Copy and past link in browser
http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/03/21/norm-colemans-gm-conversations-cal-burleson/
Cal Burleson - Indianapolis Indians - Indianapolis, Indiana
When link opens, click my byline to read all interviews with General Managers
http://www.baseballdigest.com/2011/04.17/Norm Coleman’s GM Conversations: Randy Whitaker
Randy Whitaker is the General Manager for the Harrisburg Senators located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the Eastern League. They have been an affiliate of the Washington Nationals since 2005.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Comments from GM's about this blog.
Cal Burleson, GM - Indianapolis Indians
Norm-thank you so much for the opportunity to be interviewed by Baseball Digest. You did a very thorough job with the piece. Truly one of the highlights of my baseball career. Best regards, Cal Burleson
Mike Nutter, President - Fort Wayne TinCaps
"By the way, I just went to your site-very nice".
Bill Papierniak, General Manager - Richmond Flying Squirrels
"Your GM blog is great – I’m sure that many people are interested in knowing a little about the people that are coming up with promotions both locally and throughout the country. I enjoyed reading it".
Norm-thank you so much for the opportunity to be interviewed by Baseball Digest. You did a very thorough job with the piece. Truly one of the highlights of my baseball career. Best regards, Cal Burleson
Mike Nutter, President - Fort Wayne TinCaps
"By the way, I just went to your site-very nice".
Bill Papierniak, General Manager - Richmond Flying Squirrels
"Your GM blog is great – I’m sure that many people are interested in knowing a little about the people that are coming up with promotions both locally and throughout the country. I enjoyed reading it".
Thursday, March 17, 2011
What advice would you give a young person considering a career in baseball?
Watch for my email book - How to get a job in baseball.
email me: normcoleman36@hotmail.com
MIKE BIRLING, GM - Durham Bulls - Durham, No. Carolina
You must be a passionate, determined, and competitive person to succeed in this business. Also, you must get practical experience as early as you can. Nothing helps more than being a part of it on some level and continuing to learn. People skills and selling skills will be what takes you to high levels or what keeps you from breaking into sports.
PAUL BARBEAU, GM - Great Lakes Loons - Midland, Michigan
For any young man or woman considering a career in baseball, I would recommend they accept an internship or seasonal position first to learn about the opportunities available and to determine if they really enjoy working in the sport. I would also suggest working in sales to deliver a measurable impact to the team.
Finally, try to work for an organization with a history of developing their employees for future growth.
ANDY SHEA, GM - Lexington Legends - Lexington, Kentucky
Whether or not it is job in MLB or MiLB, I would say any or all experience one gets in sales is beneficial. That is the name of almost everything we do and almost every position we have on our staff.
As an intern or any other position, get a feel for what it feels like to work and be on your feet for seventy plus hours per week. Many people think since they love baseball, they will be good at working in baseball. What they do not realize is the tremendous hours we work and that most of that time is on our feet waling around the ballpark.
TODD RAHR: GM - Boise Hawks - Boise, Idaho
If you want to be rich in terms of dollars, this isn't the industry for you. If you want to be rich in terms of life experience, you can't beat a life in sports. Especially on the minor league level where you are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations and aren't just a "cog in the wheel".
DAVE ECHOLS GM - Charleston RiverDogs - Charleston, South Carolina
Get as much experience volunteering, interning if possible and get exposed to all facets of the game to see if this is truly what you want to do for a career; make sure you learn how to sell, do not lose sight of having fun.
MIKE MELEGA, GM - Tulsa Drillers - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Get as much experience as you can in any job that allows you to work with customer service and or sales. The ability to work with different kinds of people is essential in the business as is the ability to sell tickets and sponsorships.
If I had to do it over again, I would have probably taken a spring semester off in college to do an internship with a club prior to graduation and lined myself up for a December graduation so I could start with a team full time in January.
JIM HOLLAND, GM - Princeton Rays - Princeton, New Jersey
Use any college electives they may have toward classes that are communications based. I would push diversity in college course content and one thing that people often overlook that would help a minor league team, would be someone that could help build sales while at the same time being an accomplished computer graphics artist of which there is a short supply
MIKE NUTTER, President and GM Fort Wayne TinCaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana
You can succeed in the industry with a great work ethic and passion for your job and career. I would say to embrace sales as sales are a part of almost everyone’s responsibility that we have on staff. Get going in your career early. There is a lot of demand to work in sports so make sure that you are working for a team if you have the opportunity. There are over 180 minor league teams in the US and certainly hundreds of other opportunities out there. Gain as much experience as you can prior to graduation through internships, volunteering, etc
KURT LANDES, GM - Lehigh Valley IronPigs - Allentown, Pennsylvania
Male or female, I would encourage them to do a number of internships to make sure they want to be involved in the game. It is a lot of hard work and hours away from family and friends; this is not a job for everyone. But, the relationships with fans, sponsors, staff and colleagues are what makes it so enjoyable
CAL BURLESON, GM - Indianapolis Indians - Indianapolis, Indiana
My advice would be to attend a university that has a sports administration program and take advantage of the opportunity to get a good education combined with as much practical experience as you can.
