New Beginnings

Well, here is the start. I don't know how long I'll go with this, but the first step is the most important one, or some other inspirational bull-crap. I dunno, fill in something here.

Yesterday was the first part for me of a two-part job training session. The ball club calls this module "Job-Specific Training" and my boss "Jessica" (I'm not using real names as per the Social Media Policy of the club) was there to go over a powerpoint presentation with us peons and answer any questions we might have. The small group met in the bowels of Comerica Park, in the Auxilliary Clubhouse which we affectionately refer to as the "Dollar Store". I'd say specifically why we call it that, but I'm not sure that divulging such information is allowed, as it might give other clubs a competitive advantage...? I don't know for sure but I don't want to risk the wrath of the higher-ups just in case they find my little slice of the Internet, because I can say after working a full season, that it's honestly one of my favorite jobs I've ever held. Anyways, I'll move on.

The powerpoint contained general information about being an usher at Comerica, what the bosses expect from us as far as how to associate with guests to the park, how to handle incidents, how to dress and when/where to go in different situations. The presentation was definitely geared towards new hires, but was actually a good refresher for those of us returning for another season. It also allowed us to air our grievances with some of the proposed rule changes, none of which are really back-breaking. Some rules are a definite change, though, and I can see a lot of ushers leaving because of them. If that happens, I do know of a few people that might want an awesome job working for the defending American League Champions.

Also yesterday, my union held a vote on the final contract offer given to us by the ball club. I heard from my union representative that originally, the club wanted to come down on us hard due to a couple of bad apples doing bad things during last season. We weren't offered any bonuses or raises initially. Thankfully, our negotiator was able to save us from being completely wrecked and it looks like we got a decent deal out of the talks, which is what I'd hope for from a union negotiator. I do hope that the majority votes for the acceptance of the proposal, because I don't think I'd like to see the bare minimum levied against us.

As for the second part of the job training, called "General Session Training", that will be held for me on Monday, the 25th of March at my favorite restaurant in Detroit, the Hockeytown Cafe which is across the street from Comerica Park. There's a theater attached to the cafe where the presentation will be held, and once I sit through it, I'll be cleared to work this season.

Let me end this initial post with some enthusiasm, and try and set the stage for anyone that might be reading. I was born in Detroit in 1984, the last time the club won the World Series. I suffered for years by living in the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia area and being forced to watch the Atlanta Braves day in, day out on TBS. Once I moved back to Michigan and got the job with the Tigers, I was ecstatic. I love the game of baseball. I played throughout my childhood and at one point, was being pre-scouted by a couple of MLB teams before personal issues dragged me away. I feel thankful that life has given me another shot to be involved in this noble sport, even if it isn't by playing it on a professional level. I get to say that I work for a wonderful team, a team with its own rich, unique history, a team that's been a part of MLB since the beginning. This team has won it all 4 times, and seems poised to make another run at championship number 5 this season. This team has produced legends like Ty Cobb and Mickey Cochrane and Charlie Gehringer and Hank Greenberg. This team witnesses greatness step onto the field these days, in the forms of Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder, Austin Jackson and Max Scherzer and Doug Fister. Verlander won both the Cy Young and MVP in 2011 and the Rookie of the Year in 2006. Cabrera was the first man to win the Triple Crown since Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. All I'm saying is that this team has an amazing amount of talent put together under the Olde English D. And I'm proud to walk through the employee entrance, step out onto the concourse and see the luscious expanse of green grass before me, look around and take in the Detroit skyline in right-center field, the gigantic scoreboard in left-center that reminds everyone that the Tigers won the ALCS last year, the twin tigers on top that have glowing green eyes during "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. I see the millions of people that wear the navy blue and white and orange in support of the team. I see that it is an absolutely gorgeous place to be and I smile, 'cause I get paid to be here and I wouldn't have it any other way.