Who are some of the people who helped you get to where you are professionally? What sort of guidance did you get from your studies at Richmond?
I went to Princeton Day School in New Jersey from kindergarten to 12th grade, and the headmaster of the Upper School, Sandy Bing, was very influential. To this day, I have a good relationship with him and see him often. When I got to Richmond, my focus was general. There were a couple of classes that really hit me. There was a journalism class with Michael Spears. That class really got me focused on journalism and writing. Because of that, I ended up taking some elective courses in sport management.
What was the big break that helped you land at MLB?
It was the internship with the Yankees where I met a lot of people, including Phyllis Merhige, the senior vice president of club relations with MLB. Jeff Idelson, now the president of the Baseball Hall of Fame, was my boss with the Yankees. I have worked for really good people.
You have had several titles with MLB, but how has your job changed in the last five or 10 years? And how has social media changed your duties?
It is dramatic. One is the rate of speed that you have to react. This is no longer a situation where you get together [as a staff] and wait for the morning paper. This is a rapid-fire response. Second, there is more direct communication with your fans. Now you can interact, and it is a game changer.
As you know, Tracy Woodson, the current UR baseball coach, played in the majors from 1987–93 and won a World Series with the Dodgers in 1988. Have you ever met him?
I have not. I would love to. Sean Casey [drafted out of UR in 1995 by the Indians] was there after I was, and we have met a number of times. He is such a big personality. Brian Jordan [1988 draftee by the Cardinals] was in my freshman English class. It was nice to follow his career, and we have talked about where we came from.
Did you play baseball in high school or college? Did you have a favorite team growing up?
I played baseball up through high school. I grew up in New Jersey right in the middle of Yankees, Mets, and Phillies fans. The Yankees were my American League team and the Phillies were my National League team.
You’ll be on campus meeting with students during the upcoming academic year. What advice would you give those who may want to get involved in media or public relations?
Get yourself some experience. I came from the internship background. Writing did not come naturally for me. I had to work at it. No matter what field you are in, the ability to communicate is important.
