THE PERFECT GAME FOUNDATION® sends you all good wishes for this Holiday Season and
shares with you some thoughtful insights from an Advisor and some of out Fellows.
We thank you for you support.

Best Wishes,
The Perfect Game Foundation

____________________________________________________________________

Betsy Nagelsen McCormack
ADVISOR
In her own words

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It’s the time to celebrate the birth of Christ. It’s the season to singsongs of joy and to bless my family and friends with gifts. Christmas is also the time when I’ve received my greatest “gift.” December is the special month my lovely daughter Maggie was born. It’s been said its “better to give than to receive.” I believe this.

Maggie and I try to practice “giving” every month – not only in December – because so much has been given to us. As a former professional tennis player, I feel it’s my life’s purpose to “give” back to the game of tennis. I do this through my training facility, R&B Tennis, located in Wellington, FL. We try to prepare young and aspiring players for careers in professional tennis and equally important, for the game of life. I’m thrilled to be part of The Perfect Game Foundation and its work.

____________________________________________________________________

Mallory Cecil
FELLOW
In her own words

Playing a sport and working in the Business of Sports are two very different experiences.
Having played tennis collegiately and professionally, I knew that I wanted to start
my career in the Sports Industry, but I did not have a clue where to start.
I was first introduced to the Perfect Game Foundation as a junior in college, when
I was starting to consider career opportunities. Seven years later, and into my
career, TPGF is still my most valuable resource when I am seeking career mentorship
and networking. The wealth of knowledge and genuine desire to help young professionals
succeed is what I love most about this foundation, and why I am proud to be a part
of it. I have also had the privilege to speak with upcoming/recent graduates who
are looking for the same kind of mentorship and insight I was seeking when I was
in their position. I currently work in Operations for the Women’s Tennis Association
(WTA), and my intern at the moment, is a young lady that I was connected with through
the foundation. The quality of talent that comes through the program speaks for
itself. The Perfect Game Foundation is one that keeps on giving.

____________________________________________________________________

Liam Gibney
FELLOW
In his own words

Ever since I was old enough to understand the complexities of the sports industry,
I have been fascinated with it. Since I was young, it has been my goal to work in
sports because I have always been told that there is nothing better than loving
what you do for a living. The Perfect Game Foundation has aided me by giving me
a crucial push in the right direction in gaining both experience and exposure within
the sporting world.

Through the Perfect Game Foundation, I was able to take on an internship at Columbia
University in the Sports Management Graduate Program. I worked for the office of
Vince Gennaro, who is the Dean and Director of the program. Gennaro is the President
of The Society of American Baseball Research (SABR), and the author of Diamond Dollars:
The Economics of Winning in Baseball. My experience at Columbia helped me to not
only develop my skill set within the sports industry and to experience a professional
office environment but also helped me to begin developing a network of relationships
with professionals and graduate students in the field of sports business from whom
I can learn as I progress.

This holiday season, I wish to stress the importance of what it means to have a
family and that we should never take it granted. My family has given me more than
I could ever ask for, but most importantly they have given me unconditional love
and support. That is something that no one could ever put a price tag on, and it
is something that I owe everything to. That is why this holiday season I ask that
when you get together with your family, make sure that you remind them that you
love them and that you are thankful for everything that they do.
____________________________________________________________________

Max Gaitan
FELLOW
In his own words



Sport and exercise is central to my life, both personally and professionally. My
passion for endurance sports led me to complete a Master’s in Exercise Physiology.
Starting in January, I will be taking my sport and exercise skills off the field
and into the research lab, where I’ll study the impact of exercise on Alzheimer’s
Disease.

This Holiday Season I’m especially grateful for the work of The Perfect Game Foundation,
which has vastly expanded my professional network. My involvement with the Foundation
will undoubtedly impact my career path for years to come, as I’ve been given the
opportunity to meet individuals from all corners of the sport industry. Everyone
I’ve encountered through the Foundation embodies the ideals of giving and service
to others, and I hope that in this Holiday Season and New Year we all continue to
grow in these ideals.

____________________________________________________________________

Mollie Lane
FELLOW
In her own words

Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy, fulfilling Holiday Season!
After graduating this past May from Brown University, I now work as a Junior Associate in the healthcare practice at Weber Shandwick. Over the past summer, Del and The Perfect Game Foundation were key in helping me navigate my career path. As a former collegiate Division I lacrosse player and all-around sports enthusiast, I knew that the sports business industry fascinated me. Del helped me to narrow my interests, network with other professionals in the field, apply and for various positions, prepare for interviews, and set myself up for success. While I did not end up in sport business, I learned that it’s critical to take advantage of all networking opportunities and be a sponge for learning. There is something that you can take away from each and every conversation, even if it doesn’t seem like something that interests you. And finally, don’t burn any bridges and build a rapport with everyone!

Caitlin and the Foundation connected early last summer with the assistance of TPGF Advisor Hank Torbert. She is a UVA graduate whose hometown is Leesburg, VA. Early on Caitlin assisted TPGF with the TPGF Golf Tournament at TPC Potomac in July and followed that by becoming the Editor/Publisher of “The Inside Pitch” Foundation newsletter. She took a job working for Bessemer Trust in Chicago in April and is setting into the Windy City quickly! An enthusiastic athlete, coach and sports fan her favorite baseball team is the St Louis Cardinals!

TPGF – Caitlin, you’re a UVA grad. Tell us how you selected UVA and give us a few comments on college life in Charlottesville?

Mayu Fielding is the Education Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Pirates.  As such, she manages an extraordinary program from Pirate City in Bradenton, FL. Born and raised in Venezuela Mayu graduated from Universidad Metropolitana (VE) in Caracas. She is a teacher first and foremost. Her passion is communication, culture and appreciation for all that we have in our lives.

TPGF – Approximately how many Pirate players do you work with each year?

Interview with John Angelos

Q: You not only run the Orioles but you also run MASN – what is a typical work day in your life?

A: The Orioles ownership group has over the past quarter century developed a multi-platform approach to sports brand presentation that only a handful of other sports teams in the four major sports have been able to create. Developing and managing a team owned and managed subsidiary media network in the forms of a regional sports television network, an in house radio network, and an iconic sports venue in Oriole Park at Camden Yards is rewarding for the two primary reasons that such a platform allows those interested in the team to experience it in an integrated manner on all platforms presented by one guiding force as opposed to by many different participants with often competing interests and objections and also allows the media platform to backstop and secure the long term financial stability and presence of the team in the local community free of a threat of relocation from a smaller market to a larger one. The major benefit of MASN is that as long as it exists in strong financial form it insures the Orioles franchise could remain in a market the size of Baltimore permanently. MASN’s guiding business objective however is to promote the game of baseball in the form of 300 games of two MLB clubs, the Nationals and Orioles, across a seven state Mid Atlantic region and the fourteen Nielsen designated market areas that we reach. MASN promotes a two teams on on one network, with a chance for fans to see every club in MLB play and to see hundreds of games from the powerhouse AL and NL East divisions. My job is to make sure that MASN sells the concept of the power of MLB as the best entertainment form in America and promotes equivalently the two teams across those markets and reinforces the fact that MLB is the number one spectator sport and highest cumulatively rated sports media property in the US, just as that is the joint goal of MASN and both of its clubs.

