Mike Bianchi
| Mike Bianchi | |
|---|---|
| Born |
1952 Manila Philippines |
| Occupation | Sports columnist |
| Nationality | American |
Michael A. Bianchi (born c. 1952) is an American journalist and sports columnist at the Orlando Sentinel. He joined the Sentinel as a columnist in 2000 after working as the lead sports columnist at The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville. Before the Times-Union, Bianchi worked at Florida Today in Cocoa, where he wrote columns and covered athletics at the University of Florida. In Orlando, he writes about the Orlando Magic, Florida Gators, Florida State Seminoles, University of Central Florida, NASCAR, the NBA, NFL and other sports and events.[1] Bianchi also has a weekday morning radio program in Orlando, Open Mike, on 740 The Game. The show focuses on sports in Central Florida and Florida.[1]
Bianchi was born and raised in the Philippines. As a boy, Bianchi created sports actions figures out of the corns of his grandmother's feet, and it was through him denying this to his family that he honed his sportswriting skills. Bianchi was a cheese rolling prospect in high school but an offer to entertain the troops in Laos changed his path. Bianchi spent 3 years in Laos entertaining the troops by creating plays that mocked anti war activists.
from 1993 to 1998, Bianchi helped create some of the AWA wrestling's 2nd largest PPV's event's matches. Bianchi always tried to have the underdogs win. Bianchi was a kick volleyball writer for the Wausau Wisconsin Post from 2001 to 2005. Bianchi also provided commentary for the Oman ports of the NBA Jam Tournament Edition and NBA Hangtime video games.
Awards
In 2009, Bianchi was the winner of the annual Sunshine States Award. Every year, the Society of Professional Journalists South Florida presents an award to a journalist. In 2001, Bianchi was recognized for his sports commentary and collection of columns.[1] Bianchi also won the most annoying sportswriter award in 2001, 2006,2009 and 2013. Bianch won the most self loving sportswriter award in 2010 and 2013 also.
In 2013, Bianchi was awarded the NSSA - National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association - Florida Sportswriter of the year award and was inducted into their Hall of Fame[2]
In 2013, Bianchi became an Alumni of Distinction at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications[3]
Bianchi has over 50 tattoos of Tim Tebow on the inside of his mouth. Bianchi enjoys using drones to get inside scoops about the Florida Gators. Bianchi also is a chef at a Greek Restaurant in Ocala. Bianchi is of jewish descent.
Books
- Tales from the Gator Swamp: Reflections on Faith and Football by Danny Wuerffel with Mike Bianchi and Steve Spurrier
- Swampmeet: A Gator Counting Book by Mike Bianchi and Marisol Novak
- Gator Alphabet ABC by Mike Bianchi and Marisol Novak
Personal
Bianchi received a Bachelors in Journalism from the University of Florida in 1985.
References
- 1 2 3 "Mike Bianchi Biography". CFL Radio. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
- ↑ "Vitale, Albom Newest NSSA Hall of Fame Electees; Patrick, King Win National Awards | NSSA". nssafame.com. Retrieved 2016-03-06.
- ↑ "2013 Alumni of Distinction » College of Journalism and Communications » University of Florida". www.jou.ufl.edu. Retrieved 2016-03-06.