A Day at Great American Ballpark

Being a video producer means you sometimes get to go to interesting places where others might not have the opportunity to visit. Whether it’s a factory floor, the executive suite or backstage at the Schuster Center, my curious side revels in having special access by virtue of a video camera.

Today was one of those opportunities. We arrived at the home of the Cincinnati Reds and checked in with security at the press gate. The security folks were extremely friendly and helpful (this is not typical at other venues). We were at the stadium to videotape an interview with UD alumnus Rob Butcher, Director of Media Relations for the Reds. Rob was very accommodating, and the interview went great.

After the interview, we walked through the dugout and up to Rob’s office to get some video of him pretending to work (not that he doesn’t work there, but it’s kind of hard to get much work done with a camera in your face and the director saying, “OK, pick up the phone… look at your computer… now write something on that pad… now hang up the phone…”). We were too early to see any ball players, but I did enjoy seeing the facilities under the stadium.

I’m not one who is easily star-struck by athletes or executives or celebrities. I usually have a job to do, and my focus is on that. But I always enjoy the perks of seeing interesting places and meeting interesting people.