So you want to work in sports?  You’ve put in the days, the months, and the years into getting yourself ready to be a productive member of the sports industry.  You have recently graduated college, maybe even with an industry specific degree in sports management.  In some cases, you even went out and got yourself a fancy post graduate degree and now you are ready to take on the challenge of working in the sports industry.  If this sounds like you and you are currently gainfully employed in the same sports industry you set out to conquer during these ever important early years of your professional career, then consider yourself a lucky member of the minority.  The majority, on the other hand, is the ever expanding group of young sports industry prospects who have a lot to offer, but no one willing to take a chance on them.  I am a part of this majority, and in this case, it is definitely better not to be running with the crowd.

I am 24 years of age, have a bachelor’s degree in sports management, and have held 3 different internship positions since graduating in 2007.  I have interned for a sports and entertainment public relations firm, an up-start NFL agent, and most recently a sports event hospitality company. I believe internships are a great way to learn more about the industry you want to be in, but like anything else, they have their pros and cons.  An obvious pro is that you can learn and gain experience in the industry you have wanted so much to be a part of.  This isn’t as fool proof as one may like; however, since you will find companies who only value their interns as a means to input data and nothing else.  On the other hand, you also may be lucky and work for a company who splits up the boring, tedious work that you are most definitely supposed to be doing at this stage of your career with actual company matters that require creative thoughts and ideas to stimulate your mind and give you the real experience you can use down the line. I have had the opportunity to intern in both types of settings and have a real appreciation for companies who value their internship programs.  But what if you are in the type of situation where your voice isn’t being heard…ever?  Well, that is where you have to make your own luck and figure out a way to do what is necessary to be noticed.

My personal motto for all work situations is to treat everyday like it is an interview. I learned this from the NFL agent I interned with for over a year and I try and do my best to keep that kind of enthusiasm and commitment day in and day out no matter how unglamorous the tedious work for the day might be.  The one thing that every internship has in common is that it is a foot in the door.  Getting that foot in the door is hard enough and you want to make the most out of it because things could suddenly open up, and if you have made yourself an indispensable part of the office and have shown great effort, then you could be in line for a promotion and subsequently a place in the sports industry. An internship also provides you with experience for your resume and can be a great way to make connections and grow your network.

Your network might be your most important asset in the sports industry. I recently spoke with someone who has the job I want at the company I would like to work for, in order to try and gain some perspective and advice.  What I learned from him is that connections trump all. He had worked in the industry for a few years, graduated high in his class and obtained his MBA, but was convinced all of that was peanuts compared to connections he had made, one of which was with his boss that led to him getting his job.  When this person said, “I’m convinced my boss doesn’t ever look at resumes” I rethought my game plan and refocused it on networking and selling myself as a person, because there are countless people out there, some of you included, with more impressive resumes than me and I need to separate myself from the gathering herd of applicants.  You should be doing the same thing.  Sell yourself, get creative and come up with your own game plan to follow.

Don’t get discouraged.  Get hungry.  If this is something you want and you are passionate about it and can afford to maybe work a night job for a few years so you can spend your days working for free towards your goal, then do it.  I personally need to be doing something I’m passionate about to be effective, and I love sports.  I’ve been told to maybe work a job in a different industry and figure it out later, but the time is always now to do what you love and the road isn’t always an easy one.  It is easy to get down on yourself if you, like me, have had a little trouble climbing the corporate ladder, but know that you’re not alone.  In the mean time, keep yourself sharp and try to make yourself stand out, but try not to take any jobs from me!

The entire Q&A segment may be read by clicking here.  Below is one question and answer provided free of charge.

3. In what ways can other sports marketing companies turn their blogs into business opportunities?

Many aspects of the sports industry are closed off to a large segment of the worldwide population.  And unsurprisingly, there are a lot of people hungry for more knowledge about what goes on behind the scenes in the business of sports.  People do not only reserve an interest about sports agents, sports law, and sports business, which are the three areas we cover the most at SportsAgentBlog.com.  Unfortunately, no matter how many Sports Management classes you take in school, you will leave unsatisfied and with a desire to learn more.

