I feel very fortunate that I’m doing what I wanted to do from the third grade on. I became very interested in the sports broadcasting aspect even at that early age. I’d turn down the sound on the TV and do games in my house – and probably get everybody looking for me to go into a room and lock the door so they didn’t have to hear it.
Marv Albert, NBA on TNT broadcaster
My list of favorite sports journalists to follow
You may have heard of these broadcasters. This is my list and if you have any journalists that I forgot to add, please do not hesitate to email me.
Broadcasters
Ken Korach
Follow him on Twitter: @KenKorachRadio
I grew up listening to Ken Korach broadcasting the A’s on the radio. He has a silimilar baratone voice like mine. His legendary calls still give me goosebumps. He has an ability to tell a story and describing the action on the field.
Jim Nantz
He is one of the greatest broadcasters of our generation. When you think of CBS Sports, you think of Jim Nantz. He is the lead play by play broadcaster for the NFL, The Masters, and the NCAA Tournament. He lets the story unfold right in front him. His soothing voice automatically sends your a brain a message that The Masters Tournament is on.
Mauro Ranallo
Mauro Ranallo is an inspiration to me. Mauro battles with Bipolar Disorder but he gets so much joy calling combat sports such as boxing and MMA. He is also a broadcaster for the WWE. He has battled with his mental health just like I have. He puts flair and passion into a broadcast like nobody else.
Rich Lerner
Follow him on Twitter: @RichLernerGC
Rich Lerner is the lead anchor for The Golf Channel. He is a terrific broadcaster as well as a gifted storyteller. I have been fortunate to met him twice and he has always given me terrific advice about having success as a sports journalist.
Writers
Alan Shipnuck
Follow him on Twitter: @AlanShipnuck
Alan is one of my role models in journalism. He is a fantastic writer for Golf Magazine. He grew up in my hometown of Salinas, CA. I am fortunate to call him a trusted adviser in journalism career.
Ariel Helwani
Follow him on Twitter: @ArielHelwani
Ariel Helwani is one of the best writers in sports. He is the current MMA writer for ESPN. He is known for his honesty which is something that all young writers including myself needs to have. He never takes no for an answer and I really hope I get the chance to meet him at a UFC event.
Mark Purdy
Follow him on Twitter: @MercPurdy
Mark had a successful writing career as a sports columnist the San Jose Mercury News. He taught Sports Journalism during my first semester. I learned a lot from Mark as he gave me confidence to become a better writer/journalist. He always kept me at the top of my game.
Susan Slusser
Follow her on Twitter: @susanslusser
Susan is the Oakland Athletics beat writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. She is witty but also one of the best writers in baseball. She has tremendous trust with the team and she is one of the nicest people that I have ever met.
Let’s make something together.
Derrick's Wonderful World of Sports 