The Arizona: Business of Spring-Training Baseball short-term study away program was designed to offer insights into the economics and social impact of Major League Baseball (MLB) spring training in Phoenix, Arizona - home of the Cactus League. The course led by Professor Mark Hyman, Assistant Teaching Professor of Management & Tourism Studies with the support of the Office of Global & Experiential Education (G&EE) covered the profitability of spring training games, the public investment decisions factored into facility projects, and the changing demographics of fans amid tailwinds such as advanced data metrics and sports betting.
At the beginning of the course, students read pertinent baseball novels and conducted secondary research on their respective research topics. The bi-weekly campus meetings were a chance to learn about the students’ findings and connect with relevant guest speakers such as author of Under the March Sun, Charles Fountain; Mickey Shupin, MLB Director of International Events; and Teddy Dwork, Washington Nationals Accounting Coordinator.
Due to unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, travel to Arizona was unfortunately canceled and it was up to the unified and prompt response of G&EE and Professor Hyman to continue a meaningful educational experience for the students. During these uncertain times, the G&EE office provided a sense of assurance by backing the students in returning program fees and refunding sunken costs for non-refundable flights. Fortunately, the students have been able to continue research thanks to our seamless integration into remote learning. Despite the students not being able to travel to Arizona to conduct site-visits and meet professionals firsthand, they still have been able to experience many #OnlyatGW moments.
Students continued conducting interviews online with key MLB stakeholders to contribute to their ongoing research during the pandemic. Speakers that have been able to contribute to the oral history of this contemporary research project include Los Angeles Angels Manager, Joe Maddon; Chicago White Sox Owner and GWSB BA ‘57 alum, Jerry Reinsdorf; Scottsdale, AZ Mayor, Jim Lane; and Executive Director, Cactus League Baseball Association Inc., Bridget Binsbacher.
In addressing future G&EE Student Administrative Assistants (SAAs), I would summarize this opportunity as a chance to support the inner workings of a once-in-a-lifetime experiential course offered at GW. These courses encapsulate what an #OnlyatGW moment is: an opportunity to connect a diverse student body with similar interests. I implore prospective SAAs to stay connected with G&EE as well as have a vested interest in the learning outcomes of students in these unparalleled course offerings.
Jonathan Prete is a Senior at The George Washington University School of Business majoring in Finance.
