Mastering an Art and Covering MLB

Former St. Louis Cardinals manager Tony La Russa throws out the first pitch. (photo Kim Klement / USA Today Sports)

St. Petersburg, Fla.–This week I officially started my internship with Rocket Sports & Entertainment Network and besides the fact of it being a little intimidating, it was the experience of a lifetime. Even beginning from the walk in to pick up our credentials, I’ve never been happier. Rick and I walked into the press box, set up our computers and headed straight for the field. Almost getting lost in the stairwell (Rick’s fault) we finally made it to watch the Rays finish up their batting practice. It was amazing to me to see how much bigger the players are when they are standing right in front of you.

Next, with Rick’s constant complaining about how hungry he was, we headed for the press dining room. In itself the dining room is pretty exciting, there was so much food I had no idea where to even begin but it was delicious. Leaving there Rick and I headed back to the field for the Cardinals batting practice.  Being that I REALLY like the Cards, he took me down the stairs and out on the field again. Watching guys like Yadier Molina, Jon Jay and Carlos Martinez throwing and hitting was so amazing. I also got to sneak a look at the iconic Tony La Russa while he chatted with the coaches for the Cardinals. The field experience was such an amazing way to kick off my first day as an intern.

Getting settled in up in the press box, the first pitch is thrown and as the guy on the press PA said, “First pitch 7:09.”  Being able to watch the game from the box was beautiful, I could see everything. Keeping up with score was so hard for me because I don’t think I’ve ever been that excited but I promise I had it covered.

Brennie settles in, Mountain Dew and all… (RSEN photo)

At the end of the fourth inning I took a walk down to the grandstands looking for some Cardinals fans. I was able to chat for a few moments with Cardinal fan and college student Damien McKinney. He so excitingly agreed to be my first interviewee. I asked, with the new inter-league format, how excited are you for the Cards to come to Tampa? “I’m very excited because they never play each other so I get to see my boys play,” McKinney replied.  McKinney now lives here in the bay area.  Who is your favorite player? “Yadier Molina!” Do you think the Rays and Cardinals will meet again this year? “No, because the Rays will not make it to the playoffs.”

As the game comes to an end I must say I mastered the art of hiding my excitement and look forward to more work with Rocket Sports & Entertainment Network.  Baseball, football, hockey, the radio show!  The mastered art must continue!