John’s Spring Training Experience

Five days of non-stop baseball provided an unforgettable experience during my Spring Break. As I covered various Major League Baseball teams across Florida, I had time to reflect on my journey. It was an eye-opening experience that will undoubtedly inform my upcoming job search.

First and foremost, I realized that reporting on baseball isn’t as intimidating as it may seem. Despite having covered smaller teams in college baseball before, this was my first time at the professional level, interacting with athletes of this caliber. I quickly realized that, like college athletes, these professionals are just regular people doing a job. The same goes for the seasoned media members. Everyone is focused on their work and helping others do theirs. By maintaining professionalism and showing respect, I earned their respect in return.

A major takeaway from this experience was determining whether I want to pursue baseball coverage long-term. Covering five consecutive games in six days presents a unique challenge in crafting compelling stories and articles. It’s a daunting task, but the rewards are worth it. Unlike other sports, baseball is a 162-game marathon, and finding meaning in seemingly inconsequential games can be both interesting and repetitive. Nevertheless, this experience has provided me with a valuable reference point for the dedication and hard work required to be a baseball beat writer, and my respect for those in the field has grown.

To future students, I encourage you to fully immerse yourself in such opportunities and make the most of what you have. It’s essential to network with industry professionals and engage with as many people as possible, all while enjoying the work that may become your daily routine in the future. While baseball may not be the ultimate career path for everyone, this experience serves as an invaluable introduction to the real world of sports reporting and the demanding grind of covering the game every day with passion.