Sports marketing companies can benefit from adopting a model based on openness and transparency.  It will allow them greater access to potential innovative interns, spur additional relationships with members of other companies who come across the blog, strengthen the company’s image as a knowledgeable source within its niche, and bounce ideas off of its readers, who end up being the consumers of the produced marketing material.

Dan Leatherman

Leatherman went into the 2009 season with more baggage than most players.  He had just lost his father, who he looked up to as his hero.  He missed a few games in Spring Training because of it, which set him back in the beginning of the year.  However, Dan would not allow his father’s passing set him back for long.  Instead, he dedicated the 2009 season to his father, and pitched his heart out to make it to the next level by season’s close.

Recently, Dan was interviewed by a site that I actually Co-Founded, AccessAthletes.

In the introduction to the interview, Dan received amazing praise, which I re-post below,

Today in sports, a Dan Leatherman is rare.  We often see professional athletes with egos the size of the stadiums in which they play in.  Leatherman has none of that.  None.  He might be what you would call a “blue collar” athlete.  He is thankful for both his career and his family, and promises that in the future he will give back to baseball, as it has afforded him so much joy and success.  We also know that Dan Leatherman has made a bond with baseball and that’s where his heart will always be.  Whether his dream of making a major league roster comes true or not, one thing is for certain—he’s no longer just pitching for himself, but for his late father, friend, and coach too.

Go ahead and read the entire interview at AccessAthletes.  Everyone at Dynasty is excited to see what Dan will do for the Nationals next year, as he will begin the 2010 not far beyond the MLB squad’s reach.

Nik Lubisich

Nik earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and was a two-time Northwest Conference player of the year in Baseball and an All-Conference pick in both baseball and basketball.

Nik and his team have found a niche in the Northwest, representing some of the top young talent in the last few drafts.  It was a pleasure interviewing Nik for this site.  The transcript is below.

Darren Heitner: What made you want to become a baseball agent?

Nik Lubisich: I became a baseball agent because I wanted to stay in the game in some facet after my playing career ended. I liked the idea of working with kids that are chasing something that I once did. I understand the value of a good agent having had two while I played and being your own boss isn’t a bad thing either!

Darren Heitner: What kind of competition exists in the Pacific Northwest, where your company is located?  Do you strictly recruit in that area?  Are you looking to expand to cover more ground?

Nik Lubisich: There is some competition here in the Northwest, mainly from other agencies located outside of the Northwest. Many send “runners” up here to try and lure them away from the Northwest. In Oregon, there isn’t much competition, but up in Seattle there are several agents working out of that city.  I do tend to stay and recruit strictly in the Northwest.  I may expand over time but enjoy working from the ground up.

Darren Heitner: How long have you been in the sports agent industry?  What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Nik Lubisich: I have been in the industry since the winter of 2007.  I think the most valuable lesson I have learned is the most simplist: Treat people how you want to be treated. I have been in the other side of my business and I remember getting frustrated when I never heard from my agent or he didn’t follow through on what he said. In this business, you better back up what you say or you will lose your clients.

Darren Heitner: Tell us a little bit about the first client you signed. And what about the most recent player that has become a client?

Nik Lubisich: The first client I signed was Ehren Wassermann with the Chicago White Sox. It was a little strenuous in that he was represented by another firm. At the time, the “boat” wasn’t “rocking” so to speak, but he saw the potential and opportunity that lied ahead for him with my firm. The most recent would be the kids from our past draft class. Darrell Ceciliani is a good one in that he was drafted in the 4th round by the Mets and it has been fun watching him grow and play through his first year of rookie ball. He was the #2 player taken out of the Northwest and has the potential to be an outstanding baseball player. He is often compared to Jacoby Ellsbury as they coincidentally reside from the same town of Madras, OR.

Darren Heitner: With Spring Training and many Major League teams and their Minor league affiliates being far away from your office, how tough is it to meet with your clients face-to-face throughout the year?