BILL PAPIERNIAK, GM - Richmond Squirrels - Richmond, W. Virginia
I would tell them to get an internship with a team while in college (if possible) and make sure that the internship allows real learning opportunities and not just “busy work”. Call or email as many teams as it takes (go to the Winter Meetings as well) to get your foot in the door with an internship. Once you have an internship – work hard and demonstrate that you will do whatever it takes to be a successful team player.
RANDY WHITAKER, GM - Harrisburg Senators - Harrisburg, PA
Make sure you know what you are getting into before you commit to it. I’ve never worked so hard at something in my life. It’s worth it, but it is a very difficult job. Or as Todd "Parney" Parnell (ex GM, Richmond Squirrels) says: “It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
email me: normcoleman36@hotmail.com
MIKE BIRLING, GM - Durham Bulls - Durham, No. Carolina
You must be a passionate, determined, and competitive person to succeed in this business. Also, you must get practical experience as early as you can. Nothing helps more than being a part of it on some level and continuing to learn. People skills and selling skills will be what takes you to high levels or what keeps you from breaking into sports.
PAUL BARBEAU, GM - Great Lakes Loons - Midland, Michigan
For any young man or woman considering a career in baseball, I would recommend they accept an internship or seasonal position first to learn about the opportunities available and to determine if they really enjoy working in the sport. I would also suggest working in sales to deliver a measurable impact to the team.
Finally, try to work for an organization with a history of developing their employees for future growth.
ANDY SHEA, GM - Lexington Legends - Lexington, Kentucky
Whether or not it is job in MLB or MiLB, I would say any or all experience one gets in sales is beneficial. That is the name of almost everything we do and almost every position we have on our staff.
As an intern or any other position, get a feel for what it feels like to work and be on your feet for seventy plus hours per week. Many people think since they love baseball, they will be good at working in baseball. What they do not realize is the tremendous hours we work and that most of that time is on our feet waling around the ballpark.
TODD RAHR: GM - Boise Hawks - Boise, Idaho
If you want to be rich in terms of dollars, this isn't the industry for you. If you want to be rich in terms of life experience, you can't beat a life in sports. Especially on the minor league level where you are heavily involved in the day-to-day operations and aren't just a "cog in the wheel".
DAVE ECHOLS GM - Charleston RiverDogs - Charleston, South Carolina
Get as much experience volunteering, interning if possible and get exposed to all facets of the game to see if this is truly what you want to do for a career; make sure you learn how to sell, do not lose sight of having fun.
MIKE MELEGA, GM - Tulsa Drillers - Tulsa, Oklahoma
Get as much experience as you can in any job that allows you to work with customer service and or sales. The ability to work with different kinds of people is essential in the business as is the ability to sell tickets and sponsorships.
If I had to do it over again, I would have probably taken a spring semester off in college to do an internship with a club prior to graduation and lined myself up for a December graduation so I could start with a team full time in January.
JIM HOLLAND, GM - Princeton Rays - Princeton, New Jersey
Use any college electives they may have toward classes that are communications based. I would push diversity in college course content and one thing that people often overlook that would help a minor league team, would be someone that could help build sales while at the same time being an accomplished computer graphics artist of which there is a short supply
MIKE NUTTER, President and GM Fort Wayne TinCaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana
You can succeed in the industry with a great work ethic and passion for your job and career. I would say to embrace sales as sales are a part of almost everyone’s responsibility that we have on staff. Get going in your career early. There is a lot of demand to work in sports so make sure that you are working for a team if you have the opportunity. There are over 180 minor league teams in the US and certainly hundreds of other opportunities out there. Gain as much experience as you can prior to graduation through internships, volunteering, etc
KURT LANDES, GM - Lehigh Valley IronPigs - Allentown, Pennsylvania
Male or female, I would encourage them to do a number of internships to make sure they want to be involved in the game. It is a lot of hard work and hours away from family and friends; this is not a job for everyone. But, the relationships with fans, sponsors, staff and colleagues are what makes it so enjoyable
CAL BURLESON, GM - Indianapolis Indians - Indianapolis, Indiana
My advice would be to attend a university that has a sports administration program and take advantage of the opportunity to get a good education combined with as much practical experience as you can.
BILL PAPIERNIAK, GM - Richmond Squirrels - Richmond, W. Virginia
I would tell them to get an internship with a team while in college (if possible) and make sure that the internship allows real learning opportunities and not just “busy work”. Call or email as many teams as it takes (go to the Winter Meetings as well) to get your foot in the door with an internship. Once you have an internship – work hard and demonstrate that you will do whatever it takes to be a successful team player.
