Two weeks ago, I joined the New Britain Bees, a brand new franchise in the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, after a lengthy job search. I was floored immediately by how welcoming the staff was, and how excited everyone was to get the job done and launch a new tradition in New Britain, CT. It also got me thinking about minor league sports as a whole.
My goal since graduating from the University of Maine has been to get a job with a major league franchise, and that hasn't changed. However, now that I'm with my second minor league franchise following Portland, and coupled with my unique experience with the CWHL's Boston Blades (which continues), I've begun to develop a deep love of the camaraderie and dedication of minor league and volunteer staffs.
I believe that those who have the opportunity to work in the minors gain a unique perspective in the sports world - the challenges of limited resources and staff, the pressure of daily tasks, and the long hours of game days are not a struggle, but an opportunity. I wish that some who have major league jobs had the opportunity to work in the minors and see how a small staff with a common goal can take their limitations and create something fabulous. Whether the director of a department has to hop into a mascot suit (this happened) to make an event happen or an entire staff puts in a 16 hour day on a Saturday during the off-season to make sure the fan experience is ideal, the minor league mentality that I've experienced drives me to be a harder, more focused worker for the team, and for my own professional career. It gives me perspective on the journey of working in sports, and how the different stops are teaching opportunities, not roadblocks. The idea that anyone at any time will do anything to help the final product is a wonderful one, and one that I hope those who work at any level of any game share.
In short, the minor league mentality is one of selflessness - to create the best experience with what you have, come hell or high water. As I continue my sports career in New Britain, I can't wait to see what we accomplish and where it leads us - and how we'll create the best possible product.