Nik Lubisich: As many people will tell you, if you want to stay sane living in the Northwest, you better travel to the sun as often as possible! Several of my clients played in the Northwest league this summer so it was easy for me to get around and watch them play. The others, I had to hop a flight back East and catch them there. Spring Training isn’t too far away and I usually live in Phoenix for 6 weeks with past players and coaches that I know, as well as scouting new talent at the college tournaments, and seeing my clients.

Darren Heitner: How does spending 6 years in the Minors with the White Sox help you run your business?

Nik Lubisich: I think it serves as a tremendous advantage in that I know what kind of a road it is to be in the minors. And I don’t care what people say, it isn’t an easy road or as glamorous as people think. You have to be strong willed to get through it and have a lot of luck on your side. It is comforting to many families that they know I have been where their sons are going.

Darren Heitner: Do you represent any of your former teammates?

Nik Lubisich: I represent Ehren Wassermann. I have played with some very big stars in the majors but feel it inappropriate to chase them down and ask them to sign with me. If they reach out to me and need help, I am always there for them, but I don’t want them to feel like I am using our friendship and connections as a benefit. Ehren took a leap of faith with me because we were best friends while playing and I know he trusted everything I said I would do. He is happy to be with us and we are fortunate to have him as a client.

Darren Heitner: Can you tell us a little bit about some of the unique marketing deals you have been able to secure for your clients?

Nik Lubisich: I think the major marketing deals that we have rest in our sports camps. In the Northwest, it is important to me that our clients give back to their roots. We set up a business calld Future Stars Sports Camps (www.futurestarssportscamps) where kids can meet our clients and learn from their instruction through various camps and events. Each one of my cleints will have a camp in their name, in their hometown during the off-season. We handle the promoting of it and set up all the logistics. Proceeds from the camp are donated back to the hometown communities in the name of our client. They seem to like the camps and it is truly a win-win for everybody.

Darren Heitner: Anything else you would like to add?

Nik Lubisich: I think that about sums it up. Let me know if you have anything further for me. Thanks Darren.

Nik Lubisich

Nik earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics from Willamette University in Salem, Oregon and was a two-time Northwest Conference player of the year in Baseball and an All-Conference pick in both baseball and basketball.

Nik and his team have found a niche in the Northwest, representing some of the top young talent in the last few drafts.  It was a pleasure interviewing Nik for this site.  The transcript is below.

Darren Heitner: What made you want to become a baseball agent?

Nik Lubisich: I became a baseball agent because I wanted to stay in the game in some facet after my playing career ended. I liked the idea of working with kids that are chasing something that I once did. I understand the value of a good agent having had two while I played and being your own boss isn’t a bad thing either!

Darren Heitner: What kind of competition exists in the Pacific Northwest, where your company is located?  Do you strictly recruit in that area?  Are you looking to expand to cover more ground?

Nik Lubisich: There is some competition here in the Northwest, mainly from other agencies located outside of the Northwest. Many send “runners” up here to try and lure them away from the Northwest. In Oregon, there isn’t much competition, but up in Seattle there are several agents working out of that city.  I do tend to stay and recruit strictly in the Northwest.  I may expand over time but enjoy working from the ground up.

Darren Heitner: How long have you been in the sports agent industry?  What has been the most valuable lesson you have learned?

Nik Lubisich: I have been in the industry since the winter of 2007.  I think the most valuable lesson I have learned is the most simplist: Treat people how you want to be treated. I have been in the other side of my business and I remember getting frustrated when I never heard from my agent or he didn’t follow through on what he said. In this business, you better back up what you say or you will lose your clients.

Darren Heitner: Tell us a little bit about the first client you signed. And what about the most recent player that has become a client?

Nik Lubisich: The first client I signed was Ehren Wassermann with the Chicago White Sox. It was a little strenuous in that he was represented by another firm. At the time, the “boat” wasn’t “rocking” so to speak, but he saw the potential and opportunity that lied ahead for him with my firm. The most recent would be the kids from our past draft class. Darrell Ceciliani is a good one in that he was drafted in the 4th round by the Mets and it has been fun watching him grow and play through his first year of rookie ball. He was the #2 player taken out of the Northwest and has the potential to be an outstanding baseball player. He is often compared to Jacoby Ellsbury as they coincidentally reside from the same town of Madras, OR.

