Have you ever wondered
what it would be like to actually
meet Batman? How
about Wonder Woman?
ESPN Analyst Jayson Stark,
accompanied by other members
of the Philadelphia-area
media, may not have super
powers, but they are no doubt
heroes.
On the same rain-soaked
morning as the annual Wing
Bowl, 200 communications
majors interested in careers
professional sports media,
filled Citizens Bank Park’s
Diamond Club.
Hosted by the Philadelphia
Phillies, the red carpet was
laid out for these students, as
well as members of the press,
television, radio, public relations
and photography.
This event was an introduction
to those future graduates
who feel the jobs they want
are simply unavailable and
unattainable.
While the chance to have a
casual Q&A with a respected
national sports writer is not
exactly rubbing elbows with
greatness, it gave students a
taste of professional success.
To make the event more
personal, students were
directed in groups to various
parts of the stadiums skeleton
to view the everyday actions
of the Phillies employees.
Intrigued patrons could wander
into booths housing such
celebrities as Scott Franzke,
who is joining the Phillies
radio broadcast team this
year, or others chose to speak
with the public relations or
fan development departments.
“It’s cool to learn about the
jobs that are actually available,”
said fellow Bucks student
and communications
major Pat Furness, “and to
learn what it takes to get
there.”
Hosts like Tom McCarthy,
in his second stint as the
Phillies play-by-play broadcaster,
spoke energetically
about the industry of communications
and the dedication
and hard work that goes into
it. When asked if this industry
has a tendency to be a
“cut-throat” business,
McCarthy said “If you let it
be.”
The day was strategically
planned and meticulously
orchestrated, allowing 18-to-
22-year-old students get
exclusives some reporters
would dream about.
Panel after panel of wellrespected
men and women,
encouraged these students to
understand the difficulties of
breaking into a very popular
industry. Their words offered
a valuable introduction into
the lifestyles, characteristics
and mindset of their favorite
personalities. “You should
always follow your passion
when it comes to finding a
career,” said the host for the
afternoon Scott Palmer, director
of public affairs.
Sports Radio 950 on-air personality
Jody Mac was also
on hand to offer his story and
encouragement to the awed
crowd. Mac spoke from experience
as he started his career
not at the very top with
ESPN, but in the bowels of
the building’s mail room.
Making his way from stamping
envelopes to the anchors
chair took responsibility and
perseverance. Even though
his father has very good connections
within sports, Mac
was very stringent in making
sure the masses were aware
that “the in’ can get you the
job, but you have to keep it.”
From watching iconic figures
of everyday life subject
themselves to questions and
comments from lowly college
students, put perspective into
the personal make-up of
these local celebrities. Success
does require a kind of aggression
that can take over ones
personality. But it’s the
humility and rare kindness
that makes these figures elite
heroes to many college students.