Women In Sports

The following are snippets from interviews published in Baseball Digest, Seamheads and Women Sport Report. Some are ongoing interviews.

Crissy Ahman-Perham is the Director of Community Relations -Tucson Padres - Tucson, Arizona.

NORM: What do you do for the Tucson Padres? What are your responsibilities?

CRISSY: I am the Director of Community Relations for the new Tucson Padres, the AAA affiliate of the San Diego Padres. My responsibilities include anything and everything where the Padres and Tucson interact. I am organizing auditions for the National Anthem, answering donation and appearance requests, working with Little League baseball and softball, helping with fundraising and making appearances on behalf of the Padres. When the players and personnel arrive, I will be helping them get settled in Tucson and getting them familiar with our great city. Tucson is very excited to have baseball back and people are looking forward to meeting the Padres team and going to games.

Kelly Hallquest, Director Food & Beverage - Eugene Emeralds - Eugene, OR

NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Emeralds? What do you do? What is your title?

KELLY:: I am the director of food and beverage. I run the entire ballpark in all concession and premium departments. We just moved into a new stadium last year, PK Park. I oversee all food quality standards are met throughout the stadium. I do all the tracking and ordering of inventory. I hired all my 86 employees and do the staffing for them during the season. I also am responsible for forecasting my budget for the upcoming season. I also get all deliveries in and stock up all my concession stands myself. We have 8 suites upstairs with two picnic areas that can hold up to 400 people.

Jennifer Pendergraft, Assistant GM - Visalia Rawhide - Visalia, Calif.

NORM: What advice would you give young women who were thinking of baseball as a career?

JENNIFER: Most important of all is ones work ethic, organization, paying attention to detail and working harder than everyone else. Women have definitely found their niche in the baseball industry. With these elements, we continue to set the bar high. Be willing to take on any job offered and consistently go above and beyond the call of duty. Not to mention, doing all of this for little or no pay. It's a tough world out there. You've really got to be on top of your game and have passion for what you do.

Chris Long, Director Entertainment - Philadelphia Phillies

NORM: What advice would you give a young person considering a career in baseball?

LONG: There are many doors open now in our sport. Be prepared to begin at entry level, work hard, accept every challenge and you will be successful. Also, be prepared for the long hours required to work for the team. You are here from 9AM until late in the game so it helps if there is an understanding right from the beginning of what is required to have a career in sports, particularly in baseball where we can have games up to fourteen days in a row.

Lindsey Knupp, Promotions & Entertainment Director - Lehigh Valley IronPigs - Allentown, PA

NORM: What does your job consist of? What are your responsibilities?

LINDSEY: As the Director of Promotions & Entertainment for the IronPigs, I am responsible for corporate sales, ordering promotional giveaways, all in-game entertainment, generating the nightly PA script & game production schedule, run staff meetings before each homestand, book bands & anthem singers, coordinate the Internship Program for 13 full-time interns, manage promo crew game-staff, and manage mascots & performers.

Chris Long, Director of Entertainment - Philadelphia Phillies - Philadelphia, PA

NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Phillies? What do you do?

CHRIS: The entertainment department is responsible for all of the pre-game activities that take place prior to our games. We also supervise a staff of Phanstormers, actors/performers who go through the stands singing Happy Birthday to fans that have purchased birthday packages. We also work with the Phanatic (our mascot) discussing and assisting him with his in-game routines.

Nancy Patterson, Minor League Athletic Trainer - Chattanooga Lookouts - Chattanooga, TENN

NORM:: What do you do?

NANCY: I am the Minor League Athletic Trainer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, currently with the Chattanooga Lookouts. My responsibilities include proper assessment, treatment and referral of injuries and illnesses of the athletes.

Macy Dykema, Director of Community Relations and Luxury Suites - Carolina Mudcats. - Zebulon, NC

NORM What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in baseball?

MACY: Do an internship with a minor league team first so you can understand the life. You’ll work long hours and although you may hold the title of Director of Community Relations in an office, you’ll still have to help the clean up crew and make burgers in the kitchen. I think the internships show you what life is really like in baseball and you have a better understanding and more willingness to help other areas when needed.