Darren Heitner: With Spring Training and many Major League teams and their Minor league affiliates being far away from your office, how tough is it to meet with your clients face-to-face throughout the year?

Nik Lubisich: As many people will tell you, if you want to stay sane living in the Northwest, you better travel to the sun as often as possible! Several of my clients played in the Northwest league this summer so it was easy for me to get around and watch them play. The others, I had to hop a flight back East and catch them there. Spring Training isn’t too far away and I usually live in Phoenix for 6 weeks with past players and coaches that I know, as well as scouting new talent at the college tournaments, and seeing my clients.

Darren Heitner: How does spending 6 years in the Minors with the White Sox help you run your business?

Nik Lubisich: I think it serves as a tremendous advantage in that I know what kind of a road it is to be in the minors. And I don’t care what people say, it isn’t an easy road or as glamorous as people think. You have to be strong willed to get through it and have a lot of luck on your side. It is comforting to many families that they know I have been where their sons are going.

Darren Heitner: Do you represent any of your former teammates?

Nik Lubisich: I represent Ehren Wassermann. I have played with some very big stars in the majors but feel it inappropriate to chase them down and ask them to sign with me. If they reach out to me and need help, I am always there for them, but I don’t want them to feel like I am using our friendship and connections as a benefit. Ehren took a leap of faith with me because we were best friends while playing and I know he trusted everything I said I would do. He is happy to be with us and we are fortunate to have him as a client.

Darren Heitner: Can you tell us a little bit about some of the unique marketing deals you have been able to secure for your clients?

Nik Lubisich: I think the major marketing deals that we have rest in our sports camps. In the Northwest, it is important to me that our clients give back to their roots. We set up a business calld Future Stars Sports Camps (www.futurestarssportscamps) where kids can meet our clients and learn from their instruction through various camps and events. Each one of my cleints will have a camp in their name, in their hometown during the off-season. We handle the promoting of it and set up all the logistics. Proceeds from the camp are donated back to the hometown communities in the name of our client. They seem to like the camps and it is truly a win-win for everybody.

Darren Heitner: Anything else you would like to add?

Nik Lubisich: I think that about sums it up. Let me know if you have anything further for me. Thanks Darren.

In To Pitch in Puerto Rico, Walton notes that Pete will be playing for Ponce in Puerto Rico this Winter, one year after he played Winter Ball in Columbia.

The main article is Pitcher Parise Ponders Pending PCL Playoffs.  Yes, a lot of P’s.  The very first fact that Walton provides is definitely interesting:

Memphis relief pitcher Pete Parise has the opportunity to earn his first title at his seventh professional baseball stop over the last three years.

The article then links to a 10 minute interview clip between Parise and Walton.  In the clip, the gentlemen discuss the Memphis Redbirds pennant drive, Parise’s repertoire, his changing role in the organization, and much more.  Here’s a link that takes you directly to the interview.

Darren Heitner: You are coming close to 20 years of negotiating deals for NFL players. Which period in that long term was your most enjoyable, and why?

Jack Bechta: Probably 1993 through 1998. In ‘93 I had a 2nd-rounder (OL Todd Rucci), a 3rd-rounder (OL Earl Dotson), and a UFA (CB Curtis Buckley) who all went on to be very successful. That was my breakout year, and the next several years were fun because I had the business somewhat figured out. Rucci became a very close friend, and in that period I signed guys like Tim Dwight, Adam Treu and Todd Washington, all of which I grew very close to because my clientele was still small. A few of these guys would live with me in the off-season, and we would travel together to places like Tahoe, Australia and Mexico. Good times!

Darren Heitner: You have negotiated over 200 NFL Contracts. Which one or two were the most creative deals, what were the creative terms, and how did you go about placing those terms into the contract?

