"I began learning the sportswriting business very early in life"

Dick Schaap's statement, "I began learning the sportswriting business very early in life", provides a look into his longstanding engagement with sports journalism, suggesting a deep-rooted enthusiasm and a substantial profession within the field. This quote reflects more than just a timeline; it encapsulates Schaap's lifelong dedication to mastering the subtleties of sportswriting, an area where one's understanding and competence grow with time and experience.

The expression "very early in life" highlights the importance of an early start, suggesting that Schaap's interest in sports journalism may have been kindled during his formative years. This early direct exposure would have permitted him the high-end of time to hone his craft, take in market complexities, and develop a distinct voice in sportswriting. Whether through personal experiences like participating in sports events, reading avidly, or writing about sports as a pastime, these formative years would have supplied a foundation upon which he built his profession.

Knowing "the sportswriting business" highlights a double focus in Schaap's journey-- both on the creative and analytical aspects of writing about sports and the useful, business-oriented aspects of the occupation. The expression recommends immersion not simply in storytelling and reporting but likewise in understanding the commercial dynamics of sports media, networking, and audience engagement.

Schaap's early entry into the sportswriting realm may have afforded him opportunities to witness its evolution firsthand-- from modifications in media platforms to shifts in audience usage. His early start most likely managed him a front-row seat to the historic changes in sports and journalism, improving his viewpoint and depth as a reporter.

In essence, Schaap's quote is a testimony to the extensive effect that an early and continual passion can have on one's career trajectory. It speaks to the cumulative understanding, relationships, and insights gleaned over years of devotion to a market that is as complex as it is engaging.