Brooke Noel, Ticket Operations Manager - Reno Aces - Reno, Nevada

NORM: What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in baseball?

BROOKE: I would recommend going to a college career counselor first and then apply for an internship with a local sports team. The Aces have hired many interns; both men and women, to work at the ballpark in the past two years and some of them have been hired on in full time positions.

Lindsey Knupp, Director, Promotions & Entertainment - Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Allentown, PA

NORM: What makes you successful at your job?

LINDSEY: I think my energy and excitement for each and every game makes me good at my job. It’s difficult to be overly excited for a Monday night baseball game in (sometimes snowy) April weather here in PA, but I do my best to go into ever night like it’s the only one of the year. No matter the time of season, there are always fans who have never before been to our ballpark or seen an IronPigs game and they deserve a great show, and that’s what we’re going to give them!

Deborah Herrington, Suites & Catering Mgr. - Mississippi Braves, Pearl, MISS.

NORM: What are your responsibilities for your team?

DEBORAH HERRINGTON: I am the Suites and Catering Manager for the Mississippi Braves. I handle all Suites on the upper level of our ballpark, as well as all Group Catering within our facility during games. VIP Service as well as Birthdays are also my department. I also handle coordinating Special Events for our facility

Julia Jannsen, Director Marketing - Lansing Lugnuts, Lansing, MI

BD.com: What are your responsibilities for your team?

Janssen: I am the Director of Marketing for the Lansing Lugnuts. Our Marketing department handles everything from advertising, in-game promotions, guest services, community relations, website, email marketing, and radio broadcasts. I oversee all these areas as the Director, but I primarily focus on in-game promotions and our advertising efforts. I organize all the entertainment during a game - from what songs play during the game to the graphics on the scoreboards.

Molly Radcliffe, Alumni Relations, Ticket Sales - St. Louis Cardinals

NORM: What makes you successful at your job?

MOLLY: I'm not afraid to ask questions and I ask for constructive criticism. No one gets better at their job by maintaining the same level of skill they began with. If something interesting and new pops up in the department or even in the company, I try to get involved. Social Media is in its very beginnings at the Cardinals, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and I had an understanding of how it worked. Just asking to sit in on a few meetings turned into becoming a part of the core group of people that helps facilitate social media for the Front Office.

Michelle Mejia, Manager Community Relations - Pittsburgh Pirates

NORM: What are your responsibilities for the Pirates?

MICHELLE: I am the Community Relations Manager, which means I work with the players, coaches and their wives as well as front office staff on community events. I get to plan, organize, manage and execute programs that promote good will and foster positive relationships with community leaders. I also assist with fundraising events for the Pirates charitable arm, Pirates Charities.

Jackie Kampf, Marketing Assistant - Montgomery Biscuits, Montgomery, AL

Norm: What does your job consist of? What are your responsibilities?

JACKIE: My title is Marketing Assistant for the Montgomery Biscuits. My primary duties include Fan Entertainment, Community Relations, and I act as the Sales Liaison for the Sales department.
My duties include keeping a schedule of all pre-game and in-game elements for the season, scheduling national anthem singers, managing our promotional staff, booking all acts and executing theme nights. I also handle mascot and player appearances.

Ellen Harrigan, Director Baseball Operations - Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles, CA

BD.Com: What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in baseball.?

ELLEN: Work hard by listening, reading, watching, as much about the business of baseball as you can absorb. Find a mentor to talk with and bounce ideas off of. Challenge yourself to learn something new every day about the game.

Onalee Carson, Director Media Relations - Eugene Emeralds, Eugene, OR

BD.Com: What advice would you give a woman considering a career in baseball?

ONALEE: I would say don’t be afraid to pursue a career in a male-dominated field. Women are in the minority in baseball, but not by too much. In fact, the target demographic of many minor league clubs like the Emeralds are moms; as women, we can give an inside perspective to what other women expect to see at the ballpark. In addition, I recommend finding a mentor in baseball that can give you advice and help you build connections in the industry.

Whitney Tool, Guest Services Coordinator - Oakland Athletics, Oakland, Calif.