RANDY WHITAKER, GM - Harrisburg Senators - Harrisburg, PA
Make sure you know what you are getting into before you commit to it. I’ve never worked so hard at something in my life. It’s worth it, but it is a very difficult job. Or as Todd "Parney" Parnell (ex GM, Richmond Squirrels) says: “It’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle.”
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Gen. Mgrs. comments on their favorite ballparks to watch a game.
Ben Jones - GM - Kinston Indians - Kinston, North Carolina
Durham Bulls Athletic Park. It does not get any better for me that seeing a game in Durham, North Carolina. I grew up in Raleigh, NC and was always a huge fan of the Bulls growing up. I love what the city has going on around the park and once inside, the overall fan experience is great.
Mike Nutter - President - Fort Wayne TinCaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana
Wrigley Field. I remember the first time going there when I worked for the Kane County Cougars. My dad and I attended together and I still remember walking out into the seating bowl for the first time and getting chills. It is an awesome scene to watch a game.
Andy Shea GM- Lexington Legends - Lexington, Kentucky
Citizens Bank Park. I love the atmosphere, love the center field open/concessions area with a ton of really popular Philly foods, and you just can’t beat Philly fans.
Cal Burleson GM , - Indianapolis Indians - Indianapolis, Indiana
PNC Park in Pittsburg: I have seen a lot of games there, it is a great place to watch a game. I also saw the Pirates play in Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium.
Bill Papierniak, GM Richond Squirrels – Richmond, Virginia
Wrigley Field. it was absolutely awe inspiring from Wrigleyville to the ivy walls to the crowd (it didn’t hurt that I had the chance to walk out onto the field ad take in the whole atmosphere before the game)
I have enjoyed many MiL stadiums from Durham Bulls, Raleigh, NC (Athletic Park) to Lakewood Blue Crabs, Lakewood, NJ (First Energy Park) to Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Myrtle Beach, SC (BB&T Coastal Federal Field) to Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Allentown, PA (Gwinnett Stadium) etc. They all had something special about them.
Randy Whitaker, GM Harrisburg Senators- Harrisburg, PA
I really like the antiques. The nostalgic feel of a game in an old stadium is really special. Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, Maryland, home of the Hagerstown Suns is a simple ballpark, but gives you that sense that you are watching a game from the fifties.
The same could be said for Bowman Field, home of the Williamsport Crosscutters in Williamsport, PA. Old but well preserved and quaint.
Of the newer parks, other than my own, I enjoyed Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Allentown, PA and Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees, Staten Island, NY- (for the view).
Durham Bulls Athletic Park. It does not get any better for me that seeing a game in Durham, North Carolina. I grew up in Raleigh, NC and was always a huge fan of the Bulls growing up. I love what the city has going on around the park and once inside, the overall fan experience is great.
Mike Nutter - President - Fort Wayne TinCaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana
Wrigley Field. I remember the first time going there when I worked for the Kane County Cougars. My dad and I attended together and I still remember walking out into the seating bowl for the first time and getting chills. It is an awesome scene to watch a game.
Andy Shea GM- Lexington Legends - Lexington, Kentucky
Citizens Bank Park. I love the atmosphere, love the center field open/concessions area with a ton of really popular Philly foods, and you just can’t beat Philly fans.
Cal Burleson GM , - Indianapolis Indians - Indianapolis, Indiana
PNC Park in Pittsburg: I have seen a lot of games there, it is a great place to watch a game. I also saw the Pirates play in Forbes Field and Three Rivers Stadium.
Bill Papierniak, GM Richond Squirrels – Richmond, Virginia
Wrigley Field. it was absolutely awe inspiring from Wrigleyville to the ivy walls to the crowd (it didn’t hurt that I had the chance to walk out onto the field ad take in the whole atmosphere before the game)
I have enjoyed many MiL stadiums from Durham Bulls, Raleigh, NC (Athletic Park) to Lakewood Blue Crabs, Lakewood, NJ (First Energy Park) to Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Myrtle Beach, SC (BB&T Coastal Federal Field) to Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Allentown, PA (Gwinnett Stadium) etc. They all had something special about them.
Randy Whitaker, GM Harrisburg Senators- Harrisburg, PA
I really like the antiques. The nostalgic feel of a game in an old stadium is really special. Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown, Maryland, home of the Hagerstown Suns is a simple ballpark, but gives you that sense that you are watching a game from the fifties.
The same could be said for Bowman Field, home of the Williamsport Crosscutters in Williamsport, PA. Old but well preserved and quaint.
Of the newer parks, other than my own, I enjoyed Coca-Cola Park, home of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in Allentown, PA and Richmond County Bank Ballpark, home of the Staten Island Yankees, Staten Island, NY- (for the view).