Q: Do you find the television world interesting?

A: The larger media world contains within it the television industry, and the television industry in turn includes within it the sports media world. When a club management is running it’s sports team operation and it’s venue, and all that entails, and while that is a considerable and interesting involvement, without having direct access to the television and larger media industry the team is missing tremendous opportunity. My experiences over the past eleven years of having unique access to the sports team and sports television world’s has provided that opportunity for the club and has been just about the most interesting involvement I could imagine.

Q: Since you are such a forward thinker – what challenges do you see ahead for Major League Baseball?

Q: You’ve built such a great team of people working on both the MASN and O’s side of things – what hiring strategies have you employed to end up with such great people working for you?

Q: You love the world of music – who is your favorite song writer/singer?

Q: Last question – what National League team do you predict the O’s will play in the World Series this year?

Q & A with Founding Advisor Bob Wilber

Bob Wilber is the youngest of Del and Taffy Wilber’s five children. As aFounding Advisor for The Perfect Game Foundation he brought a unique outlook to TPGF, having spent his entire life in the sports world. Once a former professional baseball player, coach, and scout, he has spent the last 20 years as a Team Manager and Public Relations Representative for championship-caliber Nitro Funny Car teams on the NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing tour.

Meet Marci Doyle Baker, the Chief Operating Officer for The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill in Orlando and the newest TPGF Advisor.

Marci is a Florida Gator who is on a fantastic career path with work in the sports/event marketing /media industry including stops at DWA,  Wunderman, Golf Channel and currently The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

She lives with her husband in Orlando and recently spent some time with us talking about her work, her family and her belief in ‘Pay it Forward’

Question:  What a great career you have had so far – Including having an office next door to Arnold Palmer ! You are a Florida Gator but how did you get started in your sports career?

I started my career out of college interning with a fantastic sports marketing agency, DelWilber + Associates, who took a chance on me and hired me full time (thank you, Del!) to work on their 7 LPGA tournaments, as well as assist managing a number of sports sponsorships (NHL, PGA TOUR, college basketball, etc)

Question: You grew up in a Major League Baseball family (Dad Denny Doyle (full disclosure Denny was my roommate for 3 seasons in the Minor Leagues and my best baseball friend, Uncles Brian Doyle and Blake Doyle) – what was that like? 

My Dad was outnumbered from the beginning with 3 daughters (he claims he has all the boys he ever needs via his Baseball School now)!  Growing up, we were at the stadium every chance we got, and it was a true blessing, not to mention the life lessons learned – like how to sit still for 9 innings as a child, to be careful what you say about the other team, as you never know who’s family is sitting around you, etc.

My Mom is one of the strongest women I know, balancing and juggling the baseball life (living all over the country, never knowing where you’d be sent next, etc), along with her own teaching career and 3 girls!  Dad was such a great example of strong work ethic as well – his philosophy was he may not be the most talented on the field, but he was the first one to arrive and last one to leave at the stadium every game – no one was going to out-work him!  Not to mention what a strong Christian example and mentor both my parents are for our family as well as for so many others – baseball was just a great platform for them to do so!

We still have a friendly family rivalry with my Dad having played for the Red Sox and Uncle Brian played for the Yankees.  But now we ALL cheer for the Colorado Rockies, as my Uncle Blake is currently their hitting coach and living out his dream job!

Question: You have worked on the sports marketing agency side, the media side (with Golf Channel) and currently on the PGA Tour Golf Tournament side – what lessons would you pass on to those who aspire to a career path like yours?

I highly recommend gaining experience in as many different sports areas as possible within the industry (team, league, venue, broadcast, agency, client/corporate).  Whether it be via internships, volunteering, part-time position, commission-only – whatever you’re able to give of your time, the exposure to different sides of the business helps you determine where you want to contribute long-term, while at the same time showing off your abilities and providing networking opportunities for your career path.

Question: Recently you were promoted to Chief Operating Officer at The Arnold Palmer Invitational sponsored by MasterCard –  what challenges come with these new responsibilities? 

I am honored to be representing and working with arguably one of the greatest brands in sports, Mr. Arnold Palmer, and I don’t take that lightly.  Our biggest challenge is to maintain and build upon the Arnold Palmer legacy and standards of his tournament, within the golf industry, as well as in the business and philanthropic communities – and I love the challenge!

Question: As a woman with a very important job in sports what advice might you pass on to other young women looking to make their way in the sports business?

My advice would be that you not make it a male/female thing – ask questions of others who are in a position you would like to be in, find opportunities to continue learning in the industry (training, shadowing, reading), and remember to always GIVE BACK/Pay It Forward  (your time, your knowledge, your gifts)

Question: How do you balance your work life and personal life? What advice would you pass along regarding this important issue?

I recommend that you find a significant other that is understanding and supportive of your career.  If they don’t understand your passion, your need to spend the extra hours, etc. in the beginning, it will not get easier.  I also recommend to find time for yourself to do something unrelated to your day-to-day career life (charity, exercise, etc) – easier said than done, but important no matter what industry you are in, especially in one as demanding as sports.

Question: We’ve been told that in addition to everything else you are a very accomplished singer – possibly even singing the National Anthem at sports events? Is that true ? Tell us about that ?

Ha! Ha!  You’re funny, Del! J

Q & A with Leo Kiely

Today’s TPGF Interview is with Leo Kiely the newest member of The Perfect Game Foundation Advisory Council.

Leo has had a spectacular business career including stops at Procter & Gamble, Wilson Sporting Goods, Frito-Lay, and finally the first Non Family Member to ever run the Coors Brewing Company!

He retired as CEO of Miller Coors after 20 years and currently lives in Colorado and Southern California where he remains very active with business and family – he spent some time with us talking about his career

