Are you a fun loving, energetic person with an outgoing personality?
Are you interested in meeting new people and making new friends?
Are you interested in learning about the off the field workings of a sports franchise?
Would you like to be part of the best internship program in the NECBL?
If your answer is yes, we want you to join our team!
Apply for an internship with the Westerners for the 2022 season. The program runs from late May through early August. Most positions are for home games only. A few require traveling with the team to away games as well as being at home games.
All internships are unpaid, and housing is not provided. You must have firm plans to live within a one-hour drive of Danbury to be considered. We are happy to help you earn academic credit for your internship if applicable.
Carefully review the job descriptions below, then submit a resume and cover letter noting which position(s) interest you to Bill Guider at bill@danburywesterners.com.
INTERNSHIP POSITIONS
In The Press Box
Broadcaster
Livestream Director/Producer
Public Address Announcer
Scoreboard Operator
Audio Operator
Official Scorekeeper
Journalist
Livestream Camera Operator
On The Field
On Field Hosts (2)
Sideline Reporter
Photographer
Social Media Contributor
Synergy System Operator
In The Dugout
Analytics Coordinator
JOB DESCRIPTIONS
In The Press Box
Broadcaster
Along with the opposing team’s broadcaster, the Broadcaster livestreams all the team’s games over the internet via BlueFrame Production Truck.
At home games, the Broadcaster must work closely with the Director/Producer, Sideline Reporter and Camera Operator to ensure our livestream remains the most professional in the NECBL.
The Broadcaster must travel with the team to and from all road games. This will include overnight trips at team expense.
The Broadcaster must work closely with all opposing team broadcasters. For all NECBL games the home team broadcaster does play-by-play in innings 1-3 and 7-9, and does color commentary during innings 4-6.
For home games, the Broadcaster will be responsible for live readings of sponsor commercials, introducing pre-recorded commercials, introducing Sideline Reporter segments, conducting in booth guest interviews and having material prepared for use during rain delays.
For home games, the Broadcaster and Sideline Reporter will collaborate on a 10-to-15-minute pre-game show which can include manager, coach or player interviews, a visiting team preview, intern or volunteer interviews/profiles or anything else our viewers may find interesting. Creativity is encouraged.
Prior to the commencement of the season there is mandatory training in BlueFrame Production Truck and using the Westerners mixing board to ensure the broadcaster understands the relationship between the equipment and related software.
The ideal candidate will have prior baseball broadcasting experience and experience using BlueFrame Production Truck.
In order to complete their duties, the Broadcaster must use their own laptop computer. They must possess strong communication skills (oral and written), be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
Livestream Director/Producer
Working closely with the Westerners Broadcaster, visiting team broadcaster, Sideline Reporter and Camera Operator, the Director/Producer coordinates the livestream of Westerner home games using BlueFrame Production Truck. The Director/Producer is in large part responsible for keeping the Westerner livestream the most professional in the NECBL.
The Director/Producer chooses which camera angle our audience sees. They are responsible for which replays are shown, the graphics that overlay the picture and timely broadcast of prerecorded commercials, interviews, etc. In addition, they are responsible for pre-game setup and post-game breakdown of equipment in the booth and around the ballpark.
There is mandatory pre-season training in BlueFrame Production Truck and use of the Westerner mixing board.
This is a very demanding job that requires unbroken concentration from before the pre-game show starts until the post-game wrap-up is completed. The ideal candidate will have experience managing BlueFrame Production Truck or similar software, work well under pressure, work well with people and be critical of their work with a desire to improve over the course of the season.
Public Address Announcer
The Public Address Announcer is responsible for keeping our fans informed and promoting our sponsors.
The Public Address Announcer is responsible for rehearsing the content of the game day script prior to each game. It is their responsibility to review each change from the previous script as many times as is necessary to ensure that all announcements are delivered without mistakes and mispronunciations. They must be willing to put in rehearsal time away from the ballpark and at the ballpark prior to each game.
It is the Public Address Announcer’s responsibility to learn the correct pronunciations of names, schools and hometowns for the players and coaches of the Westerners and their opponents. In addition, the Public Address Announcer must know the correct pronunciation of the names of the umpires and all Westerner sponsors.
It is the Public Address Announcer’s responsibility to understand the flow of the game as detailed in the game day script including timing of music, raffles, on field contests, etc., and to synchronize with the On Field Host. In addition, the Public Address Announcer must be flexible and adaptable in order to react quickly to unforeseen issues.
The ideal candidate will have prior public speaking or acting experience and an excellent understanding of the game of baseball. They must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
This position is one with extremely high visibility and the Public Address Announcer must conduct themselves professionally in every situation, no matter how stressful.
Scoreboard Operator
The Scoreboard Operator’s duty is to update the scoreboard immediately after each pitch, ensuring the proper recording of balls and strikes, outs and runs.
In order to complete duties, the individual must have an excellent understanding of the rules of baseball and maintain focus on the game. They must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
Audio Operator
The Audio Operator is responsible for all music and sound effects broadcast over the public address system before, during and after the ballgame.