Monday, March 7, 2011
General Managers Photos
JOSH OLERUD GM - Potomac Nationals - Woodbridge, Virginia
Carolina League - Affiliate Washington Nationals since 2005
MIKE TORREZ, GM - Newark Bears - Newark, New Jersy - Atlantic League
Mike, won 2 games for the World Series Champions New York Yankees in 1977. He also pitched for the Red Sox, Orioles, Athletics, Cardinals, Expos and Mets in an 18 year career from 1967 - 84.
NEWARK BEARS BRAINTRUST Mike Torrez, GM, Ron Karkovice, VP, player development, Tom E. Cetner, Owner, CEO, Tim Raines, Mgr and Jim Leyritz. pitching coach.
ANDY SHEA General Manager - Lexington Legends - Lexington, Kentucky. - South Atlantic League - Affiliate of the Houston Astros since 2001
MIKE NUTTER President/GM Fort Wayne TinCaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana -Affiliate San Diego Padres since 1999
BEN JONES General Manager - Kinston Indians - Kinston, North Carolina - Carolina League. - Affiliate Cleveland Indians since 1987.
MIKE BIRLING - General Manager - Durham Bulls - Durham, North Carolina - International League - Affiliate Tampa Bay Rays since 1998.
STEVE GLINER, - Vice President/General Manager - Fort Myers Miracle - Fort Myers, Florida. - Florida State League - Affiliate Minnesota Twins since 1993.
TODD RAHR, President/General Manager - Boise Hawks - Boise, Idaho. North West League. - Affiliate Chicago White Sox since 2001.
PAUL BARBEAU, President and General Manager - Great Lakes Loons - Midland, Michigan. Affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2007. They are in the Midwest League.
PAT DAY, General Manager - Lansing Lugnut - Lansing, Michigan -Midwest - Affiliate - Toronto Blue Jays since 2005
ZACH BUREK, General Manager- Lakeland Flying Tigers - Lakeland, Florida. - Florida State League - Affiliate Detroit Tigers since 1967.
BEN JONES, General Manager - Kinston Indians - Kinston, North Carolina - Carolina League. Affiliate of the Cleveland Indians since 1987.
CHUCK BROCKETT, General Manager Burlington Bees - Burlington, Iowa - Midwest League. - Affiliate Kansas City Royals since 2001.
DAVE ECHOLS, General Manager - Charleston RiverDogs - Charleston, South Carolina - Southern Atlantic League. - Affiliate New York Yankees since 2005.
CHRIS BITTERS, General Manager - DelMarva Shorebirds - Salisbury, Maryland - Affiliate Baltimore Orioles since 1997.
MONTY HOPPEL, Midland RockHounds General Manager has been named Baseball America's2010 Executive of the Year. RockHounds - Midland, Texas - Affiliate Oakland Athletics since 1999.
GEOFF BROWN, General Manager - Lakewood BlueClaws - Lakewood, New Jersey - Affiliate Philadelphia Phillies
STEVE DESALVO, General Manager - Mississippi Braves - Pearl, Mississippi - Southern League - Affiliate Atlanta, Braves
STEVE DESALVO, General Manager -Mississippi Braves - Pearl, Mississisppi and Norm Coleman. Affiliate Atlanta Braves.
TED TORNOW, General Manager -Clinton Lumber Kings - Clinton, Iowa Midwest League 2010 Division Championa - Affiliat Seattle Mariners
MARK SEAMAN, General Manager - Hickory Crawdads - Hickory, North Carolina - South Atlantic League - Affiliate Texas Rangers
GREG COLEMAN, President - Erie SeaWolves - Erie, Pennsylvania. Affiliate Detroit Tigers since 2001 - EASTERN LEAGUE
MIKE MELEGA, General Manager- Tulsa Drillers - Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have been an Affiliate of the Colorado Rockies since 2003
BRIAN SHALLCROSS General Manager - Bowie Bay Sox - Bowie, Maryland. They have been an Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1999.They are in the Eastern League.
JIM HOLLAND, General Manager Princeton Rays - Princeton, W. Virginia.
Affiliate of the Tanpa Bay Rays since 1997.
DAVE ROSENFIELD, General Manager - Norfolk Tides - Norfolk, Virginia. They have been an Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles since 2007.
PETE LAVEN, General Manager - Arkansas Travelers- Little Rock, ARK --Affiliate Los Angeles Angels
KURT LANDES, General Manager - Lehigh Valley IronPigs - Allentown, PA. T AAA Affiliate - Philadelphia Phillies.
CAL BURLESON, Vice President & General Manager of the Indianapolis Indians located in Indianapolis, Indiana. They are an Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. This is Cal's 37th year with the Indians.
BILL PAPIERNIAK is the General Manager of the Richmond Squirrels located in Richmond, Virginia. They have been an Affiliate
of the San Francisco Giants since 2003.
