U of A Student Wins Scholarship After Minor League Baseball Internship

Photo Submitted

Morgan Pasquale throws out the first pitch at a Daytona Cubs game. Photo courtesy of Daytona Cubs

University of Arkansas student Morgan Pasquale brought home a scholarship after interning this summer for a Florida Minor League Baseball team.

Pasquale, who is set to graduate in December with a bachelor’s degree in recreation and sport management, interned as an account executive for the Daytona Cubs. Pasquale was also one of 12 people to receive the 2014 Florida State League scholarship worth $1,500.

“The FSL scholarship was an honor to receive,” Pasquale said. “I can’t thank the Miami Marlins Foundation, the Florida State League or the Daytona Cubs enough for this opportunity.”

Pasquale, who is from Overland Park, Kan., has been around sports her whole life; whether it was during her years of playing competitive volleyball, or watching her dad play softball as a kid, she knew she wanted to work in the sports field.

“I want to work in sports because I have a passion for them and want to be able to share that with other people,” she said.

Pasquale said her internship with the Cubs wasn’t as glamorous as she expected. The days were long and commonly rainy, and there was dirty work like pulling the tarp and cleaning the stadium after games.

“As crazy as it sounds, I think on game days (if it rained) the tarp pulls were the best part,” she said. “You get a rush of adrenaline as the rain comes pouring down and you have to work with the staff to get the tarp unrolled and pulled over the diamond before it’s too late.”

While the work she had to do was hard, it was the people she met who made the most impact on her learning experience.

“Whether it was the full-time staff, the grounds crew, or my fellow interns, there was never a dull moment and I looked forward going to work every morning,” Pasquale said.

Her time spent working with the Daytona Cubs was more than just meeting a graduation requirement.

"I learned that you always have to be on your toes and ready for anything,” she said. “I was able to break out of my shell, become more outgoing and really absorb all that it takes to run a minor league baseball organization."