WSR What are your earliest memories of getting interested in baseball?
ALEXANDRA
At around the age of four, I remember begging my older sisters, Aleczina and Amie
to let me play with them. Of course they protested saying, “ I was to young, to small
and unable to catch a ball”. My daddy told them, “as your older sisters, it is your job to
teach her.”
They said I better not cry and catch the ball. They started throwing balls to me at what
seemed like ninety-nine miles an hour. I was flinching, shaking my hands in pain, but I
wanted so much to play with them, I didn’t cry.
WSR
What lessons if any did you learn from this experience?
ALEXANDRA
I learned at that early age to work hard to do what you want to do. Always teach those
who want to learn and you can do anything you want to do, anything is possible.
WSR
Did you attend college? What did you major in?
ALEXANDRA
I attended East Carolina University in Greenville, No. Carolina. I majored in Health Fitness
and got an MA in Exercise and Support Science and graduated in 2006. I was drawn to
exercise and sports but especially Marketing sport. I grew up watching the Atlanta Braves
and started attending Kinston Indians games. They played in Kinston, No. Carolina, not far
from where I grew up in Goldsboro, NC. My dad spent twenty years in the Air Force and
retired in Goldsboro.
WSR
When did you decide on baseball as a career?
ALEXANDRA
I went to Florida every spring to watch spring training. I loved watching the New York
Yankees. I decided with my college degree, I could think of nothing more rewarding
than marketing and promoting a baseball team. I got a break and landed an internship
with the Carolina Mudcats in the summer of 2006. They are a
Minor League team playing in Zebulon, NC.
My first night on the job, I was in charge of guarding the Easter Bunny, picking up
falling kids during an on field contest, ushering fans to their seats, dancing the YMCA
during the seventh inning stretch and rolling up the speed pitch. That is our
inflatable Mudcat that fans can throw baseballs into it and clock their speed.
When the evening was over, I realized the baseball industry was exactly where I wanted
to be.
WSR
What are your responsibilities for the Carolina Mudcats?
ALEXANDRA
I am the Director of Marketing. I create promotions, on-field contest theme events,
giveaways, editing brochure, programs and schedules. I draw up sponsorship contracts
and some nights, I pour beer, serve hot dogs, clean the stadium and roll tarp.
WSR
Tell me about one or two of the most unusual promotions you created?
ALEXANDRA
One evening last June, we had an eighties night! Kitt replica cars (a) were on display.
Umpires and players in throw back uniforms. Even the staff was in eighties attire. Fans
participated in their best eighties outfits and we had an eighties trivia contest on the video
board. It was a lot of fun.
WSR
Ever meet any celebrities?
ALEXANDRA
Yes, I met many famous athletes: Mia Hamm, Ken Griffey, Dusty Baker and Hall of Famers
Tony Perez, Ryan Sandberg and Cal Ripken Jr.
WSR
What was your most memorable moment?
ALEXANDRA
That would be the 2008 Southern League All-Star game that was hosted by our team. I
was responsible for all pre-game ceremonies which included a Miracle League Game, first
pitch, organizing the singers for the National Anthem and
arranging for an F-15 flyover provided by Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
WSR
What was the most memorable game you ever saw?
ALEXANDRA
There were several but the most memorable was an exhibition game between the
Cincinnati Reds vs. The Red Top Prospects Team held at Five County Stadium, home of
the Carolina Mudcats. We became affiliated with the Reds in 2009.
I was on field coordinator. The best part was the Prospects beat the Reds.
WSR
Do you have a favorite baseball movie? A baseball book?
ALEXDRA
I have a baseball movie collection including Major League, The Pride of a Yankee,
Sandlot and A League of Their Own. My favorite book is Derek Jeter’s “The Life You
Imagine: Key Lessons for Achieving Your Dreams.” Also, books by Dave Winfield, Joe
Torre and Pete Rose.
WSR
Who were your mentors?
ALEXANDRA
Dr. Stacy Altman at East Carolina U. helped me tremendously in the Exercise and Sport
Field. She gave me several opportunities to grow and I am now teaching Sports and
Fitness Marketing part time at ECU.
WSR
Any players on the Carolina Mudcats make it the Major Leagues?
ALEXANDRA
Yes, many have. YonderAlonso and Juan Francisco are currently with the Cincinnati Reds.
Anabal Sanchez and Brett Carroll are among many now with the Florida Marlins.
WSR
Did you play sports in school and are you active in any sport now?
ALEXANDRA
I played basketball for three years in Middle and High School and four years varsity
softball in college. I was captain and voted MVP one year. I still play both
recreationally. Baseball is my favorite sport; the only sport I truly follow. Being in the
sports industry, you find yourself keeping tabs on all sports. Basketball is my next favorite.
My parents always encouraged me to play sports and continue to encourage me to go
to the top in a Major League office. They are extremely supportive and proud of what I
have accomplished.
WSR
Are you married, have children? What do you do for recreation?
ALEXANDRA
No, I am single, no children. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, going to the beach
and visiting baseball stadiums.
WSR
As an African/American woman, did you experience any resistance to your working in
baseball?
ALEXANDRA
I have not experienced any resistance in my career in baseball. I think the biggest
resistance is has to do with being a woman before being African/American of mixed race.
WSR
What advice would you give a woman considering a career in baseball?
ALEXANDRA
Be sure you show great drive, initiative and dedication. Make sure the people above
you know your career goals and what you aspire to accomplish with your career. It’s
a long season with many games and long hours. It becomes your life, you have to love it!
WSR
What do you enjoy the most about your work?
ALEXANDRA
I love the interaction that comes between the fans and players and I am humbled and
speechless at the draw the sport has in bringing people together.
I love the competition, the smiles on fans faces as they reach for a free T-shirt and
knowing the goal of the players on the field is to work hard to get to the “Big Show.”
Creating a successful promotion and watching the fans and kids having fun.
WSR
To what do you attribute your success?
ALEXANDRA
I persist in working hard and learn from the people at the top. I continue to strive
towards my goal to work for a Major League team doing promotions and marketing.
Baseball is fun, it brings families and people together. It’s a showcase for competition
and sportsmanship and it where my office is. I love it!
Alexandra L. Briley is the Director of Marketing for the Carolina Mudcats
located in Zebulon, North Carolina. They are an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.
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