RANDY WHITAKER is the General Manager for the Harrisburg Senators located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the Eastern League. They have been an Affiliate of the Washington Nationals since 2005.
Interviews with General Managers - The snippets you see here are a small part of the interview.
MIKE BIRLING, General Manager, Durham Bulls - Durham, North Carolina
NORM: What do you love the most about your job?
BIRLING: I am very lucky to have the job I do. Most people only dream of having a job they absolutely love. In eighteen seasons, I have never looked at the clock saying, it is time to go home.
The best things are the everyday challenges. There is no boredom in this job.
Every day, a different department has something that needs to get solved, so I love working with each manager on coming up with solutions that will make the experience more memorable to our fans and our community.
GREG COLEMAN, President - Erie SeaWolves - Erie, Pennsylvania
NORM: What was your first job in baseball?
COLEMAN: I was the Director of Marketing and Media for the Daytona Cubs in 1998. My job entailed selling advertising and tickets, communicating with the press, press releases, pitching stories, placing advertising and coordinating promotions with our various media partners, community appearances with our mascot, designing the team’s yearbook and serving as the team’s PA announcer.
TED TORNOW, GM - Clinton Lumber Kings - Clinton, Iowa
NORM: What do you love the most about your job?
TORNOW: The interaction with the fans. Knowing that we put a smile on someones face, even if it was for a few hours out of their day.
MARK SEAMAN - GM - Hckory Crawdads - Hickory, North Carolina
NORM: What is the most outstanding memory you have working for the Crawdads?
SEAMAN: A handicapped boy with braces on both legs and walkers on both arms running around the bases after the game.
MARTIE J. CORDARO - Vice President/General Manager of the Omaha Stormchasers located in Omaha, Nebraska.
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball? How did you obtain that position and how did that job enable you to get to where you today?
CORDARO: I worked in marketing and promotions while finishing my Marketing degree at Louisiana Tech University in 1996. I visited with Randy Davis, the head coach at the time to see what opportunities were available.
That set me up in regard to running events and selling tickets, advertising and
additional inventories. My first year in MiLB was with the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Double-A Southern League) in 1999 selling group and picnic tickets.
I was able to land that by going through the Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities program at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN.
DAVE ECHOLS General Manager - Charleston RiverDogs - Charleston, South Carolina - Southern Atlantic League.
NORM: What do you love the most about your job?
ECHOLS: The fact that our job is never the same. The fun, the challenges, the mistakes, they come at you each game, each month and each off-season. I love challenging myself to be better than the previous season and providing a quality entertainment option for our fans and being a productive community partner in Charleston and turning a profit for our owners.
MIKE NUTTER, President, GM Fort Wayne Tincaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana
:NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Tincaps?
NUTTER: Lots of stuff the fans never realize! It does not consist of anything in terms of the players on the field. Other than that, our staff is responsible for just about everything! We pick the game times, set ticket prices, concessions menus, promotions, etc. Our front office is responsible for the gate opening times, promotions, community involvement and just about everything other than who plays for the team and who the coaches and manager are.
ZACK BUREK, General Manger - Lakeland Flying Tigers - Lakeland, Florida
NORM: What was your first job in baseball?
BUREK:: My first job working in baseball was an internship with the Detroit Tigers Florida Operations in Lakeland, Florida. We run Detroit Tigers Spring Training, Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Tigertown complex. I was fortunate to obtain the internship through college at Southern New Hampshire University. I was able to get "real" business experience through the internship and learned ticket, sales, marketing and game-day skills that you can't learn in any text book.
NORM: What are your responsibilities?
BUREK :I am responsible for providing fans, our customers, affordable, family fun. Everything we do is centered on providing value back to fans. I oversee all the business activities of the club including ticket and group sales, sponsorships and partnerships, marketing, advertising and game-day operations. I also hire and train seasonal, part-time and game-day employees.
DAVE ROSENFIELD, General Manager - Norfolk Tides - Norfolk, Virginia
NORM: This year marks the fifty-sixth consecutive year you have been associated with a professional club. Is that a record of sorts?
ROSENFIELD: I do not know if it is a record but fifty years with one team, the Norfolk Tides is a lot. I arrived here in 1962.
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball?
ROSENFIELD: My first job in baseball in 1956 was with the class A Bakersfield Boosters, the worst name in baseball history. It was a brand new ownership and that was their Corporate name and that is what they called their team. I was their GM. I also coached third half the time and played a game or two. I was a catcher.
PETE LAVEN, General Manager - Arkansas Travelers - Little Rock, Arkansas Affiliate - Los Angeles Angels
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball?
LAVEN: Stadium Operations Intern for the Arkansas Travelers. I had recently graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1991 with a degree in Journalism. Towards the end of my college career I had gained more of an interest in advertising sales than writing / reporting via my experience at the school newspaper. However, advertising agencies in Chicago weren’t tripping over themselves to hire C students.