Jack Bechta: For Todd Rucci in 1993, he was one of the first players ever to have a voidable clause in his contract under the new CBA. Also, I once had a weight clause in Dotson’s contract. If he reported under 320, he would get $100k bonus. We used it to make a make up a gap. I told Earl the number was 315, so he made it every time.

Darren Heitner: You are one of the brave few agents who has the courage and time management skills to represent talent and blog about it. How do you manage the load?

Jack Bechta: It’s pretty easy, actually. I try to keep my blogs to about 500 words, and I just write about current events and things I know well once or twice a week. Writing has actually made me a better agent, because I now pay attention to every single piece of information in the blogosphere and on our site. I am more informed than I ever have been. I also like educating young people, players and parents on the inner workings of the industry. A lot of agents try to make this business mystical, and I try to demystify it and make it more professional.

Darren Heitner: What benefits do you and your clients get from your regular postings at NationalFootballPost.com?

Jack Bechta: I won’t use NFP as a tool to help myself or my clients. However, they will benefit by getting some national exposure when I write about them.

Darren Heitner: You played college football. How has that helped you relate to clients? Has it helped you in your representation of athletes?

Jack Bechta: I understand what it’s like to go to camp, stay in shape, get hurt, get concussions, get a job, lose a job and be a rookie and a vet. A coach once told me there are football players, and there is the rest of the world. I feel I am in a unique fraternity. Although I played at small Texas A&M, we were big on football pedigree. We had 3 to 5 guys go pro the years I was there, including Hall of Famer Darrell Green. Gene Upshaw was an alum and visited a few times. Basically, it helps me tremendously. I can talk the language, and I am never starstruck.

Darren Heitner: How bad is client stealing amongst NFLPA certified agents? What can be done to curb the practice of client stealing?

Jack Bechta: It’s pretty bad. When a good player nears the doorstep of free agency, the wolves start to circle. So far the NFLPA has done very little to stop it. The problem is they need the player to turn in the wolf, and they won’t do it. I wrote a little bit about a client of mine who was approached by another agent in one of my NFP articles.

Darren Heitner: What’s your beef with Leigh Steinberg all about?

Jack Bechta: I don’t have a beef with Leigh. I actually respect him as a marketer, as he was the first agent to play to the media. However, I have little respect for the latter part of his career because I know some things that are downright disgusting relating to his behavior as a person and an agent. To this date I believe the rookie deal he did for Bledsoe in 1993 exponentially set the stage for rookie contracts today. Unfortunately, i know too much. I am rooting for him, though, to over come his addiction problems, especially since my father was an alcoholic. He’s a pioneer, and I wish him well, but I also tell it like it is.

Darren Heitner: How many years were you in this business before you started earning a profit? What kind of expenses go into being an agent?

Jack Bechta: It took me about 5 years to become a full-time agent. But things were different then. We didn’t have to pay for training, room and board, so my business has always been profitable. A beginning agent will need about $100k to get started.

Darren Heitner: I could not help but notice that you list your high school G.P.A. and class rank on your company website. What’s that all about?

Jack Bechta: I’m not sure, actually. I like to let people know what part of the country I am from. I treat my website like a resume, and college football players are only 4 or 5 years removed from high school, so they can relate. You can never give too much info about yourself – people want to know who you are.

Darren Heitner: What advice would you give to those in their early twenties who want to break into this industry?

Jack Bechta: The #1 rule is: Don’t be naive. This is the most competitive business on the planet. If you want to hear more of my thoughts on this topic, I’ve actually written quite a few posts over at NFP. “Cracking the Agent Business”, “Two Paths to Becoming an Agent”, and “Becoming an Agent Part Two”.

Darren Heitner: Anything else you would like to add for our readers?

Jack Bechta: The sports world can always use more hard working professionals who have the best interest of the players in mind!

Darren Heitner: You are 28-years old, right? At that age, you’re not supposed to be NFLPA certified with clients on active rosters! Tell us a little bit about your story of trying to become an agent and how you ended up with PlayersRep.

