Photo caption: Participants in Minor League Baseball's 2018 FIELD program, including CEHD student Hannah Craig, pose in front of the scoreboard at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
story by Claire Miller
Every year, Minor League Baseball invites a select group of students to participate in its Fostering Inclusion through Education and Leadership Development (FIELD) program, which provides training, networking opportunities and hands-on experiences for those interested in careers in sport business.
Hannah Craig
Sport administration graduate student Hannah Craig was part of this year’s FIELD program and spoke about the program’s benefits, her love for baseball and what she learned about working with Minor League Baseball.
Q: How did you first become interested in a career in sport business/administration? And what made you interested in Minor League Baseball in particular?
A: “I always wanted to work in the baseball industry, but I never thought that dream was actually possible. My original plan was to work in admissions at a college and be a recruiter. I quickly realized that I wanted to take a different path in my career and chase after my passion.
“My passion for baseball, marketing and people made me interested in Minor League Baseball (MiLB). I love how MiLB is geared more towards fan engagement instead of the product on the field. With 160 MiLB teams, the opportunities are endless.”
Q: How would you describe the FIELD program?
A: “The MiLB FIELD program is geared for someone who is passionate about working in the sport industry because it helps engage the next generation of diverse leaders through educational and leadership development. There are many opportunities to interact with professionals. Some of the activities included résumé and mock interview workshops, keynote speaker series, and diversity and inclusion activities. The program was hosted at Historic Dodgertown, home of the first integrated sport training site. The FIELD program also extends its invite to all participants to attend Minor League Baseball’s job fair at the Baseball Winter Meeting, which is in Las Vegas, Nev., this year.”
Q: What were some of the most memorable experiences from this year’s FIELD program?
A: “We visited the Daytona Tortugas, the Class-A-Advanced affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. At the end of the game, all 29 of the FIELD participants helped roll the tarp onto the baseball field. We realized how challenging laying the tarp on the field is, especially after a day of work. However, we all had smiles on our faces, and it was actually a lot of fun!
“We also had the opportunity to work in different areas during the game, such as in-game promotions, press box announcing and digital media. The whole atmosphere at the game from beginning to end was upbeat and fun. This game day experience gave us a clearer understanding of day-to-day operations of a MiLB game.”
Q: What lessons did you take away from participating in the FIELD program?
A: “Work in your passion and always challenge yourself in unique and different ways. Working in the sport industry can be a grind, but it’s all about your passion and showcasing that passion in your daily life.”