Fisher Student Gains Experience in the Field through Baseball Internship

Brandon Smith ’23 hopes to one day work for a major league baseball organization. That passion took him to Cape Cod over the summer where he completed an internship with the nation’s premier collegiate baseball league.

Field Notes caught up with Smith to learn more about his time with the Cape Cod Baseball League.

What inspired you to pursue the opportunity with Orleans Firebirds and Cape Cod Baseball League? 

I have a strong desire to work for a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization one day and I felt that interning in the Cape Cod League would be a great opportunity to meet a variety of people from MLB organizations as well as gain practical experience with the best college baseball prospects in the country. I always wanted to intern in the league going back to high school because I knew of the success rate past interns had in landing jobs within MLB organizations. Through my past work experience with the Toronto Blue Jays and with the help of some of my connections within my network, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity come to fruition. 

What did your position entail?

I was brought on as a baseball operations intern. The position entailed working in player development by collecting data using baseball technologies such as Rapsodo, Trackman, and Blast Motion Sensors. I was also responsible for preparing advanced scouting reports for our coaching staff and players on our upcoming opponents. This was done through a video software program. I also took it upon myself to learn how to scout this summer. Being at the field for every home and away game with the Firebirds gave me a great seat to watch the best college baseball talent the country has to offer. By talking and forming connections with MLB scouts and front office personnel, I was able to develop thorough reports on players across the league.

What was your biggest takeaway/lesson learned?

My biggest takeaway from this summer is the power of your professional network. I had the opportunity to meet representatives from all 30 MLB clubs and was able to form really good relationships. I remain in contact with most of the connections I have made and it has opened the door for potential opportunities in the future. 

How did your Fisher education help you prepare for the role?

The staff at Fisher both inside and outside the Sport Management Department supported me and put me in a great position to make landing this position possible. The guidance I received in classes and the knowledge gained through Sport Industry Seminar, allowed me to grow and step outside Rochester to pursue this great opportunity with the Orleans Firebirds. 

What would you tell prospective students about the sport management program?

If you are a student who is interested in working in sport then Fisher Sport Management would be the best program to get a jump start on your career goals. The program offers a wide range of classes which specialize in different areas within the sport industry. From marketing, social media, analytics, to sales and international sports, the program does an excellent job of exposing students to all the different avenues that can be pursued within the sport industry. 

What advice would you give to incoming students interested in the sport management program?

Take advantage of every industry professional who is willing to share their knowledge and ask them what they did that made them successful. I found through my internship that you never know who you may be talking to on any given day. It is important to continue working hard and act professionally as it will speak to your work ethic and open the door for future opportunities.