 · What was your first job?
o   Cutting lawns in a cemetery in Long Branch NJ ! Seriously!  But my first ‘professional/career’ job was as a Brand Assistant with Procter & Gamble working the Gleem toothpaste brand
·You have mentored a lot of young people throughout your career – did you some mentors as you were growing up?
o   Absolutely and without them I might still be cutting lawns in that cemetery!  Bill Weintraub was my first boss at P&G (he was the Gleem Brand Manager) and he helped me immeasurably. We remain friends to this day and had several occasions to work together after those early P&G days. Another guy was Jack Fette at Wilson Sporting Goods (when he was not doing his Wilson job Jack was a long time NFL Referee!). Jack taught me things I still use today – totally a world class guy and dear friend. Also Bill Connell who was the Crest Brand Manager who gave me countless hours of advice/counsel and support.
·Your business career is Hall of Fame stuff – how did you manage the work/family balance issue?
o   I always believed that you had to be passionate about your work as well as passionate about your family. For me that translated into making time for staying in touch on a regular basis no matter where in the world I might be on business. It also meant blocking out time for family activity – regardless of the business pressures of that day
·You have worked with many companies involved in sports (one way or another) – any memorable moments from those days?
o   Yes ! I have fond memories of negotiating with Magic Johnson and his dad about a shoe endorsement deal when I was at Wilson – what fun that was ! And I was closely involved/interested in the Coors Light Silver Bullets Women’s Baseball Team which was a blast! I got to know Joe Niekro and his brother Phil very well – I have a photo on my desk with them and Sparky Anderson!  And I played catch with Joe Niekro and tried (unsuccessfully) to catch his knuckleball!
·Do you have some favorite sports teams?
o   I’m a Red Sox guy for sure  — I can remember meeting Ted Williams with my Grandfather (who played in the Big Leagues) at Fenway ! I also love the Bears and Bruins and became a huge Avalanche fan while living in Denver
·You were the first Non Family Member to run the Coors Brewing Company – what was that like when you arrived in Golden Colorado?
o   Pretty interesting – there were bets being made on how quickly I’d get fired! This old family business had never had someone run the Company whose name was not Coors so the early days were very interesting to say the least! But the adoptive process began and Pete Coors became another mentor of mine and a close friend -his loyalty and support were huge contributors to making this move a success for the Company.  Coors is an amazing company and the people there would do anything for the business. My challenge was to help teach them to ‘win’  and my  business style as always been to be a ‘loyalist’ – total commitment to my boss. Happily Pete was the same way with me – the rest, as they say, is history
·For today’s young people getting out of school and looking to start their careers – any words of advice/pearls of wisdom to share?
o   Find a career path that you are passionate about – there is no substitute for the enthusiasm that comes from passion
o   Learn a skill early on – concentrate on being the best you can be at your chosen discipline no matter what that skill/discipline might be
o   Appreciate the fact that you will live with a batting average during your business career – no one bats 1.000 so it’s critical to learn from your disappointments and come back stronger than before the setbacks

Question:  What a great tennis career you have had so far !  How old were you when you started playing and where did you play ?

I grew up in St. Petersburg Florida and when I was six years old my mom got invited to go watch a tennis tournament at the St. Pete Tennis center which was then called Bartlett Park. It was part of the Caribbean tour and attracted the best tennis players at that time. She took me and I got hooked then and there and begged for months for my mom to let me play tennis. A few months later she did and I’ve been playing ever since!

Question: Tell us about your Junior tennis —  you were #1 in the Country !

In 1972 I won the 16 and under national’s and that same year lost in the finals of the 18 and under nationals and was co-ranked number one in the country.

Question: You had some great Doubles Wins as a player – is there one victory in particular that you enjoyed the most?

I did have some success in doubles as my game was more suited for it. I loved to serve and volley and it was also more fun with a partner. I want 2 grand slam doubles, one with Martina Navratilova, and got to the finals of Wimbledon one year losing a close one. Wendy Turnbull from Australia and I won the richest tournament at that time with all the greats in it and we each won a car. Some of my most fun doubles memories were in mixed doubles. One year in a Wimbledon semi final Scott Davis and I played up until then the longest match ever played losing to Martina Navratilova and Emilio Sanchez in a little over four hours. One year in a US open final Paul Annacone and I had a match point against Martina and Emilio again and lost that in three close sets. Peter Fleming and I won a world mixed doubles title which was also memorable.

Question: With all the time you have been part of women’s professional tennis  tell us who are the best women’s players you ever played against?

I feel blessed to have played in the era that I did. Playing with the original nine which included Billie Jean King, Rosie Casals, Virginia Wade, Betty Stove, and Julie Heldman, all of whom I got to play against. Then it was Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, then Steffi Graf and Monica Seles and Jennifer Capriati. Wish I could say I played against Venus and Serena too!

Question: Now that you are a college tennis coach (at State College of Florida — http://www.scfmanatees.com/sports/wten/index)  tell us about that chapter of your life?

I could write a book on my 3 1/2 years as a college tennis coach! It has been an extremely rewarding and fun experience. I have been blessed to have had some wonderful girls playing for me and it’s been a joy to watch them improve and have several of them go on to good D1 schools on scholarship! The best part is the interaction with them and hopefully having a positive impact on their lives both on and off the court.

Question: Your religion has always been a very important part of your life – how does your strong Christian faith help you in sports?

Yes, my relationship with the Lord has been the most important part of my life. I became a Christian at 16 and now many years later have found that His love for me and my wanting an ever closer relationship with Him has not only sustained me both through difficult circumstances but has helped me put things in proper order in a way that only knowing Him can do. I can not imagine any life which mine included competing seriously in a sport to dealing with the loss of a husband and being a single mom to all the other equally tough things people go through without the help from a perfect Savior.

Question: As a very successful Mom of a great daughter – how do you balance your business interests and your coaching with being a Mother of a teenager?

I am realizing that being a mom to a teenager and a single mom at that is one of the toughest jobs there is! It’s also my most important job and my most favorite job! I have a very strong willed, opinionated daughter who also has unbelievable negotiating skills. No surprise there! She makes me grow as a mom! She’s also a very good athlete and enjoys tennis which works out well since she comes to practice with us every day which of course I love. So I get to spend lots of time with my nearly 16-year-old daughter which is the best part of my life! She seems to be ok with it too!!

David Sheinin, a long-time Washington Post sports writer, has penned a new biography of the Washington Redskins’ star quarterback, Robert Griffin III, more commonly known as RG3. We asked Dave some questions about the book, sports writing, how he became a success in the business and why he isn’t an opera singer (no joke). You can find RG3 – The Promise at Amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0399165452/ref=s9_simh_gw_p14_d4_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center2&pf_rd_r=16PQG511CZQ8Q4RR4BSB&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846

1) Dave — Where did you get the idea to write about RG3?

My boss, Washington Post sports editor Matt Vita, put me on the RG3 “beat” back in March 2012, shortly after the trade in which the Redskins moved up to the No. 2 pick in the draft — when it became clear they were going to pick Griffin. I immediately went to Texas to start meeting Griffin and his family. The book began to take shape in October, when it was clear Griffin was more than just another star athlete.

2)You are a Vandy graduate in English. Tell us how you got from there to becoming an award winning writer ?

I went to Vanderbilt on the Grantland Rice/Fred Russell sportswriting scholarship (which has also produced journalists such as Roy Blount Jr., Skip Bayless, Tyler Kepner and Lee Jenkins). I got a well-rounded liberal-arts education there, with a major in English and a minor in music. In my music studies, I trained for a time as an opera singer and toyed with the notion of pursuing it as a career — but by that point I was fairly far along in journalism. I’ve only had two full-time employers in the business: the Miami Herald from 1993-1999 and The Washington Post from 1999-present.

3)Your book ‘The Promise’ about RG 3 has been getting rave reviews – can you tell us anything you discovered about RG3 in writing it that totally surprised you?

Nothing about my reporting on Griffin has totally surprised me. In fact, it has all reinforced the opinions I had — which is in itself a surprise. Usually it’s the opposite — the more you delve into someone’s background and life story, the more it unravels. With Griffin, it was the opposite. The more I learned, the more impressed I became.

4) Are there lessons from RG3’s life, career that you think would be valuable to people seeking jobs in the business of sports?

It is difficult to apply specific lessons from Griffin’s life and career to folks seeking work in the business of sports, but the fundamental traits that have made him successful are worth repeating: hard work, personal discipline, strong parenting, etc. I also admire the way he pursued a wide variety of interests, including music, law and other sports (track and field, basketball) — rather than narrow his focus to only football.

