covering first MLB game tomorrow

[Chad Conant]

Jacobs Field packs the grub up in the seventh. So, the food time is all relative. But, the Indians make you line the Dolans pockets, too.

But, definitely try to get your guy early. That way, you can take in everything without having to try to find your guy afterwards and rush. While the first time can be a lot to take in, you'll find it easier and may find your guy in a better mood if you get him early. You're risking a lot if you wait until after the game.

 

[daemon]

More of a profile-writing tip than a baseball tip, but talk to as many people as possible about your subject. And, if possible, do it before you talk to your subject. Talk to the guys whose lockers are near his. Talk to everybody. You'll never be able to portray someone with 100 percent accuracy, but a composite picture derived from conversations with 15 people will be a lot more accurate, and interesting, than a three-source story (player, manager, teammate X). Also, talk to his high school coach, to his parents, to his college coach (if he went to college).

Biggest advice is to observe. Watch him in the locker room. Watch him take batting practice. Listen to how he interacts with teammates. Don't just watch him at the plate, or in the field. Watch him in the on-deck circle, in the dugout. Anywhere but in the shower. You don't want to be a pecker checker.

 

[Songbird]

More of a profile-writing tip than a baseball tip, but talk to as many people as possible about your subject. And, if possible, do it before you talk to your subject. Talk to the guys whose lockers are near his. Talk to everybody. You'll never be able to portray someone with 100 percent accuracy, but a composite picture derived from conversations with 15 people will be a lot more accurate, and interesting, than a three-source story (player, manager, teammate X). Also, talk to his high school coach, to his parents, to his college coach (if he went to college).

Biggest advice is to observe. Watch him in the locker room. Watch him take batting practice. Listen to how he interacts with teammates. Don't just watch him at the plate, or in the field. Watch him in the on-deck circle, in the dugout. Anywhere but in the shower. You don't want to be a pecker checker.

I like this.

Pecker checker, huh?

 

[HoopsMcCann]

local nine had a nickname for one tv guy -- 'meat gazer'

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

Assuming it's hot, offer to run cold drinks for all the veteran writers.

 

[daemon]

hoops -- ever notice it's always the tv guys?

not sayin' anything. just sayin'.

 

[Overrated]

hoops -- ever notice it's always the tv guys?

not sayin' anything. just sayin'.

Shut up and fetch me a mother ****ing beer, ***** ass newbie *****!

 

[daemon]

hoops -- ever notice it's always the tv guys?

not sayin' anything. just sayin'.

Shut up and fetch me a mother ****ing beer, ***** ass newbie *****!

how 'bout a nice tall glass of penis envy?

 

[Overrated]

hoops -- ever notice it's always the tv guys?

not sayin' anything. just sayin'.

Shut up and fetch me a mother ****ing beer, ***** ass newbie *****!

how 'bout a nice tall glass of penis envy?

I'm not sure what that means, but I don't think you understand the rules around here. If I tell you to fetch me a beer, you fetch me a beer. Either that, or I beat you up. Your call.

 

[spinning27]

Don't be intimidated by either the players or the other writers -- even if they seem snarky.  I once was in the same position, and I know how it feels.

Just remember, you have every right to be there.

When you approach a player, be polite but confident. More often than not, baseball players are pricks. If they sense weakness, they'll make up some lame excuse not to talk to you and walk away.

 

[Jim Halpert]

Thanks everyone for the advice, looking back on the day now, I think it went pretty well. It was pretty overwhelming walking into the place, but I got my stories and managed to enjoy myself. Literally got lost a few times (turned the wrong way down the hallway looking for the elevator to go back up to the press box from the clubhouse), but I managed by asking employees and introducing myself to other writers.

I wasn't able to get there as early as I wanted due to the hours of my second job that I work in the mornings, but the time really flew by once i was there. Was working on my feature during the early innings of the game and almost forgot to watch. Like anything else in life, I'm sure I'll be more comfortable as I go and do it more and more.

Thanks again for the help.