Ryan Turek, a junior at West Virginia University majoring in sport management, is experiencing what most baseball fans only dream of – working during the Major League Baseball Playoffs. With the Cleveland Guardians hosting the Detroit Tigers in the first round of the playoffs, Turek, originally from Mayfield Heights, Ohio, was in the thick of it all as a ballpark runner, making sure operations behind the scenes run smoothly.
Turek’s path to this moment began in high school when he decided to pursue a summer job with the Cleveland Guardians.
“I saw my friends applying for jobs in fast food, but I wanted something different, something I was passionate about,” he recalls. He worked in the team shop for a few summers, but this year, eager to expand his experience, he transitioned into ballpark operations.
As a ballpark runner, Turek assists with various tasks, from setting up gates to coordinating with corporate groups and ensuring the ballpark is ready for game day. His role is pivotal, especially during the playoffs when every detail must be perfect.
“On game days, I help set up all the stanchions, signage, and even metal detectors at the gates. During the game, I respond to various needs, like delivering ADA chairs or ensuring corporate spaces are prepared,” he says.
Tuerk has been balancing his role with the Guardians while attending WVU. His professors have been flexible, understanding the unique opportunity.
“They are really supportive,” Turek notes. “They said it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and that I could make up the work at home. They understood completely when I explained the whole situation.”
For Turek, one of the best parts of the job is being close to the players and the action on the field.
“I didn’t realize that part of my responsibilities in this new department was going on to the field before each game to help manage the fans on the field for the first pitch,” he recalls. “So I had to take the stanchions on and off the field for that, and I looked around the full ballpark and the whole thing just kind of hit me.
“One of my favorite parts is helping with getaways for the visiting team. We help load out their equipment and drive it to the trucks. It’s awesome because you see all these guys you watch on TV walking right by you,” he says.
Though he’s just started taking his sport management courses at WVU, Turek knows the experience will help him in the future. “I’m learning a lot in my classes now that will help me as I continue in this career,” he says.
As Turek enjoys the excitement of postseason baseball in Cleveland, he’s grateful for the journey that brought him here.
“I love every bit of it,” he says. “Sometimes fans will ask me questions about the team, and I give them my input. They love hearing it from someone who actually follows the team. Some workers are just there for the money, but I’m a fan too, so it’s great to interact with them and make that connection.”