As the Black Bears launched ticket sales and unveiled their uniforms this week, it was a reminder of the months of work that went into launching West Virginia’s newest Minor League baseball team to prepare them for their June 19 home opener.

West Virginia University College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences graduate students were a part of that effort, as they loaned their marketing skills to the team to help brand their organization.

A collaboration between Rich Baseball Operations and the WVU graduate sports management students began in September 2014. Rich Baseball Operations approached CPASS Associate Professor Dr. Dallas Branch to partner with his sports marketing class to execute a “Name the Team” fan contest.

Kristen Furlong, of Baltimore, Md., Andrew DiPietrantonio of Beaver, Pa., Manuel Garcia-Oronoz of Mayague of Puerto Rico and Brett Ervin of Clarksburg, W.Va. directed the contest to name Morgantown’s new professional baseball team, a Class A-affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The fans’ response to the “Name the Team” contest was overwhelming. The group received 2,500 suggestions in the 45-day submission period. More than 10,000 participants voted on the top 10 names.

“The server actually shut down from the huge response,” DiPietrantonio explained. “People have been very receptive of the Black Bear name and the logo, which has been rated a 9.1 out of 10.”

The students provided direct input in the naming process and received valuable experience in generating radio and newspaper coverage. They also gained the opportunity to network with coaches and county commissioners.

“It is great opportunity for students to get their foot in the door of the business side of professional baseball and the experience they gain is very valuable,” said Ernie Galusky, assistant general manager for the Black Bears. “Almost every single paid position in professional baseball is filled with someone who interned in a similar situation while they were in college.”

Galusky believes the internship experience is a win-win situation, as the the Black Bears received valuable assistance while students learned marketing and business essentials of running a professional team.

Working with a team from its inception was a uniquely beneficial experience for these graduate students.

“It was a great opportunity to see the process from the ground up,” said DiPietrantonio. “We got to grow with the Black Bears.”

Branch agrees that the students are enjoying a truly unique experience.

“No other students in the country have an opportunity like this to execute a naming process,” said Branch. “It was really special for them.”

-WVU-

kc/05/22/15

CONTACT: Kimberly Cameon; College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
304-293-0827; Kimberly.Cameon@mail.wvu.edu

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