ENJOY RETIREMENT GEORGE STEINBRENNER: AKA THE BOSS

Today is a sad day for sports, as one of the best owners in baseball, if not the best, has offically retired. George M. Steinbrenner, III offically ended his 35 year tenure of running the team yesterday as he turned over control to his 39 year old son Hal.

As a little tribute to The Boss, or That Man (as he is commonly referred to in Newsday), I have put together a collection of a few links and 2 reels of Steinbrenner highlights in Seinfeld.

Browse at your leisure and enjoy:

Newsday Links:
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spjean1121,0,2334240.column
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-georgesteinbrennerphotos,0,361726.photogallery
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-sphow1121,0,6956244.column
http://www.newsday.com/sports/ny-spwhy2112196118nov21,0,7662884.story
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spjake215936177nov21,0,7265415.story
http://www.newsday.com/sports/baseball/yankees/ny-spboss1121,0,3443776.story

STEINBRENNER on SEINFELD TAKE 1



STEINBRENNER on SEINFELD TAKE 2

NJ Nets market to the unemployed...

Yesterday I posted about how TIME Magazine is going to cut several jobs from each of the magazines they own (including 40 from Sports Illustrated).

Today, the NJ Nets announced that they are reaching out and helping these new (along with other) unemployed people....

No Job = Free Basketball and Career Advice/Entry to their Job Fair.

Check it out here!

Mr. E

Sports (Non)Illustrated?

Interesting article that I just came across in the Sports Business Journal.....

It seems that Time Magazine company, which owns Sports Illustrated, is planning to severely cut its staff by December 1st. To avoid flat-out layoffs, the company is seeking 40 Sports Illustrated employees to volunteer to take the company's buyout program.

Here is part of the announcement:

Sports Illustrated needs 40 bodies gone within two weeks, says managing editor Terry McDonnell:

For the reasons outlined in Ann Moore’s reorganization announcement of 10/28/08, the Sports Illustrated Group will reduce the size of its staff across all properties. At the magazine, we will reduce staff in the following guild-covered categories:

• copy editors
• photographers
• designers
• photo equipment technicians
• picture catalogers
• picture researchers
• reporter-researchers
• research assistants
• writer-editors
• writer-reporters

A number of jobs not covered by the guild will also be eliminated at the magazine and across the group.

Approximately 40 guild and non-guild volunteers are needed over the next two weeks to avoid involuntary job eliminations. If the number of volunteers falls short by Monday, December 1, involuntary layoffs will begin.”

As you read this, what are some of the factors that you think might have caused a giant company like Time to have to make substantial cuts?

The entire article can be read here.

Be good.

Mr. E

John McCain, Barack Obama, and Michael Douglas Kick-off the 2008 World Series

OK, so anybody in my classes pretty much know how much I love (sarcastic) baseball on Fox Sports. They also know that I'll take it any day over TBS Baseball and ESPN (true story). Fox opened the World Series last night with this video clip, which for me, set an awesome tone to a ratings killer World Series real quick. Game 1 was well played...just lacked some major excitement for the general fan.

In the words of Warner Wolf, "Let's Go to the Videotape!"

BOOM!

Mr. E

Joe Torre - A Hall of Fame Manager with a True Class Act

New York or Los Angeles.....different uniform, same result. Even after a terrible NLCS for his Dodgers, Joe Torre took the high road to the off-season with his usual class act. Check it out for yourself here. (Joe Girardi, if you are reading, please take notes).

Joe Torre on Foxsports.com

Shea Goodbye - This time in real action!

During the 2008 baseball season, one of the Mets' main marketing campaigns was "Shea Goodbye" which referred to the teams farewell season in their beloved (but terrible) ballpark. As of today, the Mets have stripped Shea of all of the items that they are taking across the field to Citi Field and have turned the park over to the demolition teams. It is no longer open to the public. Here is the last realtime video that we may ever see from inside the field...

Enjoy!
Mr. E

Looking to Explore the World of Sports?

Hello young sports scavengers!!!

As promised here are a couple of good links that you can explore on your own to be able to bring in some solid material to contribute and share with our class during our "World of Sports" segments.

Remember, the more you share, the more you Earn!!! ELSESSER DOLLARS are up for grabs here!!!

Here are some of my personal favorite sites:

1. WATCHDOG Sportswatch Blog: Newsday's Neil Best brings you all the latest news and rumors in the world of Sports Media and Business. Mr. E's Best Bet!!!
2. FOXSPORTS Truth & Rumors Page: Ben Mailer brings you all the latest rumors from every sport, in every part of the country. If they are saying it, he's reporting it!!! Mr. E's sports staple!!!
3. Sports Business Journal's Top 15 Sports Blogs: Well, no explanation needed here. It's the best 15 sports blogs in the country...including my Best Bet from number 1. BOOM! This site could keep me busy for days....

At the moment I realize that there aren't any other sites that I want to endorse at the moment...

But I promise that there is more than enough material here.

Happy surfing! Extra dollars will be awarded for good sports radio mentions!!!!

Mr. E

Mr. Hollywood? Nah, its just Manny being Manny!

