Former ESPN Vice President, Mike Soltys, will appear at Essex Library to discuss the new book, Sports Heaven on August 12 at 6 p.m.The book accompanies the recent documentary, Sports Heaven: the birth of ESPN, which tells the incredible tale of Bill and Scott Rasmussen, the father and son team who against all odds and legions of doubters created the most significant sports business of all time. With unique perspectives from key players in the origin story, it’s an entrepreneurial roller coaster ride right up to ESPN's launch on September 7, 1979. Sports Heaven features the perspectives and insights of Bill, Scott and the team who built ESPN from a dream into a powerhouse.
Mike Soltys was hired in the summer of 1980 as a college intern by ESPN’s founder, Bill Rasmussen, and served 43 years in ESPN’s corporate communications department, the last 20 as a vice president. Soltys returned to ESPN in 2024 as a part-time Historian. He served as producer of a documentary SportsHeaven: The Birth of ESPN and co-authored accompanying audio and print books. Copies of Sports Heaven will be available for purchase and signing.