The summer of 1991 was also the inaugural season for the Kane County Cougars, at the time the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, who had begun playing in Geneva, IL.
My dad was able to set up a meeting with then Cougars GM Bill Larsen. In our meeting he told me that the best way to break into minor league baseball was to attend the job fair at the upcoming Baseball Winter Meeting. That is what I did and landed a job as intern for the Travelers.
CAL BURLESON is the Vice President and General Manager for the Indianapolis Indians located in Indianapolis, Indiana. They have been an Affiliate of the Pittsburg Pirates since 2005.
NORM: Given the downturn in the economy, what are the Indians doing to not only hold the attendance but to increase it over last year?
BURLESON: We try to maintain a focus on our brand and mission. Our brand of baseball is up close and that means when you come to an Indians game, you are seated close to the action. You are seated close to family and friends and we are located very close to the most dynamic downtown in the country, Indianapolis.
Our mission is provide Indians baseball as affordable and memorable family fun so if we keep our focus on the fans and if we do that, we will come out in good shape.
KURT LANDES - General Manager -Lehigh Valley IronPigs - Allentown, Pennsylvania. Affiliate - Philadelphia Phillies.
NORM: What are your responsibilities for the IronPigs?
LANDES: I oversee the entire business operations of the franchise and facility (Coca-Cola Park). I guide and balance the club's relationships between the fans, clients, league, Minor League Baseball, the Phillies organization, full and part-time employees and ownership.
NORM: You were the International League’s 2010 Executive of the year for the 2nd consecutive year. How do you feel about this?
KURT: It was a tremendous honor, but a team honor accepted on behalf of our entire front office staff. I am always appreciative of our ownership and management team that allows our staff to operate in a first-class manner and dprovide resourses many teams do not have.
BRIAN SHALLCROSS - General Manager - Bowie Bay Sox Bowie, Maryland. Affiliate - Pittsburgh Pirates.
NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Bay Sox?
SHALLCROSS: My job is to put smiles on the faces of the fans who enter the ballpark and provide the best entertainment
value in our market. Also, aspects of player development, public relations, sales & marketing and providing a positive fan
experience.
JOHN SIMONE - General Manager - Syracuse Chiefs - Syracuse, New York. Affiliate - Washington Nationals.
NORM: What was your first job in baseball?
SIMONE: My first job at a baseball stadium was sweeping the stands after games. I was 14 and was paid $3.00 per hour. My first job in the front office was in the summer of 1979. I was hired mid-season as PR Director replacing a gentleman who ran for political office and left to run his campaign. He lost and I was hired in January 1980 working in sales & PR.
Anytime you start at the bottom...it helps you understand what it takes to run a baseball team from the ground floor.
BILL PAPIERNIAK, General Manager - Richmond Flying Squirrels Richmond, Virginia Eastern League. - Affiliate - San Francisco Giants.
NORM: When did you start with the Squirrels? What are your responsibilities?
PAPIERNIAK: I became General Manager of the Richmond Squirrels on September 15, 2009 (coinciding with approval from Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League for relocation of the Connecticut Defenders franchise to Richmond). I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and direction of the team and faciiity (The Diamond) and everything that it entails - (All revenue streams and expenses).
MIKE MELEGA, General Manager - Tulsa Drillers - Tulsa, Oklahoma. Affiliate Colorado Rockies since 2003 - Texas League.
NORM: When did you start working in baseball, what jobs have you had and how have they prepared you for your current position?
MELEGA - I began my baseball career in 1993 as an intern with the Erie Sailors in the New York Penn League and came to Tulsa in 1994 as an intern in our Food & Beverage Department. I handled F & B for the Drillers for several seasons and then held the titles of Group Sales Manager, Promotions Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing and Assistant GM before finally getting the opportunity to become GM in 2006.
RANDY WHITAKER, General Manager - Harrisburg Senators -Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Eastern League. - Affiliate Washington Nationals since 2005.
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball? How did you obtain that position? How did that job enable you to get to where you are today?
WHITAKER: My first job in baseball is the one I have now – General Manager. I worked for 25 years in commercial television in various sales capacities. As Research Director for the local ABC network affiliate I came in contact with one of the entities interested in purchasing the Senators from the City of Harrisburg. They were looking for market and media information to help them determine the viability of purchasing the team.
I’d been a regular at Senators games for almost two decades and an avid minor league baseball fan who had experienced over 80 different minor league parks and operations. I became an “unpaid consultant” as they went through the bidding process and continued when they purchased the team. When the GM position became available I was offered the job. I believe they considered it a choice between bringing in a baseball guy and having him learn the business environment or hire a long-time business person within the market and teaching him baseball. The fact that I already had a decent basic understanding of the principles behind the minor league baseball business helped.
