Vin Cherwoo, a prominent figure in sports journalism and a beloved editor at The Associated Press (AP) for over 30 years, has sadly passed away at the age of 56. His wife, Stacy, confirmed that Cherwoo died early Friday in Tampa, Florida, after battling a long illness that had led to his hospitalization since May.
Affectionately known as "Woo" among his colleagues, Cherwoo was a steadfast presence in the AP sports department, particularly within the night editing crew. His contributions to the organization were not limited to editing; he was also a passionate advocate for his peers as the president of the News Media Guild, a position he held since 2020 and was re-elected for in 2024. Cherwoo took immense pride in his role, often expressing to friends his eagerness to return to work with the union, even during his illness.
Cherwoo's journey with the AP began in 1993 when he joined as a seasonal baseball dictationist in New York. In this role, he adeptly managed urgent calls from reporters at major league ballparks, ensuring that breaking game stories were promptly delivered to the national sports wire. His career progressed as he took on various roles, including working on the sports agate desk where he meticulously compiled statistics and standings from both national and international sporting events.
His expertise led him to join AP MegaSports, the organization’s early multimedia sports service, before becoming a newsperson on the national sports desk. Cherwoo's editorial skills were complemented by his experience as an overnight supervisor, and he covered a range of sports, including the NHL’s New York Rangers and Islanders, the New Jersey Devils, and Major League Baseball teams like the Yankees and Mets. He also reported on the early years of the WNBA’s New York Liberty.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Cherwoo was known for his quirky personality and his ability to connect with colleagues. He often engaged in friendly banter about sports, shared his insights on pop culture and politics, and even provided recommendations for local dining spots in Manhattan. His love for storytelling extended to sharing anecdotes from his childhood in India, his youth baseball experiences, and his time as an amateur DJ in college.
Former Deputy Sports Editor Howie Rumberg reflected on Cherwoo’s character, noting his penchant for humor and camaraderie. Cherwoo was not only a dedicated professional but also a friend who enjoyed lightheartedly teasing his coworkers and sharing his thoughts on various topics, including obscure action movies. His deep knowledge of sports history, particularly baseball, and his fandom for teams like the New Jersey Devils, New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, and Los Angeles Lakers, highlighted his passion for sports.
Born in Kashmir, India, Cherwoo moved to the United States with his family at the age of six. He attended Suffern High School in New York and later graduated from Binghamton University in 1992 with a degree in English Literature and Rhetoric. Cherwoo is survived by his wife, Stacy, and his parents, Bal and Peggy Cherwoo.
Cherwoo's legacy in sports journalism and his contributions to the AP will be remembered by colleagues and friends alike, as he leaves behind a significant impact on the industry.
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