5)During your years covering MLB – who were a few of your very favorite players? Managers? Owners? Why?

When I look back at my beat-writing career (roughly 1998-2004), my fondest memory by far will be covering the end of Cal Ripken Jr.’s career. In fact, now that I think about it, that may be the closest comparison I have ever witnessed to Griffin’s time in DC — in the sense of an entire community bonding to its superstar.

6) When you aren’t writing a book or churning out newspaper copy, what do you do? Has spending a lifetime covering sports affected the way you watch, enjoy the games?

I certainly have become more cynical and detached from sports as a fan over the years. In my younger years, I could still root openly from the teams of my youth (the Atlanta Braves, Hawks and Falcons), but now they’re all just another team. The only entity I still root passionately for is my alma mater, Vanderbilt. I do enjoy going to baseball games now that I’m not so deeply ingrained in that world.

Bert Blyleven, an Advisory Board member for TPGF, was elected into
Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 2011.  He has also been the color commentator for
Minnesota Twins television broadcasts since 1996, and is enormously popular
with Twins fans all around the world.

In addition, Bert has acted as the pitching coach for the Kingdom of the
Netherlands in the past two World Baseball Classic tournaments, where he and
his underdog team have exceeded any reasonable expectations by advancing to
the final round in 2013, after making it the second round in 2009, when they
beat the strong Dominican Republic squad twice in order to advance.

Bert was born in Zeist, Netherlands and moved to the United States as a
young child.

TPGF: Bert, the growth of the World Baseball Classic has been impressive,
and we think it illustrates some rather remarkable growth for the sport of
baseball in new regions of the world. How has your experience been, with the
Dutch team?

Bert: It’s just been a fantastic experience for me, and I know it’s been a
major positive step for baseball in a lot of different countries. Most of
our Dutch team is made up of players from The Netherlands and from Curacao,
which is part of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, and it’s been amazing to
watch these guys come together and really compete at the highest levels in
the world, despite the fact most of these young men will never play in the
major leagues.

The only issue with the WBC is the timing of it, but there’s really no other
way to do it. You can’t stop the major league season to play it, and you
can’t schedule it for after the season, because all the players are pretty
worn out by then. Doing it during spring training is the best time for the
WBC, and we just make it work.

TPGF: It has to be a great experience for your young Dutch players, right?

Bert: Oh it’s the greatest experience they could get. Some of our guys are
in the minor leagues in various organizations, but none of them have ever
really experienced what it’s like to play against established major league
players in front of packed stadiums filled with excited fans. They don’t get
to feel that pressure and excitement in a minor league spring training game
on the back field at some complex. We’re over there in Chinese Taipei and
Japan, playing in big stadiums that are rocking with excitement, and it’s a
thrill for the Dutch players to not only experience that, but do so well.

TPGF: Speaking of Chinese Taipei and Japan, your team had to do some
backbreaking travel during the WBC.

Bert: Boy, we sure did and that was the hardest part for us. It probably
wore our guys out a bit by the final round. We’re in the opening rounds
against those Asian teams, so our guys had to travel from Holland and
Curacao before spring training, so we could practice together and come
together as a team a little bit, in Arizona. Then we got on a plane and went
to Taipei, then on to Japan, and then back to the U.S. to get ready for the
final round. We did 15,000 miles in the air as a team, and no other country
had to do anything close to that.

TPGF: Why hasn’t the U.S. team done as well as people expected?

Bert: I think it’s because they bring in All-Star players, who are all great
ballplayers and very motivated to be there, but they don’t have the time to
come together as a team. We didn’t have the pure talent like the USA did,
but we spent the time to learn each other’s tendencies and become a team. By
the time we played our first game, we had our pitching figured out and we
were comfortable with our batting order and defense.

TPGF: So, after all these years in the broadcast booth, getting back in the
dugout and back in uniform has to be great.

Bert:  Oh it’s been great.  I love working with young players, helping them
learn the game and learn how to respect the game and play it the right way.
To have a chance to work with these Dutch players, who are playing against
some of the best teams in the world, is really rewarding. And you know, the
best part of this is that I’m honoring my mom and dad by coaching the Dutch
team. They brought us to America to make a better life for themselves, so I
get to honor them and my country of birth by coaching the Netherlands team.

TPGF:  And now the 2013 MLB season is underway and the Twins are playing
pretty well to start the season, despite being picked by most experts to
finish at the bottom of the AL Central again.

Bert: The Twins pitching, especially the starting staff, has just not been
up to the normal Minnesota Twins standards the last couple of years, so that
was General Manager Terry Ryan’s aim this season, to shore that up. Vance
Worley, Kevin Correia, and Mike Pelfrey are three good starters who have
come in as fresh faces, and I know everyone in the front office is happy
about how they’re throwing the ball. The other day, we brought up Pedro
Hernandez, a young pitcher we got in the Francisco Liriano trade, and he
pitched a good strong outing for us. This club has plenty of offensive
tools, and a very good bullpen, so I think the 2013 Minnesota Twins have a
chance to make some of those experts look a little foolish. It’s a long
season and we’ll see how it ends up, but this is a much better team than
we’ve had the last two years.

TPGF: Speaking of pitching, you’re pretty outspoken about things like pitch
counts and complete games. The game has really changed, hasn’t it?

Bert: Oh my gosh, it’s changed so much I think we need to adjust some things
to make it work. With everyone on pitch counts, if you can get your starter
to the seventh inning it’s almost like a complete game, anymore. There are
teams carrying 13 pitchers, to make sure they have all the long guys, set-up
guys, and closers they need. When you do that, you only have three position
players on the bench. The manager only has three moves he can make, and one
of those might be his back-up catcher, so you have to be careful there that
you don’t make a move and run out of catchers.

TPGF: So what can be done, since it doesn’t look like pitch counts are going
away?

Bert: Two things come to mind for me. First, maybe the Players Association
and the MLB clubs can work out an increase in the size of the roster.  Just
adding a couple of players will give the managers a lot more options to make
changes or moves. Going into a game with just three players on the bench
makes it really hard to match-up as the game goes on.  Secondly, now that
we’re balanced at 15 teams per league, with the Houston Astros moving to the
American League, we have to have one inter-league series going at all times.
Maybe it’s time to either eliminate the DH or expand it to both leagues,
because it’s awfully hard for these NL teams and AL teams to have to swap
back and forth depending on who the home team is. Either way, it’s probably
time to make some changes, because the game has changed. Especially in terms
of pitching.

TPGF: Bert, thanks so much for the great conversation and best of luck the
rest of the way with the Twins.

Bert: My pleasure, and I’m happy to be involved with TPGF. What you and your
family are doing is a great thing, and good for the game.

Q. You went to school at SIU Edwardsville – how did you choose that school?

My decision to go to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) was based on the aspiration of being a student-athlete. I left California and signed a scholarship to SIUE which navigated me outside of my comfort zone.  Attending SIUE not only equipped me to fulfill my dreams of being a Division I basketball player and to continue my education, but it developed me to become comfortable being uncomfortable.

