” it even says so on his tombstone. He attended the Snow Bowl and many other famous games in the annals of Ohio State football. He retold his stories over and over (and over) without losing an ounce of enjoyment. My dad would have been very proud of me right now, he was outwardly proud before I began writing for NEOSI.
We’ve all lost someone close to us, it’s a natural part of life but it’s not easy. We must move forward while giving reverence to the past. On the two-year anniversary of Matt’s Loede’s death, my thoughts are with those grieving his loss, and for anyone who’s grieving for that matter. I hope Matt’s legacy lives on through NEOSI for years to come.
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