Career Fair

Yesterday, Buddy and I attended the Eastern North Carolina Career Fair at the Civic Center. This year's theme was quite appropriate-"Step up to the plate." Buddy was the Lunch and Learn guest speaker and was able to apply the world of baseball to marketing strategies. He is a dynamic speaker if you haven't had the chance to see him and he is available for all occasions...ok so I made that last part up, but he would be more than happy to discuss marketing opportunities and Marlins Baseball with anyone. Speaking of marketing and thinking outside the box, we unveiled one of our new marketing pieces...a life-size cardboard player cutout. These will be strategically placed around Carteret County. The one we brought with us was a picture of our All-Star third baseman from last season-Steve Marino.

We had the opportunity to meet new businesses in the area and learn a little bit more about some expanding companies. We also had the chance to promote our baseball team in preparation for the upcoming season and were able to speak to some job seekers about our available game day staff positions. We are looking for high school or college students who would like a part-time job in the summer. Any adults that wish to apply, please do. Adults would be great at ticket sales and ushering. Primarily we look for outgoing individuals as they make the atmosphere that much more enjoyable to our fans. A smile can go a long way. Some positions include: concessions, vendor, tickets taking, ticket sales, mascot, etc. You get the idea. I plan on writing a release within the next few days so everyone can get started on applying. If you would like more information or would like an application, please email me or stop by the office.

Marlins Add Two FIU Veteran Pitchers

From our Press Release:

The Morehead City Marlins Baseball Team announced today the signings of junior right-handed pitchers Aaron Arboleya and Christian Malbrough, both from Florida International University.

As an integral part of the Florida International University’s rotation in 2010, Aaron Arboleya looks to use his experiences wherever the Panthers may need him. This season, Arboleya has already seen seven appearances out of the bullpen to the tune of a 4.32 ERA while holding his competition to a .233 batting average. With a 1-1 record on the season after 17 games, the Miramar, FL native has struck out eight batters, while only walking three in 8.1 innings. Arboleya is currently majoring in physical education.

Another member of the Panthers’ pitching squad will make the trip to Morehead City this summer. Christian Malbrough, a native from Bourg, LA, will also make an impact on the mound for the Marlins. Malbrough has seen limited time on the rubber for the FIU bullpen, but has been quite impressive by striking out seven hitters in only 3.1 innings. Malbrough is currently pursuing a degree in general studies.

“Both Aaron and Christian can fill really important roles with our team,” said Marlins Manager Jay Bergman. “Either player can start or relieve and will provide quality innings throughout the summer.”

Florida International University, a division I team, participates in the Sun Belt Conference. A season ago, the Panthers baseball team rattled off five-straight games in the double-elimination conference tournament to earn SBC championship for the first time since 1999. The team would eventually earn a NCAA Regional berth appearance for their accomplishments and ultimately finished the season with a 36-25 record. With a great start in 2011, the 12-5 FIU baseball team stands to retain their conference championship.

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My take:

Malbrough and Arboleya will both provide multiple innings throughout the summer, whether that's in the bullpen or as members of the rotation. Coach Bergman, along with his staff will have to make those decisions. It can only help our team that both players are juniors. Experience and proper development is really important to summer collegiate baseball and we believe both players will be able to contribute on a high level. Sometimes there is a big difference between freshman and junior players, but really it depends on a lot of different factors.

Marlins Hire Broadcaster

From our Press Release:

The Morehead City Marlins announced today that Daron Vaught has been hired as the play-by-play broadcaster on CPL Web Pass and media relations director for the 2011 season.

Vaught, a Mass Communications student at Emory & Henry College in southwestern Virginia, will bring an array of sports and media experience to Morehead City. Vaught, who played Division III baseball at E&H for two seasons, plays an integral part in sports coverage for WEHC-FM, Emory & Henry’s campus radio station. He serves as the primary play-by-play broadcaster for Wasps and Lady Wasps basketball games, and he hosts halftime shows for Emory & Henry football games. Vaught also anchors the sports portion of E&H’s campus television production, “Emory & Henry Reports,” and is often published as a guest writer on MrSportsbook.com. He is a candidate for the coveted Jim Nantz Award, given by the Sports Talent Agency of America to the best collegiate sportscaster in the nation.