NORM: What do you love the most about your job?
BIRLING: I am very lucky to have the job I do. Most people only dream of having a job they absolutely love. In eighteen seasons, I have never looked at the clock saying, it is time to go home.
The best things are the everyday challenges. There is no boredom in this job.
Every day, a different department has something that needs to get solved, so I love working with each manager on coming up with solutions that will make the experience more memorable to our fans and our community.
GREG COLEMAN, President - Erie SeaWolves - Erie, Pennsylvania
NORM: What was your first job in baseball?
COLEMAN: I was the Director of Marketing and Media for the Daytona Cubs in 1998. My job entailed selling advertising and tickets, communicating with the press, press releases, pitching stories, placing advertising and coordinating promotions with our various media partners, community appearances with our mascot, designing the team’s yearbook and serving as the team’s PA announcer.
TED TORNOW, GM - Clinton Lumber Kings - Clinton, Iowa
NORM: What do you love the most about your job?
TORNOW: The interaction with the fans. Knowing that we put a smile on someones face, even if it was for a few hours out of their day.
MARK SEAMAN - GM - Hckory Crawdads - Hickory, North Carolina
NORM: What is the most outstanding memory you have working for the Crawdads?
SEAMAN: A handicapped boy with braces on both legs and walkers on both arms running around the bases after the game.
MARTIE J. CORDARO - Vice President/General Manager of the Omaha Stormchasers located in Omaha, Nebraska.
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball? How did you obtain that position and how did that job enable you to get to where you today?
CORDARO: I worked in marketing and promotions while finishing my Marketing degree at Louisiana Tech University in 1996. I visited with Randy Davis, the head coach at the time to see what opportunities were available.
That set me up in regard to running events and selling tickets, advertising and
additional inventories. My first year in MiLB was with the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx (Double-A Southern League) in 1999 selling group and picnic tickets.
I was able to land that by going through the Professional Baseball Employment Opportunities program at the Winter Meetings in Nashville, TN.
DAVE ECHOLS General Manager - Charleston RiverDogs - Charleston, South Carolina - Southern Atlantic League.
NORM: What do you love the most about your job?
ECHOLS: The fact that our job is never the same. The fun, the challenges, the mistakes, they come at you each game, each month and each off-season. I love challenging myself to be better than the previous season and providing a quality entertainment option for our fans and being a productive community partner in Charleston and turning a profit for our owners.
MIKE NUTTER, President, GM Fort Wayne Tincaps - Fort Wayne, Indiana
:NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Tincaps?
NUTTER: Lots of stuff the fans never realize! It does not consist of anything in terms of the players on the field. Other than that, our staff is responsible for just about everything! We pick the game times, set ticket prices, concessions menus, promotions, etc. Our front office is responsible for the gate opening times, promotions, community involvement and just about everything other than who plays for the team and who the coaches and manager are.
ZACK BUREK, General Manger - Lakeland Flying Tigers - Lakeland, Florida
NORM: What was your first job in baseball?
BUREK:: My first job working in baseball was an internship with the Detroit Tigers Florida Operations in Lakeland, Florida. We run Detroit Tigers Spring Training, Lakeland Flying Tigers and the Tigertown complex. I was fortunate to obtain the internship through college at Southern New Hampshire University. I was able to get "real" business experience through the internship and learned ticket, sales, marketing and game-day skills that you can't learn in any text book.
NORM: What are your responsibilities?
BUREK :I am responsible for providing fans, our customers, affordable, family fun. Everything we do is centered on providing value back to fans. I oversee all the business activities of the club including ticket and group sales, sponsorships and partnerships, marketing, advertising and game-day operations. I also hire and train seasonal, part-time and game-day employees.
DAVE ROSENFIELD, General Manager - Norfolk Tides - Norfolk, Virginia
NORM: This year marks the fifty-sixth consecutive year you have been associated with a professional club. Is that a record of sorts?
ROSENFIELD: I do not know if it is a record but fifty years with one team, the Norfolk Tides is a lot. I arrived here in 1962.
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball?
ROSENFIELD: My first job in baseball in 1956 was with the class A Bakersfield Boosters, the worst name in baseball history. It was a brand new ownership and that was their Corporate name and that is what they called their team. I was their GM. I also coached third half the time and played a game or two. I was a catcher.
PETE LAVEN, General Manager - Arkansas Travelers - Little Rock, Arkansas Affiliate - Los Angeles Angels
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball?
LAVEN: Stadium Operations Intern for the Arkansas Travelers. I had recently graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1991 with a degree in Journalism. Towards the end of my college career I had gained more of an interest in advertising sales than writing / reporting via my experience at the school newspaper. However, advertising agencies in Chicago weren’t tripping over themselves to hire C students.
