Meet the 2019 Award Winners: Illinois Sportswriter Paul Sullivan

Today’s award spotlight is on NSMA 2019 Illinois Sportswriter of the Year, Paul Sullivan. Sullivan has been a columnist and baseball writer for the Chicago Tribune for the past 39 years. The University of Missouri-Columbia graduate covers the White Sox, the Cubs, and national news for his publication.

This will be Sullivan’s third time winning Illinois Sportscaster of the Year, his first being in 2015, all for his work in affiliation with the Chicago Tribune. He was also honored with the Ring Lardner Award for excellence in sports journalism in 2018.

Sullivan briefly spoke with NSMA on his career and other thoughts regarding the industry.

NSMA: What was your career path like on your way to your current position?

Paul Sullivan: Copy boy, editorial assistant, cityside reporter, Mike Royko legman, prep sports writer, college football writer, Bears baseball, White Sox writer, cubs writer, baseball columnist, Wake of the News columnist.

NSMA: What is your favorite thing about your job?

PS: Write something different every day.

NSMA: What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

PS: Covering cubs world series title.

NSMA: What is the best piece of advice you have for people pursuing a career in sports media?

PS: Be ready to work long hours with bad deadlines and low pay while anonymous sports fans rip you on Twitter.