Q.  At SIUE you were a Student Athlete – what were the most demanding areas of balancing athletics with scholarship?

The act of balancing was indeed a challenge during my four years at SIUE. As a student-athlete, one is expected to excel scholastically, dominate one’s sport and be a standout representative of the university. Balancing my social life with school and basketball took some adjustments initially. By senior year I was able to finish school on time, play basketball, work a part time job and have an additional part time internship. The most demanding area of this balancing act for me was disciplining myself and committing to do whatever it takes to reach my goals. I thought I understood what these two things meant until I left home and went to college. I quickly learned that no one was going to complete my tasks for me. I had to commit myself to my goals, my education, and my team. I had to discipline myself and calculate choices I made.  In my opinion, the balancing act of a student-athlete is about discipline and commitment.

Q.  During your time in college can you identify a person or two who mentored you and/or had unusual impact on your life?

I am blessed to have many inspirational and influencing people in my life. Aside from my family, my coach, Amanda Levens, was an enlightening leader on and off the court. She was exquisitely demanding and strong, as well as kind and calm. The “tough love” approach ignited me to persevere in the next steps in my life. I am so grateful to have such an inspiring coach that never stopped engaging in my dreams and aspirations.

The summer before my senior year of college, Del Wilber (of TPGF), reached out to me to talk. As we started chatting more and more, we became friends and someone I looked to for advice about “the real world”. We connected on our similarities of being student-athletes. I sensed his trust and passion for helping others succeed in their goals. Del not only helped introduce me to new wonderful people, but he gave me a sense of hope and encouragement. The kindness of his words, enthusiasm of his generosity and thoughtfulness to take the time to guide and support others has been one of the best lessons I have learned in my life. I am truly blessed to have such a great mentor like Del.

Q.  When did you decide that working in sports was something you were passionate about and wanted to pursue post graduation?

I will always be passionate about sports but I will admit, I wasn’t pursuing a career in sports until my junior/senior year of college. As my athletic career was coming to an end, I began to focus on my next move. Del helped guide me into the business side of sports. At the end of my basketball career I realized that the lessons I was taught throughout the years playing were things I would never be able to learn in a classroom. I wanted to continue to support athletics and grow as a business leader in the sports world.

Q. Your first internship after graduating was working for the San Francisco 49ers – tell us about that assignment?

Yes, I received news about the opportunity to be an event marketing intern for the 49ers during my last few months of college. At this point, my college athletic career was over and I was finishing my last few classes. I was so eager to start and do anything and everything I could for the 49ers. The event marketing internship was an amazing step to get the feel of how a team works within a front office. I assisted with special events which enabled me to fine tune my social skills and help the smooth flow of events occur.

Q. That internship turned into a full time opportunity.  Tell us what you are doing now and what your responsibilities are today?

I currently work on retail operations and my responsibilities include being a buyer for 49ers merchandise, analyzing data, creating customer experience in our stores, and delivering satisfaction for our fans through retail. This is only a quick snapshot of the key items I have been working on.

Q . Besides the 49ers – what other teams (pro or college) do you follow?

For business, I follow a lot of teams to keep up to date with trends, social media engagement and to extend my knowledge of how each team is running their business/team. As a fan, I am all about the U of O Ducks and Stanford Cardinal.  I became a big St. Louis Cardinals fan while in college (saw two World Series). Although, I can’t move on to the next question without giving a shout out to the San Francisco Giants!! Way to go!

Q. Any advice you would pass on to other TPGF candidates as they work their way toward a career in sports?

One may dream of one’s perfect job in sports, or may not even be sure what is out there. Either way, continue to meet new people, be open minded, and never underestimate one’s potential. TPGF candidates are in the perfect position right now; with endless possibilities you can do or go anywhere you want. If you put the time and effort into what you are working for, you will create opportunities for yourself. You can be a leader at any age or at any position. Be kind, work hard, set an example and believe in yourself. Make an employer have no choice but to want and need you to work for them.

Q: Over your career you have done some very interesting things – could you walk us through your career to date?

I have spent the last 15 years in the private equity, operational management,business development and corporate finance world after starting my career as an intern at the FifthThird Bank at fourteen.  After college, I helped build an emerging markets investment firm, and then went to business school at Columbia.  Post-graduate school, I was fortunate enough to join JPMorgan’s investment banking group.  This was an amazing experience in terms of exposure, training and career validation. After being promoted to Vice President, I left JPMorgan to become the COO of a client’s private equity firm in Washington, DC.  And, in 2006, founded my own investment firm to continue my focus on medium-sized companies.  Through my firm, I have been fortunate to have helped build two publicly-traded companies in the technology sector.

Q: Of all the stops along the way for you so far – which one/ones were the most gratifying?.

One of the most gratifying moments in my career was the 2008 initial public offering of Mood Media (TSX: “MM”), formerly Fluid Music, Inc.  an internet-based music services company.  I invested in the company and worked with the company’s founder from concept to the public offering.  To participate in the evolution of a company from birth was an amazing experience.

Q:  Who was a key mentor to you in your career and how did that relationship help you along the way?

I have been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my career.  One in particular was the late Mr. Clement Buenger, former Chairman of Fifth ThirdBank.  Mr. Buenger played an integral role in early career development as an intern at the Bank and ultimately my hiring at JPMorgan.  The most important lesson I learned from him was that, “you are too young to make a mistake.”   Specifically, don’t be afraid to test yourself, to try new things, or to pursue your dreams.  In addition, he constantly reminded me of my personal obligation to always assist others in need, especially as it related to advancement of education and the arts.

Q: Along the way you have personally done great things breaking through diversity barriers – what advice would you have today for any minorities aspiring to a business career in sports?

Pursuing any career path has its challenges. But the most important thing to remember is that you should never let anyone take away or diminish how hard you have worked to get to where you are.  Also, be inquisitive.  Try to meet those who are where you would like to go with your career and get their insight.  You will be surprised at how much people are willing to share their experiences with you – especially in the sports business industry.  This knowledge will assist you in plotting a career course for yourself.

Q: You have some interesting ties to Professional Baseball – could you tell us about those?

I have been very fortunate to have met and known two owners of MLB teams for several years. Through these relationships, I have gained a lot of insight into the business side of major league baseball and other franchises.

Q: Over your career you have worked in both the Corporate and  Entrepreneurial Sectors -which have you enjoyed more?

I have most enjoyed entrepreneurial sectors and experiences.  I have always considered myself a builder or one who likes to assist others in building platforms.  This is no different than building a home, you have the ability to step back and say, “I have created something.”

Q: What are a couple of your favorite sports moment as a fan?

In many ways, the sport heroes of childhood represented tenacity, dedication and all the other positive values of great athletes.  As a result, my most memorable sports moments include:

1) Hank Aaron hitting his career home run number 715 on April 8, 1974, breaking Babe Ruth’s record. I am actually named after Hank Aaron.

2) The Big Red Machine dominating the National League from 1972 – 1976. As a young child, Cincinnati Reds games were always playing in the background on the radio or the television.

Q: What are your favorite activities outside of work?

Fishing by far. My father first took me fishing when I was a young boy, and I have loved it ever since.  If I’m not around, I’m probably fishing somewhere away from it all.

