Jelani “Jackz” Bodden of www.QtheQuestion.com caught up with sports journalist, broadcaster, and current anchor of SNY the TV home of all things New York Sports, Kirk Gimenez. Kirk Gimenez is a native of Venezuela but was raised in Miami, and it was there Kirk took his first step into the journalism world. Kirk Gimenez went from waking up with his father to watch Wimbledon to being the first Hispanic sports anchor of ESPN. Through his long journey Kirk has remained a kid at heart still excited he’s living the American dream. Kirk Gimenez is a living example of what never giving up and paying your dues means, and that is success. In this interview Kirk Gimenez talks about his upbringing, his first start, his mentors, and his first start in the biz.

Q The Question: Where were you born and raised?

Kirk Gimenez: I was born in Venezuela and moved to Miami when I was 5 years old. I don’t remember much about how I felt during the transition but because Miami has a strong Hispanic community it didn’t feel too different, it was almost the same. During my teen years I would go back to Venezuela during the summers and I only missed my family.

Q The Question: What were your favorite teams coming up?

Kirk Gimenez: I liked the Marlins and Heat but I loved the Dolphins. I grew up a few blocks from the University from Miami so I loved the Hurricanes. I also loved the Lakers with Magic Johnson & Pat Riley. I liked the Yankees because even though they weren’t that good back in the 80’s they trained in Fort Lauderdale and I used to go to Spring Training games since it wasn’t far from Miami. I’m also a huge fan of Babe Ruth.

Q The Question: What motivated you to go into sports casting and how old were you when you decided to do it?

Kirk Gimenez: I’ve always been a huge sports fan, my earliest memory in sports waking up with dad to watch Wimbledon. One day I was walking through the University of Miami and I saw auditions for a school sports television show which is still going on today. I showed up with my own script and the director of school communications said I was a natural and I had to make it my major. It was when I was almost a junior in college when I decided to pursue it professionally.

Q The Question: How did you get your first start?

Kirk Gimenez: I’ve been around the small market all over the US and then moved back to Miami. I became a sports reporter at WTVJ-NBC6 and got an agent. They helped me put together a resume tape and my agent sent it to ESPN. Then I went to ESPN and shot an audition for them. I never thought I would get the job, there were 4 other people auditioning but a month later they called me and said I got it.

Q The Question: What was your favorite moment in your career so far?

Kirk Gimenez: My off air moment was when I ran into Tony Gwynn in the bathroom while I worked at ESPN. I was a big fan of him growing up, so when Gwynn said he was a fan of me I was honored. There was also going to Don Shula’s house for an interview, where we talked about the ‘72 perfect Miami Dolphins which was before working at ESPN. Also going to the 06 finals in Miami where I talked to Shaq’ (Shaquille O’ Neal) and Shaq’ knew who I was. I couldn’t believe it. The coolest work wise was going back to Venezuela with Johan Santana and seeing how cool and how giving he was to the children. Being from Venezuela it was nice showing everyone the culture and the love. So that was the coolest story I’ve ever done.

Q The Question: Did you have any mentors growing up?

Kirk Gimenez: I worked midnight to early morning shifts in Miami, so a couple anchors on the 5am show were my mentors coming up before ESPN. They were seasoned pros who guided me. So I didn’t have any famous mentors but I did have great mentors none the less. I actually just spoke to group of students at NYU and I told them I was taught to be a good journalist in general, not just sports journalist. That includes being a great story teller not just being on TV. So I try to be a mentor to many myself, anyone could be a mentor.

Q The Question: Being on TV and of Hispanic decent, although you might have already answered (laughs) do you feel you yourself is a role model? And what do you want young people to learn from you?

Kirk Gimenez: Like I told the kids at NYU who were of all colors, I’m an immigrant living the American dream, if I can do it anyone can, never give up, stick with your dream no matter what anyone tells you, I’m proof it works. I was the first Hispanic anchor of ESPN English. Never give up on dreams no matter what anyone tells you.

Q The Question: Is there anyone you looked up to growing up?

Kirk Gimenez: I don’t think so, I had a strong father figure but I didn’t want to be like him. As a kid I was very innocent and didn’t think too much of the future, and till this day I live in the moment. I’ve never had a 5 year plan, I might have wanted to grow up to be a baseball player or tennis player but I wasn’t really gifted (laughs).

Q The Question: So what is the most exciting part of being of being on SNY now?

Kirk Gimenez: All the craziness that happens in New York and dealing with all the passionate fans. I never met fans who were so fanatical about their sports teams. Each team has their strong following, and being able to inform fans of what’s going on with their favorite teams is great. SNY is second to none being only network that covers all teams in New York, not just certain ones.

Q The Question: Is there any advice you could give to everyone aspiring to be a sports journalist, broadcaster, anchor, and/or analysts like yourself?

Kirk Gimenez: Enjoy the journey, becoming a journalist is a long journey and is not about being a star but about being a journalist. You have to go through tough times and do crappy jobs and embrace the journey, ultimately that makes you a success. Experiencing different parts of America makes you seasoned. Pay your dues, because it’s more than just that. Take the journey and grow and that helps you become a success.

Q The Question: Is there anything else you like to say?

Kirk Gimenez: (Laughs) I love my job, I love what I do, I still can’t believe I get paid to inform people about the sports world and SNY is the most fun I’ve had in my career. It’s was a long road with my career that I went through.

Q The Question: Thank you for your time, and good luck with your career. You’re doing a great job.  

Kirk Gimenez: Thank you for the interview, and I’d advise anyone that wants to be a journalist who is Hispanic to join the NAHJ (National Association of Hispanic Journalism). I’m a part of it and it’s a great organization for aspiring Hispanic journalism. And remember always chase your dreams.

Check out Kirk Gimenez on SNY TV on “Gieco Sports Night” or on www.sny.tv. Also follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/kirkgimenez.