(Photo courtesy of Michael Eaves)
EDITOR’S NOTE: Welcome to “Off Camera with. . .,” a Front Row series that introduces you to some of the studio anchors who have recently joined ESPN. Today we meet Michael Eaves, who joined ESPN in May 2015 as a studio anchor.
Favorite Quote: “A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.” – Jackie Robinson
How did you choose your profession or how did it find you?: After my dreams of playing professional sports ended in high school following knee surgery, I decided to combine my love and knowledge of sports with my big mouth and found a way to get paid for that combination.
What’s the story behind the near hole-in-one photo?: This was from the [Los Angeles] Clippers’ annual golf tournament in October 2012. A hole-in-one won a trip. Unfortunately, I came up just a few inches short of spinning it back into the hole for my second career hole-in-one and a free vacation! My first-and-only hole-in-one also came during a charity event. As part of a fundraiser, I played 137 holes of golf in one day at a course in Lexington, Ky. – I graduated from UK in 1994 and got my first TV job there at the CBS affiliate in 1993. The hole-in-one happened the fourth time I played that hole that day. If I remember correctly, I used a 9-iron on a shot from 162 yards out.
Favorite team/sport: University of Kentucky basketball
Something we don’t know about you: I was adopted at 2 weeks old and grew up in White Plains, Ky. (pop.: 800)
Best advice you ever received: Follow your passion and you will never work a day in your life.
Favorite mentor: Stuart Scott
Favorite Hobby: Golf
One book everyone should read: “To Kill A Mockingbird”
Favorite place to travel: Cabo San Lucas and Maui
Words of wisdom: Use your actions to change your circumstances.
Favorite movie: “Coming To America”
Favorite season of year: Summer
Favorite TV show: SportsCenter