BD.Com: What do you love the most about your job?

TOOL: The most rewarding part of my job is taking a negative situation that a guest may be facing and turning it into a positive. It is important for people to be heard so being that sounding board is very rewarding.

If the fan leaves with a smile on their face, it means I have done something helpful. I helped create a positive experience and I have done my job.

Janette Donoghue, Assistant GM - Dunedin Blue Jays, Dunedin, FL

BD.com: What do you love the most about your job?

JANETTE: What I love the most about my job is Opening Day of Spring Training, on every level.... The game day staff, the store, the promotions, the fans, the concessions (I could go on and on) but it is the most exciting day of the year to observe all the hard work come together and see the thrill in people's eyes that baseball has started.

LISA FEGLEY - Director Ticket Sales, Palm Beach Cardinals, Jupiter FL

BD.com: What makes you successful at your job?

LISA: What makes me most successful is that I am still a fan and I think like a fan. I know many people in the sport industry don’t want to hear that (and they are right to an extent). You are there to work, not watch the game; but I think in minor league baseball you need that fan mentality.

KATE TOWNLEY - Director Minor League Administration - Minnesota Twins

NORM: What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in baseball?

KATE: The biggest thing would be to understand that there are certain obstacles that women particularly have to go through in order to be successful in this industry. It may not be fair but it has to happen. Such things would be that you have to be sure to stay away from personal relationships with players. You have to be in the business for the right reasons because people catch on really quickly if you’re not. I also think you have to develop a thick skin. I tend to think of myself as tough and even I have trouble sometimes.

Detra Paige - Director Community Relations - Oakland Athletics

NORM What is the most outstanding memory you have with the A’s?

DETRA The year we won twenty games in a row in 2002 and we made it to the American League Championship. And in 2006 when I went to Cooperstown, New York in July 2009 to witness Rickey Henderson being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and host a reception for him given by the A’s in Cooperstown at the Fenimore Art Museum.

Anna Petersen - Community Relations Director - West Michigan Whitecaps, Comstock, MI

NORM What is the most memorable baseball game you have ever seen?

ANNA It was the Tigers vs. Twins game to decide the 2009 American League Central Division Champion last year. I watched it on TV. I was the only person in the restaurant cheering for the Twins. It was the most incredible, intense game that could have gone either way. Regardless of the team you are a fan of, that game was amazing for baseball fans around the US. Both the Tigers and Twins had their hearts in that game and it was amazing to watch them play. It was almost a work of art!

Ashley Peterson - Assistant General Mgr - Reading Phillies, Reading, Penn.

NORM When and how did you get interested in working in baseball?

ASHLEY I started working at the Reading Phillies as a Diamond Girl(Customer Service Representative) when I was fifteen years old. This was my first job and a great one! I really enjoyed working summers at the ballpark so when it was required as part of my major (Fitness Management) that I do an internship I requested doing mine in Minor League Baseball with my home team, the Reading Phillies.

Janell Bullock - Assistant General Mgr. - Kinston Indians, Kinston, No. Carolina

NORM What does your job consist of?

JANELL We have a very small staff for a MiLB team (3 full time) so I do everything from advertising sales, ticket sales, group sales, hiring seasonal employees, ordering merchandise, concessions, you name it, I do it. During the games though, the majority of my time is spent in the ticket booth making sure all the groups and picnics and birthday parties get their tickets. And of course, PULL TARP when it rains.

Stefani Rash - Group Sales Executive - Wilmington Blue Rocks, Wilmington, Del.

WSR To what do you attribute your success?

STEFANI In Minor League baseball, it’s important to let your supervisors know you are willing to take on any task. On my first day, I informed every director that I would be willing to help on any project that needed assistance. Also, full-time members of the Blue Rocks front office are required to work night games. As the office manager, I was not. However, I asked to work as a member of the game staff in the souvenir store. I knew this would show that I took my job seriously and looked for a future with the organization.

Linda Pereria - Baseball Operations Mgr - San Jose Giants

WSR Who influenced you the most in getting your career going?