Nate Haber: Several years ago, after finishing my first year of law school, I was introduced to Andy Simms, the founder of PlayersRep. I began working with him on in-house things for his clients. Over time, the workload increased. I began recruiting players as well, and ultimately turned it into a full-time job once I received my law degree. I am very passionate about my craft and very confident in what I do.

Darren Heitner: What is your position in the company? What does that position entail?

Nate Haber: I am an agent at PlayersRep. I handle contract negotiations for our players. I also am responsible, as are the other agents at our firm, for managing the lives of our players off the field. Procuring endorsement deals, offering legal advice and research, and finding unique opportunities to gain exposure for our clients are just a few of the many things we do for our guys.

Darren Heitner: What’s your normal day consist of?

Nate Haber: In this business, I’m not sure there’s a “normal” day. That’s what I love about it though. Every day is unique in that every player’s needs are different. Some days can be filled with marketing meetings, while others might consist of sitting behind the desk and working on closing deals. Some days we are out on the road, while others are spent with our clients. The important thing about this job is that you need to find time to see your clients. The more you learn about them, the more you get to know them, the more successful you and your clients will be.

Darren Heitner: You are one of the few NFLPA certified advisors that has embraced Twitter. How do you see the social media platform as a beneficial tool for your clients’ and your own growth?

Nate Haber: I’m just trying to keep up with the times. With technology has come increased opportunities to communicate your message to the public. Twitter provides another channel to help us promote our clients. It allows the public to take a closer look at the happenings of our players and our business. I’m not sure how long it will last, but for the time being, it appears to be an incredibly efficient way to share information.

Darren Heitner: Do you have any clients on Twitter or Facebook? Do you help them manage their profiles?

Nate Haber: Londen Fryar and Usama Young each manage their own profiles on Twitter.

Darren Heitner: How has a law degree helped you or hurt you in selling your services to players and then actually represent them?

Nate Haber: Having a law degree has been a big help. It allows me to have a better understanding of the intricacies of contracts and negotiations. It is not a necessity to becoming an agent though. Of the five registered advisors with our firm, only two of us, Andy Simms and myself, have law degrees. The others come from diverse business, financial, and marketing backgrounds.

Darren Heitner: What kind of year can we expect out of PlayersRep client, Chris Henry?

Nate Haber: I think what you’ll see this year is a renewed sense of urgency on Chris’s part. He knows that this is his opportunity to show the Bengals and the rest of the league the type of player he can be. He has put in a ton of work in the off-season and has vowed to make other changes off the field. If he continues on this new path, he will be a stud player worth a lot of money one day.

Darren Heitner: Anything else you would like to add?

Nate Haber: When players and their families get the chance to meet Andy, myself, and the other agents at PlayersRep (Dave Lee, Wesley Spencer, and Matt Brei), it is apparent to them why many great players continue to choose us as their representation. We are aggressive businessmen who look to see that our clients succeed. While this is a business first, we also pride ourselves on developing strong relationships with our clients, being there for them whenever they need us. Hard work, honesty, and genuine respect for each and every one of our clients is our recipe for success.

Every year, each MLB organization makes roughly 50 picks in the Rule 4 Draft, adds foreign players as free agents, and signs college players who were not drafted, but are good enough to be given a chance.  Lee Roberts falls into the last category of players.  He had a very impressive senior season at baseball powerhouse, Loyola Marymount University, but went undrafted.  However, he knew that teams were interested in him, including the Kansas City Royals, which is the team that signed him only a couple of days after the draft.

Wally Fish at Kings of Kauffman recently interviewed Roberts.  It’s not your simple 5-10 short question/answer interview.  Fish went in depth with Roberts to find out everything he could from Lee’s family life, to his style of pitching, and even a little bit about his facial hair.  About that ’stache..

Do you have any rituals or superstitions you follow before, during, or after you pitch in a game?

During the game, I groom the mound the same way every time before I throw my first warm-up pitch. However, I would say that my biggest superstition would be my facial hair. Even in college I would have a certain style going and as long as I was throwing well, it would stay. My senior year in college I was rocking the full handle bars. As for right now, I have a solo mustache that may or may not be waxed up like Clay Zavada’s!

Read the entire interview here.