MY TRIP TO THE BARNSTORMERS GAME

story and photos by

Natalie Rhoads

My family and I arrived at the Clipper Magazine Stadium and were introduced to Adam Aurand, Director of Marketing for the Lancaster Barnstormers. He took us on a tour of the entire stadium. I felt like a V.I.P. when we were taken onto the field. The stadium has some really fancy private suites for corporations to have private parties. Some people lease their own private suites.

Next, we talked to the reporters and were able to ask them questions. This was fun for me, because I felt like it was my responsibility to get the scoop on how it is being a reporter! I asked a question and all of the other Kid Reporters took turns asking questions as well. Here are a few:

• How long have you been a reporter?
• Do you ever regret becoming a reporter?
• What’s the hardest part about being a reporter?
• Do you have a schedule?
• How long do you have to write your stories?

We found out that most reporters agreed that the hardest part of their job is asking uncomfortable questions. One reporter from the Lancaster New Era has been a reporter for 12 years! They really don’t have a schedule either because they work whenever there is a game, so they have to be flexible and give up a lot of their family time. Once the game is over they only have maybe 60 – 90 minutes to write their story and get it submitted. WOW! Meeting these reporters has been a once in a lifetime chance for me. It was AWESOME!

Immediately after everyone finished asking questions our families left the press box, but the Kid Reporters got to stay in the press box to eat and watch the game with the “real” reporters. The game started and the crowd was HUGE!

From that point on it was the best day ever. We received a few of us free passes to ride the Bumper Boats.

photo courtesy of the Lancaster Barnstormers

Once the game ended, we got to meet Von Hayes, head coach of the Lancaster Barnstormers and former Philadelphia Phillies pro-baseball player. My question to him was, “What was your most memorable moment while coaching for the Barnstormers?” He said, “It would have to be tonight. It was our first sweep of the season and my players played great!”

Lastly, I met up with my parents and said goodbye and thank you to everyone. On our way home I thought to myself how grown up it felt to be accepted as a real reporter. My favorite part of the day was definitely meeting Von Hayes.

THIS WAS A PERFECT DAY!

EVERYONE SHOULD VISIT THE CLIPPER MAGAZINE STADIUM!!!

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