Where do sportswriters and sportscasters get all the knowledge they need for their jobs? I went to a state university with a decent journalism department, but I don’t remember any class descriptions such as Sports History 101; Baseball Theory 205, College Football 101; etc. Do the better journalism schools have classes on sports? Can someone major in journalism and minor in sports writing?
If it’s all just a matter of what you’ve learned throughout your life, then it must be difficult to prove. I mean, if I went up to my local newspaper asking for a job at their sports desk, The Boss would ask for my qualifications. Quickly enough, I’d say, “I have a degree in journalism.” Then he’d say, “This is the sports desk. You have to give me more.” Somehow I don’t think saying “I’ve been a sports fan all my life” would cut it.