This past week from the July 11-13 there was a buzz around uptown Charlotte. All of Charlotte had their eyes on the BB&T Ball Park as the Charlotte Knights hosted the Triple-A Minor League All-star game along with a Home Run Derby and media day.
The first night was Monday night, the Home Run Derby. Thunderheads loomed overhead and rain poured down as people came into the ball park, but even as the rain came down the energy of the crowd was electric. The lines quickly formed for autographs from the participants in the Home Run Derby. To name some of the players who participated: Kevin Harvick, Steve Smith, Sgt. Slaughter, Mark Price and Chris Marrero, who ended up winning the Home Run Derby. Overall there were roughly 145 home runs during the entire event. There was also a group called the Long Haul Bombers who started up the Derby getting the fans ready for what was to come. As the night ended, fireworks lit up the Charlotte sky as fans and staff alike stood in awe as the fireworks shot off.
As lunch time came around on the second day at the Ball Park, lines once again formed quickly outside the gates surrounding the field, people ready to watch the two teams during the workouts. Not only were they ready to see workouts but also the chance to get autographs from the players who would be in the All Star game the following day. Cameras flashed around the field and people moved with excitement as they had items signed by the players. To top all of this off, this event was free to the community, just giving anyone an opportunity to be a part of the day.
The final day had arrived, the sun shined over the convention center where members of the teams along with executives walked in ready for the luncheon. But not long after this it was the calm before the storm as the minutes ticked down to the All Star game. More people crowded into the street where multiple vendors were set up along with an outdoor concert and the country music duo Thompson Square. The doors opened at five for executives who were going to the pre-game party hosted by Tacoma, who will be hosting the All Star game next year. As the gates opened for the rest of the fans, posters with the team photos on them were passed out, each person happier than the last to receive a poster. The crowd was one of the largest I had seen in the past three days, all watching and enjoying the game as it progressed. In the end the International team won the game over the Pacific team 4-2.
Now for myself and 11 other people who were in the group that came from Pfeiffer, these three days were more than just getting to be a part of these wonderful moments in the Ball Park. This was opportunity we were given to volunteer and or be in a class with our professor Dr. Aagaard, which included working with the staff of the Charlotte Knights. For some of us it was one of the many great opportunities that had already came our way. But for others of us, including myself, it was our first time really getting a feel for our major, which is sports management. Being able to have this opportunity was amazing, as it really gave us a sneak peek into what it takes for each event to be successful.
Whether it was something as simple as setting up tables or placing flowers in the suites, each task was a necessary part. Some tasks did take longer than others, such as placing a sample pack of tide pods in each cup holder, but once again each was a necessary piece. As the behind-the-scenes work ended, we discovered that the interaction with the surrounding community and those at the park was vital as well. Just the simplest of things, such as giving out posters and greeting the fans, I found could easily be what set the tone for that person or family as they came in.
Overall through these moments, this knowledge we all gained could not have been possible without Dr. Aagaard and the members of the Charlotte Knights staff who made it an opportunity for us. So thank you for all that you do and giving us this opportunity, because saying thank you once will never be enough. Also thank you as you all were a huge part of making me more confident in my major, more than I was months before.
