| WSR When did you start your career in baseball? KACI I started my first year in baseball with the Lincoln Saltdogs in Lincoln, Nebraska an Independent team. My title was a general intern. At this position the 10 interns rotated between the areas of ticket sales, merchandise sales, promotions, and stadium operations. This is truly where my passion and dreams of baseball began. I was going to be a junior in college and up until this point I knew I wanted to work in sports, but just wasn’t sure how I was going to do it or what sport I wanted to work in. WSR Did you attend the MLB Winter Meetings? KACI Yes. Towards the end of the season I was talking to one of our players agents (Oscar Suarez) and he said he would love to see more women working in baseball and he suggested that I attend the 2008 Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas. I jumped at this occasion because I was ready to immerse mysdlf in baseball…and it was in Vegas I then met with our GM and we discussed the options I had and that I would only have the opportunity to apply for Short Season teams because I still had school to finish. He also informed me that if I did not find a job I wanted while in Vegas there would be a Box Office Manager position open for the Saltdogs in the 2009 season. WSR What happened in Las Vegas? KACI While in Vegas I got offered a job with the Bluefield Orioles, but it was an unpaid position. I decided it would be a wise career step to take the position with the Saltdogs because I would be learning new things and have more responsibility. My second year with the Saltdogs secured my initial plans in baseball. I was hesitant at first because I thought that I had had so much fun the season before and met so many wonderful people that this year was going to be a let down. It sure was not. I met more people and developed lifetime relationships. It also helps that this year was the first year that the Lincoln Saltdogs became the 2009 American Association Champions. That really created excitement towards the end of the season and made me want to continue in baseball even more. WSR What college did you attend? What was your major? KACI While all this was happening I decided that I would attempt to graduate with a Fitness Management degree a semester early (December 2009) from Doane College in Crete, Nebraska. I knew that if I did this I would have a better chance at landing a full time internship with a Minor League team when I went to Indianapolis for the 2009 Baseball Winter Meetings. This was very true. While in Indy I had many interviews with different teams across the country. It then came down to two teams: the Omaha Royals in Omaha, Nebraska and the Nashville Sounds in Nashville, Tennessee. While meeting with the Royals staff at the meetings I decided that this was the job I wanted, even though I would still be in Nebraska. I am now the Ticket Operations Intern with the Royals. We are planning and preparing for not only our final season in Rosenblatt Stadium, but also our 2011 season in our new ballpark that will be open in April of 2011. It has been a wonderful experience so far and I can’t wait for the season to get underway! WSR Please explain what you do on your current job with the Royals. KACI I am the Ticket Operations intern with the Omaha Royals. I’m in charge of selling tickets, printing and holding tickets. Because we have such a large stadium, we close off different areas in our ticketing system and our stadium to better suit the needs of our fans. Since we are also in the process of building a new stadium for 2011 we are actually doing work for two seasons this year. Along with organizing everything for the 2010 season we are planning and preparing for our 2011 season in the new ballpark. We have priority lists for purchasing season tickets in the new ballpark that we have to keep track of and update often, along with many other duties. WSR What do you love most about your job? KACI That’s easy. The fans. I love hearing their stories about when they used to come To Rosenblatt Stadium when they were younger or who their favorite player is or was. Baseball has a special way of bringing people together. They make every day at the ballpark worth my time. I am always there to answer their questions or assist them if they need something. WSR Who were your mentors or guides in baseball? KACI My college Marketing professor, Kathleen Zumpfe has been a great influence on my career in baseball. Through her marketing classes and personal meetings, I have learned how to be a professional I sports and business. I have been blessed working with great co-workers. They have taught me so much. They have all guided me to be in the position I am today. I have met several amazing people at the Baseball Winter Meetings and have become a more competent professional because of them. WSR What is the most difficult aspect of your job? KACI Keeping everything organized so we don’t sell the same season tickets twice. Every contract we get is entered into several spreadsheets and if it doesn’t get entered properly, it could cause many problems down the road. WSR Are you married? Do you have any children? KACI I am not married and have no children. WSR What do you do for relaxation after work or after the season is over? KACI The first two years I worked in baseball, I really never got to experience the off-season. Once the season is over, I was already back in college. I guess you could call college relaxation but I have to experience the off-season in the office. After work or on the weekends when we don’t have to work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family as often as I get the chance. WSR What is your most memorable experience with the Royals? KACI My most memorable moment with the Royals so far would have to be when they offered me the job at the Winter Meetings. I was able to meet the staff that was in Indianapolis and attend the gala with them. WSR Do you have any pets? What kind and what’s it’s name? KACI I have no pets. On my parents’ farm my dad raises cattle and we have a dog-named Bailey. WSR How did you wind up with the Royals? KACI I am originally from Amherst, Nebraska, a small town in central Nebraska. After I graduated in December I went to Indianapolis to the Baseball Winter Meetings. After several interviews and job offers I accepted the job with the Royals. So I went all the way to Indianapolis to get a job back in Nebraska. My mom always jokes about how ironic it is. WSR What American woman do you admire the most? KACI If you are asking what famous American woman that I admire most I would have to say Amelia Earhart. She was a woman in a man’s environment, just as women are today in baseball. She was a strong, confident, and successful woman that stood for what she believed in. She was a great pioneer for women and proved that women could do anything they set their mind to. I also admire my mom and truly thank her for all that she has done for me. She has helped me to become a great person that believes in working for the things you want. I have always been taught that hard work and a great attitude will help you more in life than most other things. She is a strong willed woman and believes in the people she loves. WSR Do you have a nickname? KACI Not really, but I need to get one very soon because our mascot’s name is Casey. It’s very confusing at times. WSR What would you advise a young woman considering a career in baseball? KACI It’s a male dominant world, but stick to your guns and show you have what it takes to make it. Your hard work will pay off. You can’t be scared or intimidated. Confidence is a must. Be ready to step up as a mother figure when the need arises, and it will. Have fun with what you are doing or have to do. Roll with the punches…you have to be able to bounce back from things. Be prepared for long hours and a minimal social life outside of the ballpark. WSR Who was most influential getting you interested in baseball? KACI No one person got me interested in baseball. But as for my love of sports I credit that to my family. My dad is a basketball and track coach and always had my sisters and I playing sports. Because of his knowledge and my mom’s everlasting support I have gained a deep love for sports. I just kind of fell into baseball and have loved working in it since. WSR What is your favorite baseball movie? KACI The Sandlot WSR Who is your favorite band? KACI Jack Johnson – His music is chill and relaxing. WSR What song pumps you up? KACI I guess I would have to say anything that has a good, fast beat. WSR Where would you like to be in three or fours years? KACI I hope to see myself working on the marketing side of things or in fan services in years to come. Kaci Long is the Ticket Operations Intern for the Omaha Royals located in Omaha, Nebraska. They are affiliated with the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City. # [email protected] www.tycobb367.com | |
