Summer Ball: Where the Game Meets the Grind

What two summers with the OC Riptide taught me about telling stories in sports

There is something special about summer baseball. Maybe it is the scorching heat radiating off the turf, the long bus rides to nowhere towns, or the late nights chasing stories and burgers with fellow interns. Whatever it is, there is nothing quite like it.

For the past two summers, I have had the chance to work with the Orange County Riptide, a summer collegiate team in Southern California. I started out wanting experience in any area I could get my hands on, but what I found was a space that pushed me creatively, helped me grow professionally, and gave me a front-row seat to what it means to work in sports.

In my first summer with the Riptide, I worked as a sports media and communications intern. At the time, I was a journalism student who had just finished a year of reporting at my college radio station. I applied for just about every role on the application, including public address announcer, broadcasting, and digital marketing. I was eager for any opportunity that would help me break into the world of sports.

Since I joined the team later than others because of the quarter system, I jumped in quickly. I was writing game recaps on deadline, live tweeting game coverage, producing interviews for the team’s podcast, and capturing social media content. I even filmed a series of casual player interviews while playing catch or grabbing In-N-Out. It was a hands-on learning experience that taught me how to tell stories, manage multiple assignments and represent a brand on the fly.

The next summer, I returned to the Riptide as a digital media and marketing intern. My role shifted more toward strategy and execution. I managed our social media accounts, created an editorial calendar, built out email campaigns, and updated our website regularly. I focused on increasing engagement across platforms and developed content tailored to each audience. This role gave me the chance to combine creativity with planning, and I saw firsthand how digital storytelling can shape fan relationships and boost visibility for a team.

The beauty of summer baseball is that everyone is there to grow. The players are working on their game, the coaches are building relationships, and the interns are learning by doing. For me, it was the perfect training ground. I learned how to problem solve on the spot, adapt to changing situations, and bring ideas to life under pressure.

Working in summer baseball means wearing a lot of hats. Sometimes literally, depending on the sun. But it also means learning how to collaborate with others, stay flexible, and make the most of limited resources. I did not just leave with a stronger portfolio. I left more confident, more capable, and more excited than ever about working in sports.

If you are trying to break into the industry, do not overlook summer ball. It is gritty, fast-paced, and unpredictable. But it is also where some of the best lessons are learned. And for me, it was worth every second.