Published: 07/10/2019
Gannon students in front of Progressive Field for the MLB All Star Week
Students and faculty in Gannon University’s Sport Management and Marketing program experienced a one-of-a-kind learning opportunity volunteering at Major League Baseball’s 2019 All-Star Week.
“I am honored to be working with my students in Cleveland during the MLB All-Star Week as part of the 2019 MLB Green Team… It was nice to have our university mentioned on MLB.com and we are ready to work,” said Eric Brownlee, Ph.D., associate professor of management in Gannon University’s Dahlkemper School of Business, as the Gannon group excitedly prepared for their trip.
Students also expressed their excitement to attend the event and why they felt this opportunity brought value to their educational experience as well. “I graduate next year, so going to this and being able to network with MLB professionals and get my name out there is important to me to try to find a job next year,” said Gannon student Courtney Brumagin.
As part of the MLB Green Team, Gannon students and professors applied what they’ve discussed in the classroom to several appearances at Progressive Field and community events throughout the week. They focused on sustainability throughout the various events, collecting recyclables, and educating fans and community members in Cleveland on positive environmental practices.
The Gannon team joined more than 100 volunteers from various MLB and Cleveland Indians’ organizations in a Habitat for Humanity neighborhood sustainability project in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood of Cleveland as part of the week’s events. Here, the students participated in hands-on activities to provide repairs and environmental services to local homes and families in need, such as porch repairs and planting trees.
“We helped to rebuild two houses and landscape a park in Cleveland… it feels great to give back and help those in need,” said Brownlee.
The students also had the opportunity to educate youth and other volunteer participants to help increase awareness on environmental issues and how they can to take action to get involved.
“It’s important to interact with the fan base to make sure they’re having a good time and to help them out with the recycling programs so that they know what they can and can’t recycle,” said Brumagin.
The students experienced behind-the-scenes and exclusive access during All-Star Week, working and attending various events, including a tour of Progressive Field, an MLB networking event, the All-Star Celebrity and Futures Softball Games, the Home Run Derby, the 90th All-Star Game, as well as concert performances and firework displays. Not only did they experience all that the week’s events had to offer, they also toured and experienced the city of Cleveland as well.
“Today was another great day in Cleveland and we started off with a tour of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and finished up with an MLB networking panel at Progressive Field,” said Brownlee on day four of the trip. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our Gannon University Sport Management and Marketing students and they are doing a great job embracing the experience so far.”
Brownlee also shared a recap of their experience at the record-breaking Home Run Derby event. “Another great day in Cleveland for the Gannon University Sport Management and Marketing students, and the MLB Home Run Derby was very exciting,” he said.
“As part of the MLB All-Star Green Team our main goal is to divert recycling from the landfill and educate fans about sustainability and recycling. This is a great experience for the students and we are all looking forward to the big game tomorrow night.”
As All-Star Week came to a close, Brownlee shared his parting thoughts on the experience.
“Our time in Cleveland has come to a close after 100,000+ steps and many cans and bottles recycled; but what a great time we had at the greatest All-Star Game in sports. The Cleveland Indians were excellent hosts and the city of Cleveland was very welcoming, and special thanks to Cleveland State University for helping us with housing and parking,” he said.
“Job well done 2019 MLB All-Star Green Team and I’m very proud of the Gannon University Sport Management and Marketing students.”