LINDA - Lou Gorman of the Boston Red Sox and John Schuerholzof the Atlanta Braves were both my mentors. At that time, we were affiliated with the Kansas City Royals. I am still in contact with both men. John was Lou’s assistant. Today, Lou is Vice President of the Red Sox and John is the President of the Atlanta Braves. I was fortunate to have two great mentors.

Christine Serkoch - Manager Special Events Pittsburgh Pirates

NORM What are your responsibilities for the Pirates?

CHRISTINE - As Manager of Special Events, I am responsible for creating and executing special events designed to either increase attendance at Pirates Games or create an awareness for Pirates initiatives. These include: PirateFest, pregame on-field ceremonies for all 81 games, post-game concerts, Skyblast events, Kids Programs, Pup Nights, large scale press events, Pirates Charities Telethon, etc. just to name a few.

Michelle Mejia - Manager Community Relations - Pittsburgh Pirates

NORM What is your greatest memory working for the Pirates?

MICHELLE - My father is Puerto Rican and many Puerto Ricans love the Pirates because of Roberto Clemente. And when the then-Expos played in Puerto Rico, I was able to go on that trip and treat my grandfather as well as many other family members to the game as my guests. My grandfather was so proud and honored to make this offer to his family, and I was so moved to see how excited they were that they knew someone who worked for the Pirates. It was a great trip and I was glad to have that experience with my family.

Kate Jett - Associate Counsel- Texas Rangers

NORM What are your responsibilities with the Rangers?

KATE As associate council of both a Major League and a National Hockey League club, I have a variety of legal and business duties, including drafting and reviewing contracts, (e.g.) sponsorship, executive employment services, marketing and some players, managers, club litigation along with outside counsel, handle employment matters, and advise our marketing and ticket sales departments on relevant regulations. .

Jasmin Matthews, California Angels-2009 AL West Champions

NORM What do you love most about your work?

JASMIN-I enjoy communicating with people. In this job as an Account Executive, I interact daily with clients, co-workers, managers, corporate executives, etc.

Either your meeting and greeting people in person or talking to them on the phone. When clients purchase tickets to Angels Baseball games, I know that I am helping them create a memorable moment to last a lifetime when they come to our ballpark. In this field, you work as an individual and as a team-player in order to achieve goals. Some people look at my position as an Account Executive in the sports industry as a competitive male dominated area.

I don't look at my job as gender specific. I do my job to the best of my ability -- therefore, I succeed!
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Jennifer Soliman, California, Angels-Anaheim, California

NORM What does your job consist of, what do you do for the Angels?
JENNIFER - I am a Corporate Account Executive and I sell corporate sponsorships for the team. Basically I sell any advertising opportunities with the team such as outfield fence signs, radio, TV, print and in-market promotions.

Meghan Mahrholz, Oakland Athletics - Stadium Operations Coordinator

WSR What is your most outstanding memory with the Athletics?

MEGHAN The playoffs! That was an amazing time. There was so much energy in the air. It was a lot of fun, but I’ve never worked so hard! The A's went to the American League Championship Series in 2006. I will forever have the image of Mark Ellis's finger being broken It was such a heart breaker when we lost. But I am very proud of how far the team team got. We played the Minnesota Twins and the Detroit Tigers.

Naomi Silver, CEO - Rochester Red Wings, Rochester, New York

NORM What advice would you give a young woman considering a career in baseball?

NAOMI I would tell her to go for it. Make sure you’re willing to do everything your male counterpart will do, and more, including the grueling physical part. Establish yourself as a proactive do-er, not as someone who reacts only when asked. And by all means, don’t rely on becoming “one of the guys”. You’re different and there may be a different dynamic because you’re a woman, but it should in no way diminish what you can accomplish.

Melanie Levy-Group Events Exec. - Sacramento Rivercats, Sacramento, CA

NORM What do you love most about your work?

MELANIE I love that is it ever-changing. No day is ever the same. I absolutely love that I have the freedom to come up with new ideas, and things we may not have ever done before, and carry them out. Learning from mistakes and celebrating successes makes it all worthwhile.

JaMay Edwards-Promotions Manager - Toledo Mud Hens, Toledo, Ohio

NORM What is the most outstanding memory you have working for the Mud Hens?

