NC West Virginia News

Ryan Turek, a sport management junior at West Virginia University, is gaining firsthand experience during the Major League Baseball Playoffs. Originally from Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Turek is working as a ballpark runner for the Cleveland Guardians as they face the Detroit Tigers in the playoffs' first round.

Turek's journey began in high school when he chose to work with the Cleveland Guardians over typical summer jobs. "I saw my friends applying for jobs in fast food, but I wanted something different, something I was passionate about," he said. After spending summers in the team shop, he moved into ballpark operations this year.

His responsibilities include setting up gates and coordinating with corporate groups to ensure smooth operations on game days. "On game days, I help set up all the stanchions, signage, and even metal detectors at the gates," Turek explained. His role becomes crucial during playoffs when attention to detail is paramount.

Balancing his duties with his studies at WVU has been manageable due to supportive professors. "They are really supportive," Turek noted about his professors' understanding of his unique opportunity.

One highlight of Turek's job is being close to players and on-field action. He shared an unexpected aspect of his role: "I didn’t realize that part of my responsibilities...was going on to the field before each game." He also enjoys assisting visiting teams with their equipment after games.