This is the end...

As this semester has some how come to an end, so too has my blog assignment. I have used this forum to discuss pertinent sports events and tried to address the PR side of each event/issue. I hope someone out there enjoyed just part of my blog - if so, it was well worth it.
I have also used the blog to discuss some personal opinions about sports internships, several Major League Baseball teams and the prowess of the SEC. Hopefully my opinions were taken as just that - opinions.
To bring an end to this assignment, I thought I would re-visit some of my favorite and some of my least favorite posts.

Personally, I liked the post about sports internships because it expressed my opinions and thoughts on an issue I feel I know a little bit about. It gave me an opportunity to share some of my experiences and hopefully (if anyone read it) help someone out down the road. I was also happy with some of the posts that used videos! It was an exciting day when I figured out how to incorporate videos and pictures into my blog. I thought, in most cases, they added to the effectiveness of the blog and created a more pleasurable blogging experience.

Of course, not all of my blogs were worth writing home about. A recent one that talked about the popularity of blogs was probably one of my least favorites, but it has shown me areas I can improved upon in future blogs.

Overall I thought the blogs were much tougher than I originally thought. Going into the assignment, I thought it would be simple to think of things to discuss. I was wrong. It was tough to come up with fresh ideas that were relevant, pertinent and interesting. On the bright side, this assignment definitely helped me develop better writing skills as well as an ability to scoop out news from around the world.

As this, my last semester, comes to a close, I am forced to rethink and remember all the finer moments of my time at UGA. Honestly, I can think of few better than the time spent with my HDF campaigns team. They are, without doubt, the best group I have ever worked with. We honestly enjoyed each other's company, and each moment spent working with them is a moment I will treasure long after I have left Athens.

All the best,

Ben!

Soccer in the States

Like most years, the beginning of the Major League Soccer season kicked off recently and no one seemed to notice. In a country dominated by FOOTBALL and baseball and basketball, soccer is overlooked and under appreciated. Unlike the rest of the world, America does not take much pride in professional soccer. As a result Major League Soccer has had a tough time leaving the ground. Now, in their 12th season, the league is finally beginning to gain awareness. Attendance is up (but still very low), advertising revenue is up and even ESPN has begun broadcasting regular season games!
From a PR/Marketing standpoint, MLS has really been slow to act. They have what I would consider a good product, but have been unable to make any headway in America. But recently they have gotten noticed and I believe a lot of it has to with their new, effective "You're a fan. You just don't know it yet" campaign. The commercials have run on sports networks ESPN and FSN, as well as ABC (that I have seen). I think what makes them brilliant is that they take aspects of every other sport we love in America and show that soccer has them all - quickness, agility, teamwork, contact etc. Whoever is behind their latest campaign deserves recognition for this recent success.
To test popularity of MLS among some of my cohorts I asked around. Of the 10 people I asked, 4 had watched an MLS game this season (the season just began four weeks ago). Although this number may not seem extremely high, it is huge compared to how many had ever watched a game prior to this season, 0.
The point is, MLS is making headway and I can't help but think their recent campaign is part of the reason, that and the anticipated arrival of David Beckham...

Sadness in St. Louis

Early Sunday morning St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Josh Hancock died in a single car accident. The 29 year-old bullpen pitcher had reportedly spent Saturday night drinking at a bar and then refused a ride home. Regardless of the details surrounding his death, the Cardinal family has been grieving over an unfortunate loss. To try and commemorate their fallen teammate, the Cardinals hung Hancock's No. 32 jersey from the dugout of their Monday night game against the Brewers (the team took Sunday night off due to the loss).
A situation like this is one that very few prepare for and one the everyone hopes they will never have to deal with. The Cardinal organization must find a way to honor Hancock, but at the same time they will be forced to move along. How does PR personnel handle such a tragic situation? It is very hard to say, but I think the Cardinals handled it nicely. They sent the only person they could to talk with the press: Manager Tony LaRussa. LaRussa addressed the media in an appropriate manner and gave appropriate responses. The team has attempted to memorialize Hancock by wearing a NO. 32 patch on the sleeve of their uniforms. Undoubtedly, the team will hold a commemorative ceremony for Hancock when the team returns to St. Louis at the end of this current road trip.
These efforts should not be considered a "PR Move." They are appropriate tributes to a fallen teammate. They are measures taken by a grief striken team that is struggling to find answers. Situations like this are about much more than PR. They are about remembering that there are so many things out there more important than baseball and public relations. This situation reminds us that life is short, and we must make the best of the time were are fortunate enough to have. Also we must take time to really cherish the people in our lives that make life worthwhile...

All the best,

ben