“Baseball is obviously a deep passion of mine, so I am very thankful for this opportunity,” said Vaught. “I look forward to spending the summer on the Crystal Coast, and I can’t wait to get started.”

In the summer of 2010, Vaught was also hired by Appalachian Mountain Studios to host the reality television show “Back To The Woods,” which was shot on the Virginia Creeper Trail and featured current “Survivor: Redemption Island” contestant Ralph Kiser.

“Daron will be a welcomed addition to our organization this summer as we embark upon our second season,” said Marlins General Manager Christopher Marmo. “He already has a wealth of experience which will be beneficial to the start of his professional career in Morehead City.”

A junior, Vaught is set to graduate in May of 2012 with a double major in Mass Communications and English, as well as a minor in Sport Management. He is also a member of the Bonner Scholarship Program and is very active in community service, particularly coaching youth sports.

Carteret County Chamber of Commerce

Working in baseball the last 5 years, it's really important to become involved in the community and to join certain groups. One such group in Carteret County is the Chamber of Commerce. They do such a wonderful job of creating social events for local businesses. Working with other Chamber of Commerce's in North Carolina in the past, the desire and commitment was just not there. I applaud Mike Wagoner and his staff for the great job they do year in and year out.

The Chamber have been huge supporters of the local baseball team from the beginning and want to see it grow and thrive in the future like we do. Because of this, we have decided to become chamber ambassadors and help the Chamber out in any way we can. If you're not a member, I highly recommend pursuing a membership with the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce. And if you would like to know more about upcoming chamber events or our experiences with the chamber, please ask.

For all information relating to the Carteret County Chamber of Commerce, please visit: http://www.nccoastchamber.com/

Happy St. Patrick's Day

The Marlins would like to wish everyone a wonderful and safe St. Patrick's Day. I am not Irish as it's kind of obvious since my last name ends in 'O'. But the non-Irish have a right to celebrate since it's a national holiday. Most St. Patty's days coincide with spring break, so it gives an opportunity for people to spend time with friends and family and that's always a plus in my book. It also gives me the excuse to wear green, one of my favorite colors, besides MHC Marlins blue of course.

Baseball has seen some great 'purely' Irish players over the years, namely (cough cough) Mark McGwire, Ed Delahanty, Mike 'King' Kelly, John McGraw, and Ed Walsh. Some other 'mixed heritage' Irishmen include Derek Jeter, Connie Mack, Paul O'Neill, and Steve Garvey. The Irish have certainly made an impact on the game of baseball that's for sure and it's important to recognize them on their special day.

So whatever you might be doing tonight with your friends and family, please be responsible.

Japan

Last Friday, one of the worst natural disasters occurred as Japan was hit with an 8.9 earthquake that set off a train reaction of tsunamis. Over the last few years we have seen many countries, including our own, succumb to the power of nature. There is such a helpless feeling when something like this happens, but there are ways to help out, including donations.

Japan has become rich in baseball tradition over the course of the last century. Baseball took off after a few MLB all-stars showcased their talent overseas in 1934 as part of their Far East Tour. You may have heard of one of them: George Herman (Babe) Ruth. Shortly after in 1936, Japan had created their own professional baseball league.

The culture of Japan has always interested me, in particular Samurais and their discipline. As a baseball fan, I began to follow the development of other baseball cultures closely. Japan's discipline and focus have led to a very different, but exciting style of baseball. The game has certainly evolved because of the Japanese impact. Actually, there are baseball schools in Japan where kids practice baseball every single day, mixed in with education of course.

Japanese players have certainly changed the American game to an extent. Players like Ichiro, Matsui, and Nomo have all made their mark on American soil. I will look for more Japanese imports in the near future. We all hope that Japan rebounds quickly and our thoughts and prayers are with every Japanese player in America as well as their entire country.