As member of the prestigious Advertising Hall of Fame, David Bell has over 40 years of experience in the marketing communications sector. He is Chairman Emeritus and previously served as Chairman and CEO of The Interpublic Group, Inc., one of the world’s largest marketing communications service companies.

Mr. Bell previously held the positions of Chairman and CEO of True North Communications Inc., the world’s sixth largest global advertising and marketing communications holding company. Mr. Bell was also President and CEO of Bozell Worldwide, where he helped grow the agency from $12 million to over $500 million in revenues; and prior to that was President of Knox Reeves Advertising, which was acquired by Bozell.

In his career, he has served virtually every kind of industry, from automotive to financial services; consumer packaged goods as well as business-to-business. Mr. Bell serves the industry as Past Chairman of The Advertising Council, The American Advertising Federation, The Advertising Educational Foundation and The American Association of Advertising Agencies. Mr. Bell was inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame by his peers in March 2007.

Q: What was your first job?

Fresh out of college I was hired by Leo Burnett in Chicago to work in their Training Program. I was the only non-MBA out of 19 people in the program and that  job saved me from going to Law School  

Q:  Of all the jobs you have had were there any that were particularly rewarding/fulfilling – and why?

Yes! My current job of ‘Coach’ – today I am mentoring dozens of young people along with companies like Gyro, Creative Realities and AOL.

Q:  You have mentored a lot of young people – did you have a mentor when you were growing up?

Several but two stand out – Chuck Pihl became a mentor of mine when I was 14 and I will never forget him.

Chuck Peebler, who was the CEO at Bozell Worldwide when I was the President  was my partner, collaborator, friend and mentor for 25 years.

Both men contributed greatly to my business and personal growth.

Q: You know as much about sports media and sponsorships as anyone on the planet — what are the trends you see these days?

Activation and Lower Costs for sure.

These two elements can dramatically drive more efficiency and  higher ROI

Q: You have a World Class family – how have you been able to balance your career with family?

I always schedule family first and business second – and – I always try to remember that ‘one surprise is worth 10 expecteds’

Q: You are a big NY Yankees  fan – who is your favorite Yankees manager of all time?

Joe Torre – he had a unique and invaluable skill of being able to push different buttons with different players to help them raise their game

Q: Do you have a favorite sports memory?

Yes! As an original bond and season ticket holder with the Minnesota Vikings I have vivid and fond memories of the Bud Grant Super Bowl teams during the 70’s.

I also am totally enjoying the amazing resurgence of  Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles this season

Q: Over your career you have done some very interesting things and worked on some very exciting projects  — which one of those was the most rewarding and why? 

In 2001 I was fortunate to work on the MLB Opening Day Series in San Juan, Puerto Rico between the Texas Rangers and the Toronto Blue Jays.  The Series was the first regular season game ever played in Puerto Rico, however the reason the Series has meant so much to me is because I was born in Puerto Rico and I participated in the island’s sports history.  The enthusiasm and energy that the Major League teams received from the locals were contagious.  Even the players felt it was something special.  Carlos Delgado (1^st baseman for the Blue Jays) and Ivan Rodriguez (catcher for the Rangers) who are both natives of Puerto Rico were quoted as saying that it was the most important game they have ever played in their careers.  This will always be an event that I cherish for years to come.

Q:  Who was a key mentor to you in your career and how did that relationship help you along the way?

My key mentor during the early stages of my sports marketing career was Steve Baker, former President of the NAIA. Steve and I both worked together for a few years in the international division of Major League Baseball.  His insights on marketing have always been very  progressive but the most impactful advise he provided was that you should always focus on your strengths and to be a big fish in a little pond… During the latter part of my career, Tim Brosnan, the head of MLB business, was instrumental in opening doors for me to grow professionally at the League.  Tim’s business and legal influence have helped me become more disciplined about my business performance.  He always reinforced that a good deal had to be one that was “good for both sides” otherwise it would not last.

Q: Along the way you have personally done great things breaking through diversity barriers – what advice would you have today for any minorities aspiring to a business career in sports?

During my tenure at Major League Baseball I was the highest ranking Latina female executive at the League.  My success came with hard work, dedicating my strengths to areas where the League lacked expertise (Latin America) and continued perseverance.    I would recommend to other minorities who are interested in a business career in sports to be aggressive about their approach and not take “no” for an answer.  Today there may be a “no” but tomorrow it can change to a “yes.”  Also, once they get their foot in the door, they should work their hardest to continue to grow professionally within the entity.  Considering other areas within the organization will also help.  I started at MLB in the Legal department but I knew that my future was with the international division therefore I stayed close to their activities and personnel until an opportunity became available.

Q: Over your career you have been a very successful businesswoman, wife and mother of two – how do you balance all those responsibilities?

It’s not an easy task… Women today must manage motherhood with a very demanding business world.  I must say that I’ve been very fortunate to have a supportive husband but also a family that lends a hand when it is needed.  The key to juggling the two successfully is to have a support system at home.

Q: You have had a lot of first hand involvement in the sponsorship space – what trends do you see today in the world of corporate sponsorship?

The sponsorship environment is evolving in a very rapid manner.  Property owners are now having to provide sponsors with a 360 degree activation model.  The digital environment has changed the dynamics of how we interact with the consumer, therefore the offerings and communications have changed to reflect these activation platforms.  I believe the trends that are evolving in corporate sponsorship are making the Property owners (teams, leagues, events) offer a turn-key solution for their sponsors.  Where as in the past they have primarily licensed their intellectual property rights and the sponsor has been responsible for creating the activation program.  This is no longer the case.  The Properties now have to work harder for the sponsor dollars by being creative and providing more offerings.

Q: We see a lot of minorities playing professional sports – any thoughts on why the percentage of minorities working on the business side of professional sports is so low?

Like many other industries, the business side of professional sports was largely dominated by White males.  As our society continues to change and become more diverse, so does the business world.  It will take continued effort in providing minorities with opportunities in order for the numbers to change.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite sports moment as a fan?

There are so many.  But I probably have to highlight the 2001 World Series featuring the NY Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Although the Yankees lost the Series, games #4 and #5 were some of the most exciting games I’ve ever attended.

Q: What are your favorite activities outside of work?

I enjoy spending time with my kids and enjoying outdoor activities.

Q: Why would you encourage someone to enter sports as a career?

It is an exciting environment to work in.  Every day is different and if you enjoy entertainment, it becomes a very creative environment to grow in.

We recently asked Advisor Martin Lee a few questions regarding his business career, interests, and the business of sports. Here is what Martin had to say.

Q: Over your career you have worked for Olympus, Sirius and Sears — what position you have held was the most rewarding and why? 

They have all been rewarding but Olympus was probably the most rewarding because I learned so much there.  Olympus was transforming from a traditional film camera company to one that could battle with consumer electronic giants like Sony and HP.  At the same time, we were experiencing dramatic growth because of digital camera adoption.  Our marketing budget grew 10X and we got involved in sponsorships, cause marketing, sports marketing, digital engagement and more.  More importantly, we had a great team that worked together to drive the business forward.  There were no silos and no politics.  It was a great culture when I was there.

