• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

Taylor Fisher: Going the Extra Mile and Shooting for the Sox

A look on his career in baseball, advice from his connections and his ultimate goal.

This feature is presented to you by the University of Nebraska — Lincoln Master of Arts in Business with a Specialization in Intercollegiate Athletics Administration

Taylor Fisher and his parents, whom he gives a lot of credit to his success. Image via Taylor Fisher

Anyone who wants to make it big in sports, knows you probably have to work your way up the ladder. In Taylor Fisher’s case, he made the most of his opportunities that got him where he is today by using his connections.

Today, he is part of the business development team for the Nashville Sounds, where he focuses on sponsorship, group outings, and season tickets. Alongside that, he does the typical MiLB jobs like helping with tarp pulls.

Fisher has an interesting path, but maybe not as interesting as what his future holds.


Fisher realized that he just wasn’t going to be the next Michael Jordan, so he figured that working in sports was the next best thing. To get there, he obtained his Bachelor’s in Corporate Finance & Accounting from Bentley University and Master’s in Sports Leadership from Northeastern University.

He credits going back for his Master’s to one of his Bentley professors, whose colleague was a part of Northeastern’s program. Fisher says that it was, “one of the most important pieces of advice I’ve ever received. I made more important connections in two years at Northeastern than I had my entire life leading up to that point.”

Where Fisher gets to work 80–100 hours per week. Photo via livability.com.

Great advice is something that he has received throughout his career. Right out of his undergraduate degree, he interviewed with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Director of Finance, Craig Bradley. Although he couldn’t find a position for Fisher, he told him something that he would never forget.

“He said if you want to work in baseball and move up the ladder, he recommended starting in summer collegiate baseball or Minor League Baseball and dive in and do everything. Sell tickets. Work on the field. Scrub toilets. Literally do it all. You will get noticed for your work ethic and willingness to help out wherever.”


Fisher took the guidance and got his start in summer collegiate baseball. One of his classmates at Northeastern, Ashley Laramie, the North Shore Navigators’ Assistant General Manager, offered him an internship. Fisher used Bradley’s suggestions and showed up early, stayed late and worked hard every single day.

“After the very first game I went home to my parents and said I was going to work in baseball the rest of my life. They were happy, but said to pump the brakes after only one game, but I just knew. And I haven’t looked back!”

Bill Terlecky, General Manager of the Navigators, is who recommended Fisher for his next job in sports. He put Fisher’s name up for General Manager of the FCBL team in Maine, the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide. The next thing Fisher knew, he went from a lowly intern to the General Manager of a team.

https://frontofficesports.com/bolstered-by-tebow-columbia-fireflies-lead-league-in-attendance-b93e4b8c775d

The position involved doing a little bit of everything, from selling sponsorships, signing players, selling tickets, and even scrubbing toilets. Fisher realized from doing everything that he loved sales the most, and that’s what he then pursued.

Fisher’s GM stint was with the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide. Photo via Ballpark Biz.

After his General Manager stint, Fisher broke into Minor League Baseball, and became the Sponsorship Account Manager of the Frederick Keys, Class A-Advanced affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. He stayed in Maryland for two years, before moving to Nashville to work with the Sounds in October of 2016.

Expect to see Taylor “shooting for the Sox” in the future, as he was born and raised in Massachusetts, and has a deep love for the Red Sox and the city of Boston. His ultimate goal is to become the President or COO of the Boston Red Sox.

I have so many people scoff and laugh at me when I talk as if it’s a for sure thing opposed to ‘I hope it happens.’ When you act and talk about your goals, don’t act like you’re wishing on a star. Act like you know it’s going to happen. You’ll have a much different attitude about things and be a lot more confident in yourself. I just laugh at people who laugh at my goal because it means theirs aren’t lofty enough. Don’t accept mediocrity. Strive for greatness.”

