In August of 1993, 28-year-old Steve Levy graced ESPN’s SportsCenter with his presence for the first time. Rising up the ranks in the sports broadcasting industry, Levy also provided play-by-play for the NHL on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports for ten years. Versatility is nothing new for the New York City native as he has secured a slot as the lead anchor for SportsCenter’s 11:00 P.M. E.T. edition for quite some time now.
With over 800,000 people on average tuning into that particular broadcast each and every night, the pressure seems insurmountable. After 22 years of being on the job, however, it’s simply another day at the office for Levy.
As ESPN captured the recently revived World Cup of Hockey broadcasting rights, it appears as if Levy will be returning to his old spot in the booth once the tournament officially begins its rebirth in 2016. ESPN lost the rights to showcase NHL regular season and playoff games on their network after the lockout in 2004-2005.
I had the glorious opportunity to ask Steve questions exclusively about his past endeavors in the broadcasting world, the tension that comes along with working for the “Worldwide Leader in Sports,” and much more.
Cristiano Simonetta: Was there a moment when you realized “I can really do this, I want to become a sports anchor,” and did you have a lot of optimism when first coming into the business?
Steve Levy: “I can do this” and “I want to be a sports anchor” came at two very different times. I realized much earlier, maybe at 16 or 17, that I wanted to be a sports anchor. Shortly after, I realized I would never make it to the NHL. My “I can do this” moment came shortly after my first appearance on MSG-TV at the age of maybe 23. [The] first time out went very smoothly and gave me a huge confidence boost and with that came the optimism that I might be able to make a career out of this.
CS: Are there any nerves that still run through you once you’re live on the 11:00 P.M. edition of SportsCenter or have you become entirely comfortable behind the desk?
SL: It’s not so much nerves as it is excitement. I still get excited seconds before every show and every segment, it helps keep me sharp and focused.
CS: Fill in the blank for me: The best part about working for ESPN is…
SL: The best part about working for is ESPN is it never feels like work or having a “real” job, I’m living the dream.
CS: When ESPN broadcasted NHL regular season and playoff games from 1992 to 2004, you were known as “Mr. Extra Period” as you provided the play-by-play for the three longest televised games in NHL history. Do you have a favorite moment during those days, perhaps when those games eventually concluded?
SL: After doing my first five-overtime game I was much better prepared for the next one I did. [My] favorite moment is obviously nailing the call but one time in Pittsburgh, we had no stage manager, the game went so late. It was a school night and the mom had come to pick her son up and therefore we were left alone in the booth.
CS: Do you hope to see yourself broadcasting hockey once again in the future?
SL: Yes, in a year and a half from now, doing the World Cup [Of Hockey] on ESPN.
CS: The world lost a sincere soul when long-time SportsCenter anchor Stuart Scott passed away early this year, as you know. Is there a particular story you have involving him which sums up who he was as a person?
SL: Regarding Stuart, all I’ll say is [that] he never changed. We started at ESPN the same month in 1993 and he rose to become a huge superstar and not just in the sports world. He was always the same guy, to me and everyone else.
CS: What’s the best piece of advice that you can give to someone hoping to pursue a career in the business of sportscasting?
SL: Best piece of advice pursuing this career: get internships and never turn down an assignment. Nothing is beneath you and I mean getting someone a cup of coffee, [it] might not be what you want to hear. It’s a way of paying your dues and showing respect, we all did it. I assure you, if you don’t, someone else will and the doors will open for them and not you. Play it straight, be honest, listen, observe and be prepared.
I’d like to thank Steve Levy for answering my questions. Tune into an all new SportsCenter tonight at 11 P.M. ET on ESPN, and don’t forget to follow Steve on Twitter @espnSteveLevy.
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