The summer of 1991 was also the inaugural season for the Kane County Cougars, at the time the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, who had begun playing in Geneva, IL.
My dad was able to set up a meeting with then Cougars GM Bill Larsen. In our meeting he told me that the best way to break into minor league baseball was to attend the job fair at the upcoming Baseball Winter Meeting. That is what I did and landed a job as intern for the Travelers.
CAL BURLESON is the Vice President and General Manager for the Indianapolis Indians located in Indianapolis, Indiana. They have been an Affiliate of the Pittsburg Pirates since 2005.
NORM: Given the downturn in the economy, what are the Indians doing to not only hold the attendance but to increase it over last year?
BURLESON: We try to maintain a focus on our brand and mission. Our brand of baseball is up close and that means when you come to an Indians game, you are seated close to the action. You are seated close to family and friends and we are located very close to the most dynamic downtown in the country, Indianapolis.
Our mission is provide Indians baseball as affordable and memorable family fun so if we keep our focus on the fans and if we do that, we will come out in good shape.
KURT LANDES - General Manager -Lehigh Valley IronPigs - Allentown, Pennsylvania. Affiliate - Philadelphia Phillies.
NORM: What are your responsibilities for the IronPigs?
LANDES: I oversee the entire business operations of the franchise and facility (Coca-Cola Park). I guide and balance the club's relationships between the fans, clients, league, Minor League Baseball, the Phillies organization, full and part-time employees and ownership.
NORM: You were the International League’s 2010 Executive of the year for the 2nd consecutive year. How do you feel about this?
KURT: It was a tremendous honor, but a team honor accepted on behalf of our entire front office staff. I am always appreciative of our ownership and management team that allows our staff to operate in a first-class manner and dprovide resourses many teams do not have.
BRIAN SHALLCROSS - General Manager - Bowie Bay Sox Bowie, Maryland. Affiliate - Pittsburgh Pirates.
NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Bay Sox?
SHALLCROSS: My job is to put smiles on the faces of the fans who enter the ballpark and provide the best entertainment
value in our market. Also, aspects of player development, public relations, sales & marketing and providing a positive fan
experience.
JOHN SIMONE - General Manager - Syracuse Chiefs - Syracuse, New York. Affiliate - Washington Nationals.
NORM: What was your first job in baseball?
SIMONE: My first job at a baseball stadium was sweeping the stands after games. I was 14 and was paid $3.00 per hour. My first job in the front office was in the summer of 1979. I was hired mid-season as PR Director replacing a gentleman who ran for political office and left to run his campaign. He lost and I was hired in January 1980 working in sales & PR.
Anytime you start at the bottom...it helps you understand what it takes to run a baseball team from the ground floor.
BILL PAPIERNIAK, General Manager - Richmond Flying Squirrels Richmond, Virginia Eastern League. - Affiliate - San Francisco Giants.
NORM: When did you start with the Squirrels? What are your responsibilities?
PAPIERNIAK: I became General Manager of the Richmond Squirrels on September 15, 2009 (coinciding with approval from Minor League Baseball and the Eastern League for relocation of the Connecticut Defenders franchise to Richmond). I am responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and direction of the team and faciiity (The Diamond) and everything that it entails - (All revenue streams and expenses).
MIKE MELEGA, General Manager - Tulsa Drillers - Tulsa, Oklahoma. Affiliate Colorado Rockies since 2003 - Texas League.
NORM: When did you start working in baseball, what jobs have you had and how have they prepared you for your current position?
MELEGA - I began my baseball career in 1993 as an intern with the Erie Sailors in the New York Penn League and came to Tulsa in 1994 as an intern in our Food & Beverage Department. I handled F & B for the Drillers for several seasons and then held the titles of Group Sales Manager, Promotions Manager, Director of Sales & Marketing and Assistant GM before finally getting the opportunity to become GM in 2006.
RANDY WHITAKER, General Manager - Harrisburg Senators -Harrisburg, Pennsylvania - Eastern League. - Affiliate Washington Nationals since 2005.
NORM: What was your first job working in baseball? How did you obtain that position? How did that job enable you to get to where you are today?
WHITAKER: My first job in baseball is the one I have now – General Manager. I worked for 25 years in commercial television in various sales capacities. As Research Director for the local ABC network affiliate I came in contact with one of the entities interested in purchasing the Senators from the City of Harrisburg. They were looking for market and media information to help them determine the viability of purchasing the team.
I’d been a regular at Senators games for almost two decades and an avid minor league baseball fan who had experienced over 80 different minor league parks and operations. I became an “unpaid consultant” as they went through the bidding process and continued when they purchased the team. When the GM position became available I was offered the job. I believe they considered it a choice between bringing in a baseball guy and having him learn the business environment or hire a long-time business person within the market and teaching him baseball. The fact that I already had a decent basic understanding of the principles behind the minor league baseball business helped.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)