Fisher left the Frederick Keys for the Nashville Sounds in October 2016. Photo via WSMV.com.You should always ask for suggestions when talking to sport industry professionals, and Fisher has four pieces of advice for those aspiring to be where he is in the future.

You should always ask for suggestions when talking to sport industry professionals, and Fisher has four pieces of advice for those aspiring to be where he is in the future.

First of all, be ready to grind if you’re going to work in baseball, because it is going to be 80–100 hour work weeks for six straight months. “Don’t work in sports just because you’re a fan. Do it because you have a passion for it and will do whatever it takes to make the organization successful and put out the best possible product for the fans.”

Follow Fisher’s footsteps and do everything and anything. You shouldn’t ever say “that’s not my job” or “that’s not in my job description.” Scrub toilets. Sell tickets. Help out with the on-field games.

https://frontofficesports.com/bolstered-by-tebow-columbia-fireflies-lead-league-in-attendance-b93e4b8c775d

He also suggested that you get to know as many people as possible that work in the ballpark, from the janitors, ushers, fan hosts and promo team. “A simple smile or a hello every day can go a long way if you ever need something extra for a client, family member or yourself. It’ll make your life so much easier.”

Lastly, ask questions and don’t be a know it all, because you’ll never know everything. Work as a team or no one will be on your side when you need it the most.


You can connect with Taylor on LinkedIn here and Twitter here.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

If you liked this, click the???? below so other people will see this here on Medium.


Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

More MLB Teams Shift to League Broadcasts Due to DSG Disarray

The Brewers, Guardians, Twins opt to have MLB produce and distribute their local games.

MLB Playoff TV Ratings Soar 41%, Fueled by Drama and Ohtani’s Debut

A potent mix of popular teams, Shohei Ohtani, and on-field drama combines to become a powerful attraction to viewers.
Oct 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) swings in the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres during game one of the NLDS for the 2024 MLB Playoffs at Dodger Stadium.

Ohtani Ball to Be Sold Before Courts Determine Rightful Owner

At least three people are suing over ownership of the ball.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Shams to ESPN; NHL Drops Puck

0:00

Featured Today

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
October 8, 2024

How the WWE’s Farm Circuit Became a Primetime Draw

NXT produces generational talent—and it occupies a new prime-time network slot.
A DraftKings sign
October 7, 2024

A DraftKings Exec Left for Fanatics. Then the Bitter Legal Battle Began

Mike Hermalyn has been sidelined at Fanatics for nine months now.
opinion
October 6, 2024

Where Is the Dang Game? Fragmentation Has Hit Fever Pitch

A correction is coming in the increasingly confusing landscape of live sports.
Sponsored

Temple Takes Your Sports Career to the Next Level

If you want to break through to the C-Suite , Temple University’s Executive Master of Science in Sport Business can help you up your game and accelerate your career. 
Sponsored

Networking With Purpose

Investing in the Ohio University PMSA unlocks access to one of the largest sports business alumni networks in the world.
Sponsored

University of San Francisco Is Your Ticket to the Game

Rated the No. 1 Sports Management program in California, USF has been a leader in educating industry professionals for more than 30 years.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Sponsored

UMass, McCormack Department of Sport Management Introduce Groundbreaking Women in Business Course

UMass’s Mark H. McCormack Department of Sport Management has announced the addition of a Women in Business course launching Spring 2021.
Sponsored

Sacred Heart University Gives Athletes and Students Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Professor Matthew F. Moran is training the industry’s next generation of exercise scientists at Sacred Heart University.
Sponsored

Ohio University PMSA Prepares Sports Professionals For New Normal

Two alumni of the Ohio University Professional Master of Sports Administration explain how they feel prepared for the future of sports.
Sponsored

Temple’s Sports Business Master’s Program Gives a Sports Media Pro Unique Perspective

Temple’s School of Sport, Tourism & Hospitality Management gave Sean Hanrahan the tools to elevate his career even after 30 years in the business.