JAMAY In 2005, we won the Governor’s Cup championship. Our General Manager, Joe Napoli let everyone into the locker room to celebrate. Women are never allowed inside the clubhouse but an exception was made so that we could be a part of the celebration. It was amazing. Our entire staff and players were having a champagne celebration and it was something I will never ever forget.

Heather McKeating, Group Sales Director-Norfolk Tides, Norfolk, Virginia

WSR - If you could ask any woman in baseball one question, who would that be and what would you ask?

HEATHER - I would love to talk to Naomi Silver and ask her how she does it? Because she has done this a long time and there are some very strong men in the International League and how she stays so strong and gain the respect with this type of group.
She is the President/CEO of the Rochester Red Wings in Rochester, New York.

Kaci Long Omaha Royals - Omaha, NEB Mar. 22

WSR -What is your most memorable experience with the Royals?

KACI - My most memorable moment with the Royals so far would have to be when they offered me the job at the Winter Meetings. I was able to meet the staff that was in Indianapolis and attend the gala with them.

Amanda Warner Clearwater Threshers - Clearwater,FL Mar 17

WSR - What is your favorite job?

AMANDA One of my favorite parts of my job is getting out into the community and talking about our team. My biggest project for the last 4 years has been our Pitch for Pink Breast Cancer Awareness night. It has created quite the name for itself in our Clearwater community. In the last four years we have managed to raise $110,000 for our local breast services and hospital. I enjoy working on projects like Pitch for Pink that put so much hope and awareness into our community. It has become a passion of mine and my job has helped me to step outside of the box and find ways to help others.

Courtney White, Oklahoma City Red Hawks, Oklahoma City,Oklahoma Mar 9

WSR - What achievement are you most proud of?

COURTNEY Getting my degrees. It took a lot of prep work for college and a lot of work in college. Getting my masters at twenty-three was the icing on the cake.

Wendy Shoen-Syracuse Chiefs, Syracuse, NY Mar 8

WSR What is your advise to a young women considering a career in baseball?

WENDY - Be willing to learn all aspects of the game and its operations. Don’t be afraid to step up to the plate as a female. Your input is valuable.

Juliana Paoli, San Jose Giants, San Jose, CA 2009 Champions - California League April 16

WSR - How and when did you connect with the San Jose Giants?

JULIANA About four years ago, my colleague and mentor Jim Weyermann became President and CEO of the San Jose Giants. He called me and said he needed my help. I remember the first time I visited San Jose Municipal Stadium, it was the middle of winter, and it was incredibly difficult to imagine baseball being played there. I was intrigued though because the team had a long history in the community. The San Jose Giants have been affiliated with the San Francisco Giants for twenty-three seasons and I believed the prospect of reorganizing something that already had a historic place in the hearts of the community would be a promising undertaking.

Alexandra Briley, Carolina Mudcats, Zebulon, North Carolina.

WSR - What are your responsibilities for the Carolina Mudcats? Mar. 7

ALEXANDRA I am the Director of Marketing. I create promotions, on-field contest theme events, giveaways, editing brochure, programs and schedules. I draw up sponsorship contracts and some nights, I pour beer, serve hot dogs, clean the stadium and roll tarp.

Jennifer Pendergraft, Visalia Rawhide, Visalia, CA Feb 23

WSR: What are your responsibilities?

JENNIFER - Aside from the name change, I helped with the renovation plans of the stadium and the restructuring of the organization. I assist the players in finding housing, and serving as a go-to for them and their families. I have even pinch hit and played “mascot” His name is Tipper. I agreed to wear the suit while it was still new. He’s a Holstein bull.

Anna Peterson, Community Relations West Michigan White Caps, Comstock Park, Mich.

WSR What is the most unusual promotion the Whitecaps staged?

ANNA - The most unusual promotion has probably been the Fifth Third Burger. It has been neat to experience how amazed fans are by the burger and how the press reacted to it!

Women In Sports

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Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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Monday, May 24, 2010

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Saturday, April 24, 2010

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Friday, April 16, 2010

Comments from women re this project

Game Face

Monday, March 29, 2010

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