Q.  Who was a mentor to you in your career and how did that relationship help you along the way?

I’ve had several mentors and encourage everyone to find several mentors.  If I had to single anyone out, it would have to be my father.   He was a surgeon that literally had nothing when we was young.  He put himself through medical school, moved to the United States to give his family a better life, started a educational scholarship fund and ended his career on medical missions serving underprivileged communities around the world.   No matter what I accomplish in my career, in my mind it will never measure up to what he accomplished in his.

Q: What are the most important business lessons you have learned in life?

Follow your passions.  I ended up at SIRIUS XM because I am a huge sports fan and music enthusiast.  Having a job where I could market sports and music was a dream job.  I moved to Sears because I am also a big do-it-yourself enthusiast.  I love landscaping, carpentry, anything that has to do with building or working with your hands.   Everyone should follow their passions.   If you do, you will find your job will be much more rewarding.

Q: Over your career you have been a very successful businessman, husband and father – how do you balance all those responsibilities?

That is easy.  The most important thing in my life is my family. I’ve found that if you make your family the priority, everything else falls in place.    I consider myself to be very lucky.  I have two great boys and a perfect wife.    They make it very easy for me to focus on work when I need to .  And it is important for my kids to see that you have to work hard to accomplish things.  I tell them constantly that the only way they can get better is to practice, practice, practice.

Q: During your career you have had first hand involvement in the sponsorship space – what trends do you see today in the world of corporate sponsorship of sports?

The biggest challenge in the world of sponsorships is ROI.  There are so many ways to spend your marketing dollars, that every activity needs to have an associated ROI.

Q: We are told you  are a huge St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan – how did that come about ?

I was born in St. Louis so the Cardinals are my favorite of all sports teams. Kentucky Wildcats are a close second.   I still remember listening to Cardinal games on my clock radio.  I grew up with Tommy Herr, Garry Templeton, Bob Forsch, Ted Simmons, Whitey Herzog.   Then Ozzie Smith, Willie McGee, and Vince Coleman.  I’ve watched replays of Game 6 of the 2011 World Series at least 30 times.  St. Louis is a great baseball town and my Cardinals will always be my favorite of all sports teams.

Q: What are a couple of your favorite sports moment as a fan?

I have a two and they are both in the last year.  Game 6 of the 2011 World Series.   Watching my 6 year old son hit 3 baskets in his basketball game.  That is what is so great about sports, there is a good chance that your favorite moment is still in your future.

Q: What are your favorite passions outside of work?

Coaching my son’s sports teams and golf.   Golf is my inner peace.  Nothing is better than going out late on a Sunday afternoon and walking a golf course by yourself.  Sometimes I am the only one on the golf course and it is the best way to relax and take away the stress from the week.  I also enjoy times that aren’t as relaxing when I bring my boys with me.  The sand traps are a big sand box to them so I spend an hour golfing and an hour raking the sand traps.  It is a good work out.  My other favorite activity is a new one, coaching.  I love coaching 5-7 year olds.  They are so eager to learn and make so much progress in a 4 month period of time.

Q: Why would you encourage someone to enter sports as a career?

Enter sports as a career if it is your passion.  I love sports.  I love the competition and that you are part of a team.  If I could do things over again, I would probably start my career in sports.

We recently asked Corrine Vitolo a few questions regarding her business career, interests, and the business of baseball. Here’s what she had to say:

Q. Tell us about SmartSports – what is the business all about and how did you create it?

In short, we are the physical SAT®. We’ve developed the first quantitative tech system that measures athletic performance; our first market is baseball, football next. Beyond the stopwatch and radar gun, there has been no standardization in sports. We focused on that enormous void — while simultaneously addressing inefficiencies in scouting and player development — and built the solution.

SmartSports emanated largely by chance. I was approached in 2003 by my now partner and co-founder, Larry Scannell, who played for the Red Sox. He had the makings of a great idea; I wanted to pursue something innovative in the space. His background as a player and instructor, coupled with mine in sports management yielded a pretty exciting company…. We’re ready to launch our SmartKage system to 160 locations in the US, have the best partners in technology and baseball, and already have additional products in the pipeline. It is terrific time for us.

Q: Over your career, what position you have held was the most challenging and why?

I’ve always been in the sports business; my early career served Fortune 100 companies business interests in MLB, NFL and Motorsport, largely in strategy and operations. At the time, dealing with multinational companies seemed complex simply by virtue of the size and structure of the organizations. Looking back, it was comparatively simple to what I am doing now.

Any position as CEO is demanding. In SmartSports, it has required an incredible level of stamina. Managing technology development, capital markets, investors, and general organizational matters in parallel necessitates intense focus and dedication. That said, it is absolutely the most gratifying thing I have ever done.

Baseball as a business is somewhat underserved — it’s unique heritage and unmatched legacy as a sport remains somewhat unrealized to its potential. From a business perspective, we are facing substantial shifts in how fans interact with sports. Those of us trying to bridge the gap from past to future are challenged with serving multiple constituencies well, and to a degree, having a correct execution of prediction. America’s pastime is coming quickly into the future… my challenge is to ensure that we have aptly anticipated and correctly equipped that market to engage, and grow.

Q.  Who was a mentor to you in your career and why?

I’ve been blessed with only one: Jerry Welsh. As head of worldwide marketing for American Express, Jerry became best known as the founder of cause-related marketing. His projects always involved something meaningful — not de rigueur in the day: his accomplishments originated from his extraordinary conscience. In my opinion, he is one of the best quiet leaders in the history of US business.

Without ever overtly discussing, he is the one that taught me how to make business work for something larger than the immediate, how to leverage what you had to make the world a better place — in any increment. He saw, he recognized, and he believed in me. Funny, I’ve worked with a lot of very high profile people… I’d say I have been most touched to be considered one of “Jerry’s Kids”…..

Q: What are the most important business lessons you have learned in life?

They have been one and the same: be true to yourself. The rest will follow.

Q: Over your career you have been a consultant, a CEO, a writer and teacher (among other things)  —do you prefer one or two of the those to the others?

No preference, though, my sense is that my current position is the one that will leave the most meaningful fingerprints.

Q: What advice would you have for women aspiring to a career in sports ?

Do it, and go big. Sport is one of the few common denominators in life that transcends any categorical label. Indeed, women are few: all the better reason and opportunity to make your mark.

Q: Talk to us about the Science of Sport — as all training becomes more sophisticated where do you see things going next?

Our entire culture has shifted to science — technology is simply an expression of that. This generation of athletes has exponentially more information available to them — all the better to guide them. Whether through training, conditioning, nutrition, or coaching…. science is the catalyst that is moving all sport forward.

There are a lot of emerging corollaries that are interesting… I think the ones that will matter are the ones that can remain invisible to the user. Smart wearables are easy and scalable, there should be good traction in that. I think some of the most important things I’m seeing are on the predictive realm. For example, after several of our SmartKage sessions, we have enough data to show trend lines… wouldn’t you like to be able to prevent a pitching injury before it happens? We have the science, now it’s simply a matter of implementation.

Q: What do you feel has changed most in the Business of Baseball in the past 10-15 years?

