On the air with Ari

By Joe Mason
For the Times

Ari Bluestein picked the perfect major.
Always a sports fanatic, Bluestein studied business at Rider University, earning a degree in finance. But he never gave up his dream of working in sports.
"I always wanted to do something in sports, but I wanted to get a job and I figured business was more feasible, more realistic," Bluestein said. "So I went into school and did that, but I always stayed involved in sports. I’m a huge fan."
Now he’s a huge fan with a great job.
Bluestein, a 2002 graduate of Northeast High School and a standout shortstop for the Vikings, hosts his own radio show, The Other Side, on Sports Journey Radio, which broadcasts over the Internet.
The show airs weekday mornings from 10 to noon. It’s a chance for Bluestein to give his thoughts on just about all sports.
"I guess if I had to compare myself to someone, it would be Mike Missinelli," Bluestein said. "I’m definitely not like Howard (Eskin). I just try to give my opinion. I don’t waver, I have an opinion, I throw it out there, but I’ll talk to other people and listen, without getting upset."
At the moment, Bluestein has nothing to be upset about. During his days at Rider, he created Sports Fan Base.com, an interactive online community for fans.
That’s how he got involved in radio.
"I wanted to get my Web site some publicity, so I would go on (Sports Journey Radio)," Bluestein said. "We had a deal where I’d run their banner on my site and then I’d plug my site on there.
"I really enjoyed the radio," he continued. "It’s funny, because at first I only went on the air to get my Web site out there. But I’ve really enjoyed it."
So have Bluestein’s friends and family.
"They love to listen to me," said Bluestein, who helped lead Northeast’s baseball team to the 2002 Public League championship game, a loss to GAMP. "My friends always tell me that some day I’m going to be on Pardon the Interruption (a popular sports TV show) and things like that. But they’re very supportive."
Bluestein has more to offer than his opinions. After commenting on the sports world, he welcomes callers and responds to e-mails. He also enjoys having guests add their insights to the program.
"The biggest guest I’ve had so far would probably be Jason Thompson," said Bluestein, whose show is in its third week of existence. "Thompson went to Rider with me, so I knew him, and after he was drafted (by the Sacramento Kings with the 12th pick in the NBA draft), I had him come on.
"I’ve also had some people come on to talk sports, baseball analysts. I like having guests, it’s actually better than doing the entire show by myself. I learn things, and I hope my listeners learn too."
Bluestein still finds time to play games as an athlete. He plays baseball for Crispin in the Penn-Del League.
"I think the fact that I’m an athlete, I would hope that gives me credibility," he said. "I played four years of baseball and was All-City my senior year at Northeast. I played a year of basketball at Northeast and I played club ball at Rider.
"I know what it’s like to play sports and how hard you have to work when you’re playing," he continued. "It’s not easy, and I know that."
Nor is making it in radio.
Bluestein’s radio show is still in search of more sponsors, but for now, he’s right where he wants to be.
He also hopes his future is behind the microphone.
"In a few years I’d like to be working for ESPN Radio or maybe WIP," he said. "I want to stay in Philadelphia because I love it here. I love all the teams, I love the area, and I really want to be around to see a parade some day." ••
To listen to Bluestein’s program, visit the Web site, http://sjrn.ezstream.com/broadcasts/index.cfm?fuseaction=usrbrd&broadcasterid=54617
Joe Mason can be reached at joemason70@hotmail.com