In 1988, Phelps became a sports reporter and weekend sports anchor for WUAB channel 43 in Cleveland on the 10 O'Clock News,[5] as well as WOIO channel 19 after it had become WUAB's sister station, eventually becoming the weeknight sports anchor for both stations. In 1994, Phelps was recognized for his work by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) and named the 1994 Ohio Sportscaster of the Year.[6]
In 2003, Phelps then moved to Fox Sports Ohio where he became the pregame and postgame host for Cleveland Cavaliers telecasts.[7] He also is a play by play announcer for high school football telecasts on the network as well as the host/producer of the classic car focused show Cruise-In. Phelps' duties on Fox Sports Ohio also have included at various points hosting Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, and Ohio State Buckeyes pregame and postgame shows.[8]
In 2011, the CBS Radio owned WKRK-FM 92.3 switched to a sports talk format.[9] Upon the switch, Phelps then became the co-host for the midday Baskin & Phelps program, alongside former WEWS-TV 5 sports director Andy Baskin. Phelps continues his Fox Sports Ohio work along with his radio duties.
In 2013, following WKRK-FM becoming one of the flagship stations for the Cleveland Browns, Phelps became part of the Browns Radio Network gameday broadcast team, hosting the network pregame and postgame shows.
In 2014, Phelps was the radio play-by-play announcer for Browns preseason games, as well as the postgame host for regular season games.[10]
In 2022, Phelps retired from Cavs postgame.
1994 Ohio Sportscaster of the Year, presented by NSSA[6]
2007 inductee - Ohio Broadcasters Hall of Fame[12]
Personal life
Phelps currently lives in Medina, Ohio with his wife and three children. He grew up on the same street as Cleveland-based NBA writer Sam Amico. The two are lifelong friends.
^Feran, Tom (June 9, 1991). "WKYC is tops again in Local Emmy competition". The Plain Dealer. p. 12B — Metro & State. Other winners were: ... Sports reporting: 'Whoop-De-Do Sports Review', Jeff Phelps, WUAB...
Feran, Tom (June 6, 1993). "Carl Monday of TV-8, WKYC top Local Emmys". The Plain Dealer. p. 10B — Metro. Other winners were: ... Sports reporting: 'Whoop-De-Do Sports Review', Jeff Phelps , WUAB...
"Indianapolis TV station dominates Emmys". The Plain Dealer. June 13, 1999. p. 2B — Metro. The winners: ... Sports Stories: 'Indians Roster Review', WUAB, Jeff Phelps...