A singular figure in Chicago media history, David Kaplan is the only person to have simultaneously hosted a daily television show, a daily radio program, and written a regular column for a major newspaper. Better known as “Kap,” he is one of Chicago’s most famous sportscasters, a three-time Emmy Award winner, and a personality who has shaped the city’s sports journalism for over three decades. His career is a blend of long-running radio and television stints, high-profile sports commentary, analytical columns, and even coaching. Kaplan has left an indelible mark on sports journalism across Chicago and the US. More on chicago1.one.
From the Sidelines to the Studio
David Kaplan was born and raised in Skokie, Illinois. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. From an early age, his passion for sports and media set him on his professional path. Before his media career took off, he was deeply involved in coaching: he worked as a college basketball coach at Northern Illinois University from 1982 to 1986. Following that, he spent four seasons as an NBA scout, working with the Seattle SuperSonics and the Indiana Pacers. This experience gave him a profound understanding of the game and crucial analytical skills, which he later leveraged in his commentary and journalism. However, journalism quickly became David’s true calling. His deep knowledge of sports, coaching background, and sharp analytical skills quickly made him an audience favorite.
From 1995 to 2019, Kaplan was a constant face and voice for the Chicago Cubs radio and TV network. He was on hand to witness the historic moment of the Cubs’ 2016 World Series victory, their first in 108 years. This monumental triumph inspired him to write the best-selling book “The Plan,” which chronicled the team’s journey to the long-awaited championship. Throughout his career, he has called over 1,000 college basketball and football games for major American networks, including ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports. Despite his demanding career, David always prioritizes family. He is married to Mindy Kaplan and is a proud father to four sons: Brett, Nicholas, Alexander, and Garret.
A Media Trailblazer
Kaplan launched his broadcasting career at Chicago sports radio station WMVP-AM before joining WGN (AM) as a sports reporter in 1995. He became the host of “Sports Central” on WGN, which quickly grew into Chicago’s top-rated sports talk show. Alongside former Chicago Bears star Tom Waddle, they became the longest-running sports talk duo in Chicago radio history, a partnership that lasted over 10 years. After Waddle departed for ESPN Radio in 2007, Kaplan continued the show solo until 2010. “Sports Central” was Chicago’s longest-running sports talk show until it was replaced by a non-sports program.
In January 2008, Kaplan began hosting “Chicago Tribune Live” on Comcast SportsNet (CSN). The show earned an Emmy Award for Best Interview Program in November 2009. In December 2010, he signed a long-term contract to host the new evening program, “WGN Sports Night.” In November 2012, Kaplan was recruited by NBC Sports Network to serve as a college basketball commentator, covering various conferences including the Atlantic 10, Missouri Valley, and Horizon League. He also provided commentary for the Chicago Machine and the Chicago Shamrox. The CSN program was rebranded as “Sports Talk Live” in 2013, which Kaplan hosted until its cancellation in August 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kaplan hosted the Chicago Cubs pre- and post-game shows on WGN Radio and television for 25 seasons (1995–2019), working with former Cubs outfielders like Todd Hollandsworth, David DeJesus, and Doug Glanville.
Kaplan’s visibility extended beyond sports. He appeared as a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and was featured in the acclaimed documentary “Hoop Dreams” during his time as a basketball scout. In 2011, he took part in the ESPN documentary “Catching Hell,” which focused on the controversial fan incident involving Steve Bartman during the 2003 National League Championship Series.
In 2022, Kaplan launched the new 30-minute show “Unfiltered with David Kaplan” on NBC Sports Chicago. However, in November 2022, he announced his departure from the network to concentrate on his ESPN radio show and his rapidly growing YouTube channel, The REKAP.
Awards and Recognition
Kaplan’s significant contributions to sports journalism and the promotion of basketball have been honored with numerous awards. In 2017, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame and the Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. In 2018, he earned a coveted spot on the WGN Radio Walk of Fame. His accolades also include:
- Emmy Awards: Three-time winner, including awards for his work with Comcast SportsNet and the nationally-aired show “A Piece of the Game.”
- Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
- WGN Radio Walk of Fame member.
- IBCA Hall of Fame and Chicago Public League Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame inductee.
David Kaplan is more than just a sports journalist. He is a symbol of dedication to his profession—a man who sees the deeper magic in sports and conveys it to millions of viewers and listeners. His name is permanently etched into the history of Chicago sports media.
