John Jastremski, host of WFANs JJ After Dark, sheds light on life during the pandemic – SILive.com

John Jastremski, a native Staten Islander and longtime sports radio host of WFANs JJ After Dark, is living out his pandemic days in his Brooklyn apartment, which also serves as his recording studio for the time being.

Like many of us, the Petrides HS and Syracuse University alum is taking the stay-at-home order day-by-day, though he longs for the return of professional sports -- not only for the sake of his work, but also out of his own pure desire to sit down and watch a ball game.

For someone who is involved in sports, not having that element of being able to put a game on at night...that throws you out of your comfort zone, admitted Jastremski.

Thankfully and God-willing my family is healthy, he added. But as a sports fan, I need the games back.

In the meantime, the Castleton Corners native, who still spends 3 or 4 days a week on the Island, is doing his best to keep busy when he isnt on the air.

A whole lot of trying to play golf, running, and finding ways to pass the time, said Jastremski.

And hes in the market for an open golf course.

I love running at Clove Lakes Park, but I miss the golf course, he said. Can we find a way to open the golf courses?

Life in the studio has been a bit more challenging, though its a challenge Jastremski has fully embraced.

WHAT AM I GOING TO DO?

One would imagine that hosting a four-hour sports talk radio program without any sports being played might be an arduous task.

In mid-March I was thinking: what am I going to do? admits Jastremski, who hosts his show five nights a week from 2 a.m. to 5:40 a.m. on WFAN, as well as nationally on CBS Sports Radio on Saturday evenings from 6 to 10.

John Jastremski, whose show is known as JJ After Dark on WFAN, was a special guest at one of the Advance's Media Days a handful of years ago. (Staten Island Advance/Steve Zaffarano)

Some people like to map out their segments [beforehand]," he explained. I like to read and react, give my opinion and see where it takes us.

With this [pandemic], it definitely requires some brainstorming to find topics that I know will engage the audience, added JJ.

While trying to move forward in a perpetually-evolving landscape, Jastremski is actually turning back the clock.

With no live games, theres a whole lot of me tying in nostalgia, said JJ, who has been watching and discussing classic sporting events.

Were all in lockdown reminiscing, he said. A lot of these games I vividly remember.

Nevertheless, even JJ acknowledges that it still doesnt fill the void.

Its cool showing old games and I get excited, but now Im over it, said Jastremski. I love sports because it gives you the chance to react to something new, and that element of being in the moment...I miss it greatly.

STAYING ENGAGED

Jastremski, who typically doesnt saturate his show with guests, has been making an effort to bring in unique voices and fresh perspectives.

We normally dont have a ton of A-list guests, being an overnight show, but Im trying to engage with the audience, challenge their minds and have the audience get into [the show], he explained.

Among the recent and upcoming guests are Bill Raftery, Steve Schirripa, and David Wells, to name a few.

As if the sports landscape hadnt thrown enough of a wrench into the shows daily planning, it now takes place exclusively in Jastremskis Brooklyn apartment -- something he has found beauty in.

Its easy, I have everything I need, said Jastremski, whose main concern is not frightening the neighbors during his 4 a.m. sports rants.

I have my mic, a mic stand, and my call screen right on my computer, he pointed out. Its not as comfortable as the studio, but we find a way to make it work...Im thankful the neighbors havent gotten me evicted yet.

JJ BEFORE DARK?

WFAN recently announced that Jastremski would be switching time slots beginning next week.

The longtime overnight host will take the reigns from 7 pm to 11 pm, at least for the month of June.

Im excited to be introduced to a new audience and new exposure, said JJ. "Well see what happens in July, but its a good chance to get more ears on the show and I appreciate the vote of confidence from the station.

The listeners have been amazing, he added. Never in a million years would I have thought that we could go 70 days without sports and still have jammed phone lines."

JJ hopes to keep the ball rolling in his new time slot.

The continued support, passion, and energy has been great, explained Jastremski. Hopefully the overnight audience can follow me to 7 p.m. and keep the vibes going.

BACK IN ACTION?

Jastremski, a Staten Island sandlot baseball veteran, doesnt expect to lace up his spikes this season due to the shutdown -- but its not all bad news.

I miss not playing, but I dont expect to this year, he said. "But I think well get there.

[Governor] Cuomo has talked of playing without fans in the stands and I think sports will be back real soon, added Jastremski.

But how soon?

Hopefully baseball will come back in July, I think well definitely have the NFL in the fall, said Jastremski.

We need that safety net and that distraction, its very important to get some games back," he added.

Like the rest of us, JJ concluded with what most of us are already thinking:

We need our sports back, he proclaimed.

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