John Minko

John Minko, nicknamed "The Mink Man",^[1] (Born January 31, 1953) is an American sports radio and television personality. He is a "20/20 sports anchor" on radio station WFAN in New York and has worked there since its inception in 1987.^[2] Nicknamed "Coach" by his coworkers, Minko provides listeners with up-to-the-minute sports news, Sundays through Thursdays between the hours of 10am and 5pm (Monday-Thursday) and 6am and 12pm (Sunday). He has also, at times, been called the "Dean of Updates", a moniker in recognition of his seniority.

Broadcasting career

Minko appears with the Mike's On: Francesa on the Fan crew on the YES Network.^[3] Minko is often the butt of jokes made by host Mike Francesa, including false accusations of making critical remarks regarding other members of the radio station or claims that he has boasted about a personal achievement. He is also teased about his button-down personality and inability to ad-lib during his updates. Joe Benigno credits Minko for teaching him to read at a third-grade level.

From 2000 to 2009, Minko was the play-by-play voice of Army football on WABC 770 and WEPN. In 2010, he will serve as co-host of a pre-game show.^[4] He also serves as the update person for Francesa's nationally syndicated NFL Now show. More recently, Minko has served as the fill-in radio voice of the New Jersey Nets. Minko also hosted a short-lived 1988 WFAN show, Minko Morning Zoo.^[5] His trademark calls are "Bingo!" and "He rings the bell." Minko is a graduate of Butler University.^[6][7]

John has been the radio play by play announcer for St. John's Red Storm college basketball since November 11, 2008.^[8]

Minko also co-hosts a weekly video blog called the Minko Minute with Evan Roberts. They usually talk about whatever Mink wants at first then Evan asks Minko a love question. These so far have only come from a male viewer. The usual response from Minko is to get the woman in question flowers and chocolate. More recently his advice has been to take the woman in question to a nice Broadway show. There have been a few guest appearances including the most recent appearance by Ian Eagle.

References