Story and photos by Master Sgt. George Maurer
The Japanese media surround Ichiro Suzuki, an MLB All-Star from Japan.
Major League Baseball has been great during the Pentagon Channel’s visit to the 2009 All-Star game.
The Japanese media surround Ichiro Suzuki, an MLB All-
Star from Japan.Wearing a military uniform to these events is always helpful. The biggest help came during the All-Star Player Media Availability. They set up all the players in one room and let the reporters go wild. It’s the one event where we get the most face-time with the players.
Once the doors open, it’s a bit of a circus. You only have one choice. Get in the back of the group surrounding a player and slowly work your way forward. Most of the reporters are respectful to each other and to the Pentagon Channel, but everyone has a job to do.
There’s always a little pushing and shoving. But respectful pushing and shoving is still pushing and shoving.
Much to the dismay of the rest of the media, Major League Baseball gave the Pentagon Channel access to the players 15 minutes before everyone else.
Master Sgt. George Maurer from the Pentagon Channel speaks with All-Star Derek Jeter.
Master Sgt. George Maurer from the Pentagon Channel speaks with All-Star Derek Jeter.This gave us a great opportunity to knock out a lot of “shout-outs” in a very short time. Our totals for the trip so far are 34 “shout-outs” from the 2009 All-Stars, 17 from celebrities and baseball legends and about 6 from the Cardinal Girls.
In broadcaster math, that’s 57. I believe it’s 57 in normal people math as well.
We had one moment of concern. One of our producers, Camille, who stands about 4′ 11″ in heels, severely underestimated the “enthusiam” of the Japanese media as they surrounded Ichiro Suzuki, a Major League All-Star player originally from Japan.
As I said, we were already in the room when the doors opened to the rest of the media. She got a little caught up in the wave of “enthusiam” as it rushed passed her. But I’m happy to report, she’s OK.
(Reporter’s Note: Just for the record, in heels, I stand about 6′ 3″.)
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