I think it’s the wonderful offshoot of technology: fan interaction. In previous generations, baseball was essentially limited to either a broadcast, or going to a game: it was a finite exposure. If you blinked, you missed. With on-demand information, casual fans have escalated their interests into lifestyles. Via television, phones, devices — all have augmented the fan’s activity level. MLBAM is on top of it for sure, but there is still plenty of space to be addressed. It’s still very much an evolving proposition.

Q: What is your favorite sports moment as a fan?

Ironically, it was completely independent of business. Two very distinct moments in my life, both football related.

I grew up next to the Shula family in Miami. I was a kid, and it wasn’t until I was in college that I realized how extraordinary it was that Don was the one who taught me to throw a football.

More poignantly, when Walter Payton was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was an amazing athlete, with the biggest heart I’ve ever known. He was a very dear, very missed, friend.

Q: What are your favorite passions outside of work?

Quietly doing good. And very serious driving.

Q: Why would you encourage someone to enter sports as a career?

For the very same reason I was so exited to get involved with TPGF: because you can make a difference. At the end of the day, there are a million businesses you can get involved with — the question is, what matters? Business is only as meaningful as the people it touches. Sport is one of the few places of true commonality between industry and humanity. It may sound dramatic, but it is true. Seldom can business impact people directly: sports can. Any aspect promotes good values: health, personal development, growth, sportsmanship, achievement  — all qualities that positively effect the human condition.  Beyond, there is so much opportunity for growth. There truly are no limits in what one can do.

We recently asked Vince Gennaro a few questions regarding his business career, interests, and the business of baseball. Here’s what he had to say:

Q: What are the two most important business lessons you have learned in life?

1. When a business is performing well, we need to overcome the tendency to be content. Of course it is important to celebrate successes, but it is very easy to overlook further opportunities to grow or improve the business.
2. Building a successful business can be exciting, but doing it while developing the talents of people in the organization is even more rewarding.

Q: What was your first job, and what did you like or dislike about it?

My first job was working in my father’s neighborhood delicatessen in New Jersey. I had a lot of pride representing my family. Even when I was a teenager, my Dad often relied on my advice about what items to offer, how to merchandise and price them. I taught me the importance of valuing your employees and empowering them to feel personally vested in a business. At the time, I didn’t like getting up at 6am every Sunday morning to open the Deli, or listening to Superbowl on the radio because I was working, when all of my friends were sitting in front of a TV watching the game.

Q: Who was a mentor to you in your career and why?

In many ways my father was my mentor. Although his background and experiences did not overlap with my pursuits, he often encouraged me to challenge the status quo and his advice on a wide range of topics was consistently on-the-mark.

Q: Over your career, what position you have held was the most challenging and why?

Early in my career I raised capital to buy and operate a women’s pro basketball franchise. Trying to put a women’s pro team sport on the map in 1979, just seven years after Title IX, proved to be an enormous challenge. In fact, it wasn’t until nearly two decades later that the WNBA finally proved the viability of the sport.

Q: Over your career you have had corporate roles, sports jobs, you are a teacher, you have had entrepreneurial ventures and you are an author — did you prefer one or two of the those to the others?

I’ve really enjoyed all of my experiences. My career track was not necessarily something you design, on paper, when you enter the workforce following college. It was more of a career “adventure”, which enabled me to have a wonderful diversity of experiences. My entrepreneurial venture came early in my career, when I had a more aggressive attitude towards risk. My corporate career at PepsiCo was enormously rewarding as it gave me the opportunity to hone my leadership skills by running large, complex businesses and it gave me an appreciation for the importance of developing people. Teaching and writing seemed like natural extensions of my business and sports career. If I had to pick one “favorite” role, it would be my consulting work with MLB teams. For a baseball fanatic, it’s tough to top having a “seat at the table” when important decisions are being made—roster moves, contract signings, etc.

Q: What drove you to becoming an author?

I’ve always enjoyed writing, particularly when I feel I’ve got an interesting story to tell. My motivation in writing Diamond Dollars was to communicate ideas which drew on my business experience, but translated it to the business of baseball. The most rewarding aspect of writing is when sports industry leaders tell you what they learned from reading your book.

Q: Talk to us about the Business of Baseball—what do you feel are the three most critical factors for a baseball team to be successful in today’s climate?

On the business side (i.e., sales, marketing, etc.) one of the most important aspects is to truly know and understand your fan base. Having sophisticated consumer insights that allow a team to understand the true makeup and psyche of their fans is the platform on which teams can build their relationships with their fans. Today the Red Sox “talk” to their fan base in a very different way than prior to their 2004 World Championship.

On the baseball side, it’s important to have the discipline to make data-driven decisions, not just gut-feel, instinctive ones. The baseball business has gotten far too complex to make seat of the pants player personnel decisions. Projecting player performance in a way that accounts for the player’s “aging curve”, or evaluating how their tendencies fit your ballpark are critical decision factors. Finally, I would say the best baseball operations organizations bring in talented front office people that challenge the status quo and resist the temptation to do things “the way we’ve always done them”. The industry is ripe for fresh thinking. There has never been a more favorable climate for young people to enter the business of baseball.

Q: What do you feel has changed most in the Business of Baseball in the past 10-15 years?

With the escalation of revenues and salaries, every decision in baseball places significantly more dollars at risk than it did 15 years ago. The stakes are higher, which is why we see more sophisticated analysis and decision processes being adopted within the baseball industry today. On another level, one of the most profound changes has been the emergence of the team-owned regional sports networks, such as NESN, the YES Network, and MASN, just to mention a few. These entities are more than just a vehicle to transmit telecasts of games to fans. They are brand building vehicles—even propaganda machines—which go a long way to shaping the fans perception of the team brand and its players. These regional networks also provide a tremendous source of revenue for some teams, which has served to turn the economics of baseball on its head. The Yankees—the most valuable sports franchise in North America—has a financial stake in its regional sports network that is valued at twice the value of their historic baseball franchise. And the YES Network did not even exist 10 years ago.

Q: What is your favorite sports moment as a fan?

I’ve had many, although I was a Cub fan for the years I was living in Chicago, so that experience tended to provide enough low points to even out my Yankee years. I would say being at Yankee Stadium for the clinching game of the 1996 World Series was my favorite moment, along with attending the Masters for the first time in 1992, the year that Fred Couples won the green jacket. In terms of a surreal experience—attending the 1997 Ryder Cup in Valderamma Spain and flying over on the Concord with the US team was truly unforgettable.

Q: What are your favorite passions outside of work?

I’m fortunate to have one of my passions blend into my work — my love for baseball. I also enjoy reading (usually American History and current affairs books), playing golf and cooking.

Q: Why would you encourage someone to enter sports as a career?

Over my 30+ year business career, I’ve come to learn that whatever career path we choose, we are likely to invest a large portion of our time in it. Since we all have a degree of “pride”, we also want to do well, or even excel at what we do professionally. All of that energy and effort we put into our careers will flow a little bit easier if we are following our passion. So it you are passionate about sports—if it’s something that is a part of who you are—then having a career in sports gives you the opportunity to blend your work life with your passion. That’s a combination that is likely to provide more personal satisfaction, as well as give you the best chance of having a successful, fulfilling career.