(February 18, 2020) Brad Hamilton admits he spent considerably more time in college on baseball than broadcasting. He’s made up for lost time. Now Hamilton is joining Lakeland TV in Brainerd, MN as a Sports/News MMJ.
He found the opportunity through an STAA Job Leads email.
“I used a lot of STAA’s advice on how to apply and standout,” Hamilton says. “I had no clue before I signed up with STAA how to represent myself for a job in television. It was the difference in me ultimately getting a job.”
Hamilton is a 2018 graduate of Kent State University. He played baseball for the Golden Flashes, but admittedly, didn’t spend enough time preparing himself for the sportscasting job market.
“I was a college baseball player so a lot of my time was spent playing and not getting better as a broadcaster/ reporter,” he recalls. “That was my own fault. I should have done more and was lucky to find STAA to help me figure some things out. I feel lucky to have the opportunity and am so darn excited to learn all I can.”
Hamilton didn’t spend all his time in college on the diamond. He spent two seasons as a color analyst for women’s basketball and volleyball. After graduating, he spent the summer of 2018 as an Aberdeen IronBirds play-by-play broadcaster and pre and post-game host. Most recently, he assisted Fox 8 Cleveland’s production of high school football and was a production assistant for Lyon Video’s coverage of Cleveland Cavaliers basketball.
When Hamilton was invited to interview with Lakeland TV, his approach was simple. “I just tried to be myself and hoped that they’d see I’ll work as hard as I can to make it work.”
Hamilton joined STAA in November 2019. “I found it through my best friend, who is also in the business,” Hamilton says. “He is way more advanced in his career and knew that STAA was a good group to help me learn how to get an opportunity.
“I joined STAA after my career with baseball was over. I was overwhelmed with how far behind I was. I wouldn’t be in the position I am today without STAA. That’s why I sent [owner Jon Chelesnik] an email immediately after getting the job. I feel lucky to have gotten his help.”
(Visit Brad’s STAA Talent Page).