The Audio Operator will download and have at their disposal the National Anthem (to be played if not performed live), the Danbury Westerners theme song, Take Me Out To The Ballgame and sound effects appropriate for baseball situations. In addition, they will download appropriate clips for each player’s walk-up song and music to be played during a lull in the action that is not filled by the Public Address Announcer. The Audio Operator will ensure that all clips are appropriate for broadcast (i.e. no offensive lyrics in player walk up music, etc). They must collaborate with the Public Address Announcer so music is not interfering with announcements.
During a typical season there are constant roster additions, and the Audio Operator is responsible for adding new player walk up music in time for a new player’s first home game.
All music is to be played at an appropriate volume level. This means that fans should be able to carry on a conversation while the music is playing.
The ideal candidate will know how to create and organize audio clips for easy access and be very familiar with baseball.
To complete their duties, the individual must use their own laptop computer. The individual must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
Official Scorekeeper
The Official Scorekeeper is responsible for all aspects of recording the official record of all home games. This includes starting line-ups (including umpires), substitutions, each pitch and the results of each play.
The Official Scorekeeper is responsible for making all judgement calls including but not limited to hit/error/fielder’s choice, rbi/no rbi, winning pitcher when not dictated by rule, etc. The official scorekeeper may and should consult with the Journalist, Internet Broadcaster, Public Address Announcer and Scoreboard Operator when in doubt, but the final decision is theirs. They must therefore have a deep knowledge of scoring rules.
The Official Scorekeeper will be expected to explain their decisions to the Journalist and Broadcaster as necessary.
Pre-season training in using NECBL scoring software is required.
The ideal candidate will have experience keeping baseball scoring books and a deep understanding of baseball scoring rules.
To complete their duties, the individual must use their own laptop. They must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
Journalist
The Journalist is responsible for writing and editing game stories and feature news articles for distribution on Westerner social media, and to local print and broadcast media.
The Journalist will attend every home game and travel with the team to every away game. This will include overnight trips at team expense.
Immediately after the conclusion of the game, the Journalist will go on to the field to gather quotes from coaches and players for incorporation into their articles. A long form and a short form article must be submitted no more than one hour after the end of the game.
The Journalist may meet with, interview and write about former Westerners, Westerner volunteers and interns, and Westerner events in the community if they believe there is a story our fans would find interesting. The Journalist should collaborate with the Photographer for these stories.
The ideal candidate will have journalism experience, especially writing under a tight deadline, and an in depth understanding of baseball.
In order to complete their duties, the Journalist must use their own laptop computer and must have strong communication skills (oral and written). They must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
Livestream Camera Operator
All Danbury Westerners home games are livestreamed via BlueFrame Production Truck. Camera Operator responsibilities include ensuring all video feeds are in place at least 30 minutes before game time, operating camera(s) to ensure they follow the ball in play and coordinating activities with the Director/Producer. Connections must be dismantled, and equipment stored after each game. In addition, the Camera Operator may be responsible for recording pre and post-game player and coach interviews.
The Camera Operator will work closely with Director/Producer, Broadcaster and Sideline Reporter to ensure our broadcast remains the most Professional in the NECBL.
In order to complete their duties, the individual must have the technical skills to manage the video equipment in the press box and a good understanding of baseball.
It should be noted that the video operator works from the top of the press box. They must be able to climb a ladder to reach their work location and be comfortable with heights.
On The Field
On Field Hosts (2)
The On Field Hosts will manage the pre-game on field activities (first pitches, National Anthem, etc.) including having props ready (first pitch balls, etc.), escorting participants onto the field at the designated time, making sure they fulfill their roles on cue, and escorting them off the field in a timely manner.
The On Field Hosts will manage the between inning on field contests (one contest each at the conclusion of the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth innings) by having all props ready, selecting participants, preparing participants and teaching them what is expected, running the contest, and getting the participants off the field quickly so play is not held up.
One On Field Host will be responsible for using the remote microphone to introduce participants to the crowd, get the crowd pumped up and involved, announce the contest winner, and promote the contest sponsor. This role will alternate between interns.
In the middle of the seventh inning, when the crowd is invited to sing Take Me Out To The Ballgame, the On Field Hosts will encourage crowd participation and use the remote microphone to showcase crowd singing.
After completion of the seventh inning stretch, the On Field Hosts will be responsible for proper storage of all props, and will help break down and store all Game Day Operations equipment (tables, chairs, signs, etc.).
The ideal candidate will have an outgoing personality, have acting or some other kind of performing experience, and must be familiar with baseball.
Sideline Reporter
Working with the Westerner Broadcaster, opposing team’s broadcaster, Director/Producer and the Camera Operator, the Sideline Reporter livestreams all the team’s home games over the internet via BlueFrame Production Truck.
