And the Emmy goes to... | Press Releases

Steve Minnick He didn't get to wear a tux. He didn't chat with Joan Rivers on the red carpet. The statuette arrived rather unceremoniously in the mail.

But, darn it, Steve Minnick won an Emmy.

Minnick, a digital media/TV producer in the Fairfield University Media Center, was part of the talented group that won "Outstanding Technical Team Studio" for his work on MLB Tonight on MLB Network. A Monroe, Conn., resident, he freelances for the new network, which focuses on Major League Baseball, operating the Steadicam a few nights a week at its Secaucus, N.J., studio.

"When the nominations came out, you know, you think it's great to be nominated," said Minnick, who graduated Fairfield in 1994. "But I'd thought you'd need a little luck to win."

MLB Network , which has only been on the air since January 2009, took home four awards at the 31st Annual Sports Emmy Awards. Three went to MLB Tonight, including wins for outstanding production design and art direction.

Minnick has enjoyed working with a camera since he was a child, but he really began learning the craft as a Communication major at Fairfield. He spent two-and-a-half years as the HAM Channel coordinator, then worked as digital media and TV producer at the Media Center, which has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility.

He works part time at Fairfield, which allows him to freelance through his business, 3:51 Camera Light Productions. "My work here at Fairfield has given me the chance to learn and experiment on many different projects related to the University," said Minnick, who reports to Fr. Jim Mayzik, S.J., director of the Media Center. "Being part time has allowed me the opportunity to seek other ventures related to the field of video production. Fr. Jim allowed me to slide into a part time position a few years back and for that I am very grateful."

Minnick freelanced for Fox News, Fox Business , and MSNBC before landing the MLB gig. It's turning into a dream job. "I love baseball," the New Jersey native said. "I was involved with news before, but sports is certainly more fun."

A Steadicam isolates the operator's movements from the camera, creating a smoother shot. The cameraman wears a harness to hold it in place. On MLB Tonight Minnick and the Steadicam are often needed when the on-air commentators discuss and demonstrate things like how a certain player hits or how a dramatic double play occurred.

Minnick said he doesn't know how the Emmy will affect his career, but it did create a stir at home. "My kids think it's cool," he said.