Friday, August 21, 2009
Behind Enemy Lines
For the better half of the 2009 MLB season I have been covering games for STATS Inc. I mainly enter game data off the broadcasts and occasionally analyze specific pitch data when called upon.
In June, STATS had an opening for a live press box reporter. They asked me if I would be interested. I don’t need to tell you my response. It turned out that the offer was somewhat bittersweet, however. The only opening they had at the time was at Fenway. I took it without hesitation.
I had only been to Fenway once in my life. My 15 year old Connecticut All-Star team had made the regionals in Pittsfield, MA in the Summer of 1995. Our success was mainly due to Craig Breslow’s left arm and my uncanny ability to bunt. Our gracious Massachusetts hosts awarded every team with a trip to Fenway at the end of the Summer. On September 3rd, Tim Wakefield pitched 8 strong innings of 4-hit ball to beat the California Angels 8-1. I was indifferent. I was more concerned with eying the scoreboard, as the Yankees were blowing an 8-5 lead against the A’s in the Bronx (a game they would eventually lose 10-9 in 10 innings with Eckersley getting the win).
My first game as a press box reporter came on Sunday, June 20th this year, between the Braves and the Red Sox. And who else should be the starting pitcher for the Red Sox but Tim Wakefield. That’s right, my second game ever at Fenway, 14 years after my first, and the same guy is toeing the mound. Somehow Nick Green would manage a walk-off HR in the ninth to win the game for Boston.
I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t the best opportunity I’ve ever had. That may sound kind of sad. But, I really do appreciate every game I get to cover (even if I have to suffer through “Dirty Water” after the last out). And two months after my first game, the powers that be finally saw fit to assign me a Yankees-Red Sox game. I have been planning to make the most of this opportunity, particularly by posting to RLYW things I think some of you all might find interesting. When the Yankees take BP, I’ll try and go down and snap a shot or two, or even get some audio to post. I hope I can bring you something worthwhile.
Stay tuned.
Comments
Wait, a blogger with access? How did that happen?
Your post is only up for half-an-hour, and SG goes and puts another post above it. What a pal!
Seriously, that’s awesome, getting paid to watch baseball games. One of my fantasies is I’ll one day come upon a job posting, “Wanted: Oracle Programmer to do database design for SWB Yankees”. Yeah, I’ll keep dreaming.
The Jewish uncle in me wants to say: “This is what he does with his law degree?
That’s awesome. If you don’t mind me asking…
1. Is the pay good?
2. How’d you get a job with STATS? Was it out of college or what?
Awesome.
Dear Jonathan,
If you happen to bump into Joe Girardi while at field level, it wouldn’t be the worst thing ever if you explained to him that he should distribute some of Aceves innings to other relievers. Also, let him know Hughes should start.
Thanks,
RLYW posters
But seriously, congrats on getting paid for something totally awesome.
Your post is only up for half-an-hour, and SG goes and puts another post above it. What a pal!
I didn’t see Jonathan’s post, I fixed it so he’s back on top.
Also, <strike>let him know Hughes should start</strike>ask him about his secret plan to start Hughes.
FTFY.
Jonathan, that’s just too cool for words!
Have fun, kick Trout!
Looking forward to your information leaks. We should henceforth refer to the core contributors here, colletively, as the Committee.
I fixed it so he’s back on top.
That’s what she said.
1. Is the pay good?
2. How’d you get a job with STATS? Was it out of college or what?
1. Definitely not. Particularly, when you have a law school loans to pay off. (frog speaks the truth)
2. I applied while in school. I think you can send them your resume right from their site.
Your post is only up for half-an-hour, and SG goes and puts another post above it. What a pal!
Actually, this was just a prelim post. I was planning on tacking on updates to SG’s game chatter later on.
[8] I’m really interested in that.
Don’t. Make. Eye. Contact!
Marte si, Pena non
Marte arrives just in time for Ortiz, perfect.
Its either a very good development or a very bad one. I know not.
Thanks so much for keeping us briefed! I’ll be watching the game with my BoSox housemates and hopefully cackling.
1. Definitely not. Particularly, when you have a law school loans to pay off. (frog speaks the truth)
At least, I’m sure, you enjoy what you do and so long as it’s enough to survive that’s really awesome.
The RS claimed Wagner on waivers.
[19] saw that coming…
Great story Jonathan… leak away…
At least, I’m sure, you enjoy what you do and so long as it’s enough to survive that’s really awesome.
My wife is the one that keeps us alive, really. Thankfully, for the time being, it’s enough to allow me to do this.
The Standells vs Sinatra, kinda says it all.
Awesome, Jonathan. Turns out I probably am not going to the White Sox game (damn work!), but will definitely try to make one game with you in attendance.
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