The Sideline Reporter is responsible for delivering two thoughtful and relevant special reports live during the game. These need to be researched, written and rehearsed in advance, and should be about a minute in length. These may be delivered between innings or during game action. The Sideline Reporter must have the awareness to throw the broadcast back to the booth in the middle of their report if the game situation warrants.
In addition, the sideline reporter will be called upon to provide updates about things happening in the game or around the ballpark that add to the viewers understanding of events. After Westerner victories, they will be responsible for the post-game interview of the player of the game and the manager which will be broadcast on the livestream and over the public address system.
The Broadcaster and Sideline Reporter will collaborate on a 10-to-15-minute pre-game show which can include manager, coach or player interviews, a visiting team preview, intern or volunteer interviews/profiles or anything else our viewers may find interesting. Creativity is encouraged.
The Sideline Reporter must work closely with the rest of the broadcast team to ensure our livestream remains the most professional in the NECBL.
The ideal candidate will have broadcast reporting experience and an in depth knowledge of baseball.
Photographer
The Photographer is responsible for taking photographs of the players and coaches throughout the season, starting with pre-season headshots for the NECBL website. During the season, the Photographer will be expected to take action shots and candid shots throughout all home games. As new players are signed during the season, the Photographer will take headshots of these players as well.
While at home games, the Photographer will take candid photographs of volunteers and other interns performing their duties, as well as photos of fans enjoying the action and other scenes that may be of use to the team in promotions.
If possible, the Photographer will photograph the players as they visit local schools, libraries and other community based events during the summer. The Photographer will also be asked to work at the team’s major fundraisers (Celebrity Breakfast and Charity Golf Tournament) if possible.
If they desire and with approval from team management, the Photographer may travel with the team to road games to perform the same duties.
The photographer will need to have their own digital camera and associated gear - including a camera which can take high-resolution/RAW images, and a telephoto lens to get close-ups of on-field action. They must be able to transfer all photographs to the organization no later than the morning after each game or event. The individual must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
The ideal candidate will have sports photography experience or experience in another form of action photography, plus a good understanding of baseball.
All photographs taken at Westerner games and events will be property of the Danbury Westerners but may be used by the Photographer in their portfolio.
Social Media Contributor
The Social Media Contributor will be responsible for providing updates on the Westerners’ Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. These include weekly and game day schedule announcements, pre-game activities, in game updates, post-game activities and promotional videos.
At player/mascot community appearances the Social Media Contributor will showcase player interaction with sponsors, donors, nonprofits and members of the general public.
The Social Media Contributor is required to attend all home games and attend as many community events as possible. They may, with permission of management, travel with the team to away games and fulfill their usual game day duties.
In order to complete their duties, the Social Media Contributor must be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game. Excellent communication skills are required. The Social Media Contributor will have frequent interaction with the team, volunteers, other interns and the public, and must act professionally at all times.
A strong knowledge of social media postproduction software and a strong knowledge of baseball is required.
Synergy System Operator
The Synergy Baseball System is a proprietary technology in use in every major league, minor league and Power 5 Conference ballpark, plus other select Division 1 and College Summer League ballparks. It uses a wide array of data and video clips to create statistics and analytics about players, teams and games. Synergy’s loggers and technology dissect and analyze every pitch, player, plate appearance, game situation and outcome. Those details can be sorted and paired with supporting video in any manner desired.
The Synergy System Operator will set up the system before each game, then maintain and store the equipment after the game. If there is any adjustment to the equipment needed during the game the Synergy System Operator will be responsible for restoring the equipment to its proper position.
After each game the Synergy System Operator will be responsible for uploading the data to Synergy. This is best done at home overnight or early the next morning.
There is mandatory pre-season training.
The ideal candidate will have experience with video equipment and SD cards, a solid understanding of file management and uploading files to a database, and a working knowledge of baseball.
In order to complete their duties, the Synergy System Operator will have to use their own laptop computer and must have strong communication skills (oral and written). They must be organized, prepared, and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
In The Dugout
Analytics Coordinator
The Analytics Coordinator works closely with the manager and coaching staff, providing them with objective information about Westerner and opponent performance designed to provide options for on field strategies. Our coaching staff is especially interested in being provided with detailed spray charts and pitcher scouting reports.
At home games, the Analytics Coordinator will be responsible for managing the Synergy System pitch tracking data and uploading it to the Synergy System immediately after conclusion of the game.
The Analytics Coordinator will be required to meet with team personnel throughout the season, including the Manager, coaches, players, General Manager and Director of Player Personnel. The Analytics Coordinator will work with team management to develop and complete research assignments as needed.
After the conclusion of each game the Analytics Coordinator, in conjunction with the manager, will file the official NECBL Umpire Report.
The Analytics Coordinator will travel with the team to all away games. This will include overnight trips at team expense. It is important that the Analytics Coordinator be thick skinned and not deterred by push back from players. Maintaining a cordial but strictly business relationship with the players is required.
In order to complete their duties, the individual must use their own laptop computer, have strong communication skills (oral and written), be organized, prepared and concentrate on their duties throughout the game.
