Touring the Bases With…Melanie Levy

Melanie Levy is the Senior Group Events Executive for the Sacramento River Cats Baseball Club, Sacramento, California.  They are an Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.

SEAMHEADS:What does your job consist of?

MELANIE:  I am a Senior Group Events Executive for the Sacramento River Cats. My job in particular involves working closely with schools K-12 to present them with educational programs that we offer, that can assist them in meeting goals in terms of academics, attendance, character, and just about anything a school is thriving for their students to achieve. I’m also fortunate to work with a handful of Non-Profit organizations to assist them with awareness and fundraising events. It’s SO rewarding.

SH:When did you get interested in working in baseball?

ML:  I’ve always loved baseball, and always had an interest in sports since I was a kid. I was brought up in a family that lived and breathed it. To be able to actually work in sports is like being a rock star. You never think you could actually do it, I feel very fortunate.

SH:  Did you or do you play any sports?

ML:  In high school,  I was a cheerleader. So I watched a LOT of football. I was also on the swim team for a couple of years. I don’t currently play any sports, but enjoy keeping active by way of working out in the gym and riding my bike as much as possible.

SH:What do you love most about your work?

ML:I love that is it ever-changing. No day is ever the same. I absolutely love that I have the freedom to come up with new ideas, and things we may not have ever done before, and carry them out. Learning from mistakes and celebrating successes makes it all worthwhile.

SH:  Who influenced you the most and got you interested in baseball?

ML:  My mom was a HUGE San Francisco Giants fan. She took my sister and me to the Giants games at Candlestick back in the 80’s. She LIVED for Giants baseball, and she passed down that passion to me. When we lost my mom a few years ago, I felt it was my mission to continue this love for the game. And I’m in the perfect position to do so. She’d be so proud of me.

SH:  What makes you successful at your job?

ML:  My outgoing personality and ability to remain positive. I also owe a lot to Game Face Academy,  (a) who provided me with some great training in the ticket sales world. I love what I do, and I believe that plays a big role. You have to love what you do. And when you work in baseball, how can you not? Even when times get tough, you can walk outside, look at the field, and remind yourself of what it’s all about.

SH:  What is your favorite baseball movie?  Have a favorite baseball book?

ML:You can never go wrong with Field Of Dreams . Of course any movie with baseball in it to me is a pretty good movie!

SH:  What is the most unusual promotion you have seen with your team?

ML:  I don’t know if I would describe is as unusual, but I do enjoy Roofman, who is a superhero who “saves” all the baseballs that end up on our roof. He throws them down to fans (he throws squishy baseballs, obviously not real ones)

SH:What is the funniest things you have seen with your team?

ML:We have had some pretty interesting National Anthems. I won’t go into too much detail to protect the innocent.

SH:   Do you follow other sports?  Aside from your team, what teams do you follow?

ML: I am a big SF 49er fan. I love football. Sunday’s during football season are my favorite days of the week. My favorite baseball team is the San Francisco Giants. When I’m not here, I am at AT&T Park watching my boys!

SH: What is the most creative part of you?

ML:I am able to be creative in the workplace by creating new and interesting events and ways clients can benefit from their time and experiences at Raley Field.

SH: Are you married?  If so, do you have any children?

ML: No, I am not married and have no children.

SH:  What do you do for relaxation after work?

ML: I usually go to the gym and get a good workout. Then I go home and relax on the couch.

SH:How did you wind up working for your team?

ML:I was looking for a job and there was one available with the River Cats. I was extremely persistent and confident about it. I owned it before I got it.

SH:Do you have a favorite quote?

ML: “Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind”-Dr Seuss

SH:What is your motto, if any?

ML:  I never really thought about it until the other day, and I read this article with Duane Kuiper, ex San Francisco Giant and announcer.  Duane’s motto is to laugh at least five times a day. I could definitely get on board with that motto!

SH: If you were commissioner of baseball, what one change would you make?

ML: I’d ask Manny Ramirez to cut off those horrid dreadlocks. Beat L.A.!

SH: What kind of music do you like?  Have a favorite band?  Favorite song?

ML:I listen to a lot of indie rock and punk rock. I love all kinds of music. Except new country. Don’t even get me started on that one. My favorite bands tend to change monthly, even weekly, but right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Manchester Orchestra and Neon Trees. Great bands.

SH: Do you have a nickname?

ML:People call me Mel.

SH:  What is your biggest pet peeve?

ML: I’m not a big fan of flakey people. I don’t feel that it’s that hard to keep a commitment.

SH:Do you travel?  What is your favorite American city?

ML: I would love to travel more, but my job doesn’t allow me much time or finance. Mostly I take a three-day weekend trip or two during the summer. My favorite city is San Francisco, and since it’s an hour and a half away, I get to spend a LOT of time there. I’m SO lucky.

SH:What woman do you admire the most?

ML:My mom, for sure. She was outgoing, never looked back, and never had any regrets.

SH:What are your long-term goals?

ML:  To be happy in whatever I am doing. Ideally, I’d like to stay in California. I love it here. I would like to stay in sports, either selling, servicing, or even doing things out in the community.

SH:  What do you do during the off-season?

ML:  While there may not be baseball games; my job is pretty busy in the off-season. I am always working on future events and programs for my organization. This job keeps me busy all year round.

SH: In conclusion, any comments you wish to make?

ML: I’ll leave you with this quote.

“Baseball is a lot like life. It’s a day-to-day existence, full of ups and downs. You make the most of your opportunities in baseball as you do in life”-Ernie Harwell

(a) Game Face is an international training and career placement company specializing in sports marketing. Whether you want to break into the industry, advance your sports marketing career or improve your staff’s sales success, they were what I needed— an experienced coach who knows the game from every angle.

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normcoleman36@hotmail.com www.tycobb367.com

Norm is an actor, writer and photographer located in Half Moon Bay, California