The Process of Recruiting

Every year, 30 or so summer collegiate leagues around the nation compete to recruit/sign the best college baseball players in the nation. Typically, the recruiting starts the day after the season ends, which generally is in middle-late August. What is each team looking for? That depends on who you ask. Each coach/organization come from a different background and only they know what they want in a player. With that said, we strive to recruit players that are obviously talented ballplayers. Every team wants to win and the Marlins are no different. At the same time, we also recruit high character athletes as well. Most dedicated players understand the importance of summer collegiate baseball, but there are some that do not. We are facilitating the process of becoming a professional baseball player. Each player is here to refine their skills so that down the road they will be more prepared for tougher competition and ultimately will mature in the process.

Each player will be under a microscope by their family, friends, scouts, teammates, coaches, staff, and mainly...you the fans. Players serve as role models and pillars of the community and are required to act in a professional manner on and off the field. They represent our organization as each wear the 'Marlins' across their chest. We expect them to engage in proper activities off the field and perform on a high level between the lines. With character athletes, it makes it easier to play as a team and teamwork ultimately leads to winning. I've seen super talented players in this league, but eventually struggle because they are not 'team-players'. I certainly give most, if not all the credit to our Manager Jay Bergman. He's certainly been around the game for quite some time and not only knows the game inside and out but commands respect. He is also an effective communicator and leader. He wants every player to learn more about the game of baseball and apply it down the road.

Coach Bergman has done the majority of the recruiting this year and has put together a wonderful group of guys. Recruiting is all about who you know and who trusts you. Fortunately for the Marlins, Coach Bergman has many connections in Texas and Florida in particular where these areas are perceived as 'baseball hotbeds'. I on the other hand do not do any of the recruiting. I handle all contracts though. Many organizations are quite different where roles are reversed.

I believe I touched upon some of this in a previous blog, but schools must have to trust each summer organization. You don't want a summer coach to run a pitcher in the ground or have someone catch 50 games. Just doesn't work like that. They are only human and the wear and tear of the game can be extreme a lot of the time. Ideally, any and every coach wants to put the best team on the field. If you don't perform well, then we will find someone else to do it. Just like anything in life. Winning certainly is a great remedy for the long summer season. It also brings more fans out to the ball park.

We do try to sign local players from the area, but we are searching for specific players. Once again talent and character is what we are looking for. Our coaches have been doing this for a long period of time and they are pretty good at it. We let them do what they are best at and that's finding the best kids possible to play in Morehead City for the summer.

There are 27 spots available on each roster in the Coastal Plain League and each one is as important as the next. The roster is ever-changing throughout the offseason and during the season as well. Every year there are injuries/problems, but each team has to deal with that as well. It's part of the game.

At the end of the day, every player was targeted and recruited for a reason; because we believe they will be a valuable asset to our organization and community. After one successful season in the books, the results have been seen. You win on and off the field.

So you want to work in Sports?

Lately, a lot of individuals that I have met with have asked me how I became involved baseball. I certainly enjoy questions like these as it allows me the opportunity to ask the same questions. I like to hear the different backgrounds that people come from. It's quite interesting to me. So it sparked an idea for a blog.

So you like sports and want to become involved in it. I've interviewed about 150 potential interns in the last 5 years and many stand out compared to others. Let's start off with the basics.

When I was deciding on which colleges were right for me, I certainly had no idea what I wanted to do in the future. And that's ok. I would probably make a list of your interests and hobbies and apply those interests when applying to college. For example, I had a great desire to work in baseball, but I also had an affinity for history, in particular archaeology. So I applied to a school that had both a sport management and archaeology programs. I knew I wanted to do one or other. After a year at college, I officially changed my major to sport management. I was able to take general classes the first year that were required for both majors.

While in school, internships are ingrained in every student's brain. And you know what, teachers and professors are correct. Unfortunately, I started the internship train later than most students (Junior year), but it's never too late to gain experience. I firmly believe that real-world experience shapes most students. I know many situations are different; students would rather work part time and save money in the summer. That's great too as it shows responsibility, but employers won't ask about that part time job at the restaurant...unless you want to open up your own. I want to know about sport related work experiences, in particular baseball.

