New MLB Intern Excited to Join the BTF Team!

Ten days ago, I received news that only a handful of people in the country are privileged to hear: I had been selected to be a summer intern with Major League Baseball. I would be interning with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund, a joint organization between MLB and the Players Association designed to promote the growth of youth participation in baseball and softball. My start date would be May 31^st, meaning I had only ten days to graduate from college, say goodbye to friends and family, and move to New York City to begin a new chapter in my life!

Clearly, the past few days have been a whirlwind for me. Tuesday morning, just three days after walking across the stage to receive my degree, I found myself navigating the subway and the streets of NYC in search of the MLB office on Park Ave. After participating in a short intern orientation, which included some ice breakers, a tour, and a welcome from Jonathan Mariner, Chief Financial Officer of MLB (very cool!), I was immediately put to work. My first task was to learn more about the Baseball Tomorrow Fund itself. Through the BTF website, along with help from the Fund’s blog, Facebook and Twitter pages, I’ve caught a glimpse of some of the incredible work BTF does.

As a former athlete and the sister of 10-year-old twins who both actively participate in their community’s sports programs, I fully recognize and support the role of sports in the development of today’s youth. One of my first memories is of playing peewee baseball on a tiny field in my hometown of Grafton, VT, a time in my life that I will always cherish. It’s my hope that all kids can have the opportunity that I had, learning the value of teamwork, commitment and physical fitness while having fun and enjoying the game. And from what I’ve seen so far, the Baseball Tomorrow Fund provides just that opportunity—for countless kids, in communities across the country.

Throughout my time with MLB, I hope to be a resource and a contributor in order to help further the initiatives of BTF. Luckily, my past work experience has prepared me pretty well to do so. Last summer, I was incredibly fortunate to have interned with ESPN at the headquarters in Bristol, CT (a big cultural difference from life in NYC, I might add). I interned in ESPN’s Corporate Outreach department, where I helped research charities to which ESPN would potentially donate, as well as helping coordinate some fun volunteer opportunities for employees. Additionally, I’ve spent the past three years as a student worker in my school’s Athletics Department, where I worked extensively with our baseball and softball teams as a scorer. 

With the combination of my past experiences and passion for sports, I hope to make a great addition to the BTF team this summer!

-Jess