Mike Tirico Discusses Fandom and Journalism

Growing up, Mike Tirico, now with NBC Sports, was a dedicated fan of the New York Mets. However, upon entering journalism, he decided to leave that fandom behind. Tirico firmly believes that journalists should adopt a similar stance.

At 58, Tirico emphasizes that if you’re covering a specific team or event, you should not allow yourself to become a fan. His role involves calling some of the largest sports events globally, so maintaining objectivity is essential.

In a recent episode of the “Orange Zone” podcast, Tirico reflected on his childhood experiences attending Mets games, as he lived just five miles from Shea Stadium. His connection to the team ran deep, with a relative working security, allowing him to attend numerous games and meet iconic broadcasters.

Tirico still reminisces about the thrill of the Mets winning the World Series in 1986 against the Boston Red Sox, but he’s made it clear that he has moved on from being a fan since reaching his professional peak.

“I was quite invested in my fandom during the 70s and early 80s, so if I experience winning even once, I promised myself to let that go,” he said. He hopes others at ESPN follow his lead.

Tirico expressed his concern about the prevalence of journalists revealing their fandom on air, which he finds off-putting. “When you begin covering sports on a national scale, it’s critical to set aside that bias,” he noted, adding that he dislikes seeing anchors discussing their favorite teams.

Though he hasn’t reached the pinnacle of his career, he feels connected to the microphone in a way that reflects his dedication to sports, which he describes as more about recent opportunities than personal loyalties.