History of Mike Missanelli in Timeline

Mike Missanelli is an American sports radio personality, best known for his afternoon hosting role at 97.5 The Fanatic, an ESPN affiliate in Philadelphia. He has a background in sports journalism, having worked for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Missanelli also held a sports radio personality position at 610 WIP before joining The Fanatic. His career has primarily focused on sports commentary and analysis within the Philadelphia media landscape.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1977: Graduation from Penn State

In 1977, Mike Missanelli graduated from Pennsylvania State University, where he played college baseball as a second baseman for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

2000: Joined PHL 17

In 2000, Mike Missanelli joined PHL 17 as a sports director and anchor.

2003: Left PHL 17

In 2003, Mike Missanelli left PHL 17 when his contract expired.

2006: Fired from 610 WIP

In 2006, Mike Missanelli was fired from 610 WIP after an altercation with an on-site producer. Following this, he began a show with comedian Joe Conklin on 93.3 WMMR.

January 2010: Signed deal with 97.5 The Fanatic

In January 2010, Mike Missanelli signed a multi-year deal with ESPN affiliate 97.5 The Fanatic to host their midday show.

2016: Fake caller controversy

In 2016, it was revealed that the longtime caller "Dwayne from Swedesboro" was a character created by his producer. Missanelli apologized for the fake caller and the racial stereotypes, claiming he had no knowledge that the caller was fake.

2017: Fired from 6 ABC

In 2017, Mike Missanelli was fired from a weekly gig on 6 ABC after stating it was "unnatural" for a female broadcaster to call an NFL game.

2018: Show simulcasted on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Starting in 2018, Mike Missanelli's show began being simulcasted on NBC Sports Philadelphia.

May 2020: Heated on-air debate

In May 2020, Mike Missanelli had a heated on-air debate with producer Tyrone Johnson and sports update anchor Natalie Egenolf about an incident in Central Park. He threw his headset and yelled at Johnson, which was seen on television.

June 2021: Launched MikeMiss Ventures

In June 2021, Mike Missanelli launched his first off-air business entity, MikeMiss Ventures, focusing on interests outside sports radio. He also launched "MikeMiss: The EveryDay Cook" and "Behind the Mic", and offers "MeetMike".

January 2022: Missanelli says he has no plans to retire

In January 2022, Mike Missanelli gave an interview stating that he has no plans to retire.

May 31, 2022: Last show on 97.5 The Fanatic

On May 31, 2022, Mike Missanelli announced on air that it would be his last show on 97.5 The Fanatic. His contract was set to expire, and the station opted to go in a different direction.

September 2022: Joined Rush Street Interactive

In September 2022, Mike Missanelli joined the Chicago-based gaming company Rush Street Interactive to represent its brand Bet Rivers Network and started a biweekly podcast on Philadelphia sports.

2022: Panelist on Jakib Sports Pond Lehocky Postgame Show

In 2022, Mike Missanelli began serving as a panelist on the Jakib Sports Pond Lehocky Postgame Show, which is broadcast live from the Ocean Casino Resort and shown on 6ABC.

2022: Released Shima the Shiba

In 2022, Mike Missanelli released a children's book called "Shima the Shiba", detailing the human-like behavior of his Shiba Inu dog and the valuable life lessons it can teach.

September 2023: Launched Mike Speaks sports video blog

In September 2023, Mike Missanelli launched a weekly sports video blog called "Mike Speaks" on YouTube, featuring segments like SOUND OFF, QUIRKY STORY OF THE WEEK, WHAT'S BUGGIN MIKE, and LOCAL SPORTS SPOTLIGHT, along with one-on-one video chats with fans called, Take 5 with Mike.