Internships are fairly easy to obtain; you just need to know where to look for them (there are plenty of sport job sites with internships listings being posted every day). If you walk into any business and ask if they would like free help, 9 out of 10 would say, "absolutely". And I can guarantee that 10th one is going out of business in the near future. It's recommended that you find an internship that compensates you for your work and time, as it certainly makes things a little easier. The experience alone is worth more than a few hundred bucks in your pocket in the summer. Remember, that internships and work experiences related to your potential career will separate you from your competition. Ultimately, that is what you want to do. Apply to internships that are relative to the field you want to work in. I've had finance majors email me and tell me they would be a perfect fit for our internship program with no prior sport experience. You think they would sign up to sweep peanuts off the grandstand? Internships are not supposed to be easy. You might have to travel far away from your friends and family, but employers will see that commitment.

There are many different types of sport organizations around the nation (professional, non-profits, amateur, marketing firms, agencies, associations, apparel companies, etc.). They all are looking for young and eager interns to help with their daily operations. And they all involve hard work and long hours. You want to make that impression so that you can use your boss as a reference. A teacher once told me, "If I am going to write a reference letter and signing my name to it, I am going to be 100% honest." So you want to make a good impression.

This is all pretty much common sense stuff, but it works and people do need to be told such things. While we are on common sense, please make sure all emails, cover letters, and especially resumes use correct grammar. I am as guilty as any on this blog, but this is not a job interview.

Everyone started off in the same place, at least 95% of the population. They all took the initiative and decided to better their lives and careers. Sports is about long hours and hard work. It's exciting to actually get paid to do something you love. I enjoy when fans come up to me and say they had a wonderful time at the game. That is the ultimate compliment. But it takes time. Most likely, you'll start off at the bottom of the ladder and will have to work your up. I promise, it will be worth it in the end.

None of this is groundbreaking information, but it's information that needs to be said time and time again. And it's information most everyone accepts after graduation. I didn't get into specific details, but it is certainly a start in the right direction.

***Sales experience and effective communication is key***

Oberacker Honored Again

(Editor’s note: The below release is from the Tennessee Tech Athletics website, http://www.ttusports.com)

Senior outfielder Chad Oberacker was selected as one of 30 baseball student-athletes selected as candidates for the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award for excellence on and off the field. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.

Oberacker, who maintains a 3.3 GPA in physical therapy, is on pace to graduate this spring. After graduation he would like to attend physical therapy school and earn his doctorate before opening an outpatient physical therapy clinic with his cousin, who specializes in personal fitness. Last year he was named to the ESPN The Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-District team.

“I believe that teamwork is first and foremost the no. 1 goal,” Oberacker said. “Having a successful team makes every individual successful in itself. I give 110% in everything I do, whether it is school work, baseball, lifting or playing Monopoly with my sister when I was a kid. I fight through adversity throughout my life, particularly 2 years ago. In May 2009 I had to have an emergency appendectomy with two weeks left in the season and our team battling for a spot in the OVC tournament. I only missed eight days and returned to help us sweep Jacksonville State and clinch a spot in the playoffs. I believe that putting others first is a great character in a person and I hate feeling like I let others down, so I don’t let it happen.”

Oberacker has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and helped out teaching students about the game at a local high school. He’s also an active member of the All-Saints Parish chorus and sometimes plays the violin as part of the mass with the choir.

As a junior, Oberacker led the Ohio Valley Conference with a .452 batting average and 108 total hits, which ranked third and fourth in the nation, respectively. He also led the team and conference in doubles on his way to first-team all-conference honors. He also drove in 70 runs and was named the school’s co-Male Athlete of the Year. Despite being drafted in the 19th round of the MLB draft, Oberacker opted to return for his senior season. His career batting average of .395 takes top honors in Tech history.

During the 2010 summer, Oberacker started 37 games for the Morehead City Marlins. In that time, he batted .258 with 13 runs and 24 RBIs. Furthermore, he had three doubles and a pair of triples to go with eight stolen bases.

The 2011 candidate class includes 15 student-athletes with cumulative grade point averages of better than a 3.5, including three with perfect 4.0 GPAs. Seven are from teams ranked in the Collegiate Baseball preseason top 35 poll.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

Lowe’s, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA, will announce the winner June 24 at the NCAA College World Series® in Omaha.

For more information on all the candidates, visit http://www.seniorCLASSaward.com.