Top News / April 26, 2012

Breaking into Baseball: Alumni Headline Baseball Industry Networking Night

Frank Auditorium was the place to be on Thursday, April 26, 2012, for students interested in a career in professional baseball. Executives from Major League Baseball, the minor leagues and the media shared advice about the profession at the Baseball Industry Networking Night hosted by the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.

A panel discussion featuring executives from the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and others gave students an inside look at the game and the various professional opportunities in the sport. The panel was moderated by Tyrone Brooks (Smith School ’96), director of player personnel for the Pirates.

BaseballPanel

 The executives said an internship is the first requirement for those hoping to work in baseball. The second requirement is the willingness to work hard.

“If you want to break into baseball, you have to stand out,” said Bruce Leith (UMD ’91) who works for the Phillies. “It’s competitive with about four interns for every one possible full-time opportunity.”

The advice panelists shared included:Baseball1

  • An internship (at least one) is required to break into the game.
  • Be willing to work for a few dollars per hour or for nothing at first.
  • Step up and volunteer to do jobs others won’t do.
  • Hustle!
  • Be willing to do anything and everything.
  • Make every task a learning opportunity.
  • Network.
  • Be patient. It may take a while to land a paid position.
  • Find a niche that is not filled and fill it.

Listening to the panelists, it became clear that the successful people in baseball are entrepreneurial and passionate about their work, and they are willing to help younger people who want to get into the game.

“I’ve learned a great deal working with the Nationals,” said Ted Towne (MBA ’08), vice president of finance for the Washington team. “I am happy to be here tonight to share some of my experience with the Smith School students. Hopefully, we helped them somewhat tonight.”

Baseball Industry Network Panelists included:

  • Tyrone Brooks (Smith School ’96), director of player personnel, Pittsburgh Pirates
  • Ted Towne (MBA ’08), vice president of finance, Washington Nationals
  • Adam Crome, director of baseball operations, Washington Nationals
  • Aaron Moszer, assistant vice president of sales, Ripken Baseball; G.M., Aberdeen IronBirds
  • Rachel Fink, recruiting manager, Ripken Baseball
  • Bruce Leith, (UMD ’91) manager, concession development, Philadelphia Phillies
  • Lisa Winston, media consultant, Lisa Winston Media
  • Phil Wrye, assistant general manager, Bowie Baysox (Orioles AA)

Ken White, Office of Marketing Communications

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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