So Manny Ramirez just seems to be truly Living the Dream...he finally gets away from his "hated Red Sox management," which seem to have the best management structure in baseball....and lands with Joe Torre and the LA Dodgers where he has with no doubt earned the most impactful player of the year award (MIP AWARD). (yes, I just made that award up)!

So after hitting two big homeruns and being impactful during the Dodgers' smash sweep of the Cubs during the NLDS, Manny has yet earned another claim to fame...His Own SONG!!!

Renowned baseball song writer Terry Cashman, who wrote "Talking Baseball" has now taken his magic to his new song, "Manny Being the Man."

This will not be coming to NY radio anytime soon, unless the Yanks or Mets net him in the offseason. (MR. E's BEST BET: Mets over the Yanks on this....although I would love him hitting cleanup after AROD).

Only time will tell...

Hey Terry! How about you write me my own song...

MR. E

10/3/08: SPORTS MANAGEMENT: NY's General Manager Extra Credit

Well fellow Sports Managers, this has definitely turned out to be an interesting week in the world of NY sports. Not only is this NY's first baseballLESS October since 1993, both the Yankees and Mets moved this week to lock up their General Managers to multi-year deal. The $220 million 89 win Yankees locked up Brian Cashman, who has been their GM since 1998 (and who has also been in the organization for 21 years) with a 3 year deal; while the 2 years in a row Crash and Burn Mets reinstalled Omar Minaya with a new 4 year deal, that includes two-1 year team options.

So I guess the math is simple. Do an OK job and completely miss all of the organizations goals and objectives of being in the playoffs (at least!) in the number one baseball city in America, and then be rewarded with raises and money. Some may argue that its not about money and years, and that it is important for these 2 gentelmen to return to ownership groups that absolutely love them.

YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR EXTRA CREDIT:
In a one to two page double spaced analysis, give me your opinions and thoughts on this subject. Make sure you explain your position and which side of the arguement you favor. Or maybe you have a totally different view and opinion that you would like to explain.

Please turn this in on Monday October 6th.

Be good.
Mr. E

SPORTS MANAGEMENT: Be a 360 degree Manager!

Sports Managers. If you need some motivation to realize the importance of integrating the four functions of management, I suggest you take a look at the popular Abbot and Costello "Who's On First' skit.

Your task to take each function of management and determine how incorporating it into Abbott and Costello's dialogue might help solve their problem.

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SPORTS MARKETING: CASEY STENGEL The Marketing Man?

Of course, when I was at home last night reading my usual array of sports blogs, I did come across an awesome video clip of former Yankees and Mets manager Casey Stengel, promoting the opening of Shea Stadium in 1968.

Today's lesson is exploring the Marketing Mix and I think that this really unique black and white baseball clip screams it.

YOUR TASK:
Watch the following clip and identify the parts of the Marketing Mix (remember there are 4) that you think are evident. Make sure you also write down why!

SPORTS MANAGEMENT: LET'S GO TO THE VIDEOTAPE!

Hey Sports Management kids! Now that you have finished your Stadium Research projects, it is time to take things one step further and see what other kind of valuable information you can learn from Dan Meis, master stadium design architect and creator. Dan has designed and worked on many different ballparks and venues, including Seattle's Safeco Field and LA's Staples Center. Dan brings a unique twist of creativity to the table when it comes to these designs so make sure you grab a pen and listen up....you are about to learn something!

While you are watching the following video clip, please answer the following questions:

1. What are 3 things or ideas that Dan has incorporated into his designs that have really added to the fans' excitement and enjoyment of his finished product?

2. What are 2 types of consumer behavior patterns that Dan has noted and taken into his designs? (In other words, what are 2 things that the fans have seemed to really enjoy and flock to when visiting his venues?)

3. Tell me how you might plan to incorporate two of Dan's design ideas into your own team's work and why it will be good for the overall business direction of your new venue.


In the words of Warner Wolf, "LET'S GO TO THE VIDEOTAPE!!!"

http://www.fastcompany.tv/video/the-creative-process-sports-stadium-design

Special Thanks to all Sports Management and Sports Marketing students...

I just wanted to drop a quick to all of the students in my sports management and marketing classes for a job well done last week during our special "The Impact of Sports on 9/11" lesson/activities.

In terms of our 9/11 activity, I was very impressed with the amount of effort that you put towards your work.

Activity Reminder:

" Today you have been chosen to give a 30 second uplifting message to attendees at Ground Zero's 9/11 memorial services. What is one message theme that you could relay to your fellow Americans that could try to encourage them to hold "positive thoughts" today?

Classes chose the following topics as themes for their speeches:

Patriotism, Strength, Focus, Hope, Remembrance, Unity and Freedom.

Again, I thank you for your positive attitudes and composure during this serious and educational lesson.

Mr. E

9/11/08: Seven Years Later, WE STILL REMEMBER

As you know, all of my Sports Management and Sports Marketing classes today are taking a break from our "regular programming" to pay tribute to the heroes, victims, families and Americans hurt by 9/11. While there is no doubt that there are many of us in the world that are still hurting from those barbaric acts of the day, let us not also forget some of the lessons we were taught. Today, my students will be reflecting on some of the lessons they have learned from living in our post-9/11 world over the last 7 years, including ways that brought unity to a divided and tense nation.

The Sports World too was also affected by these acts, but also played a major part in installing hope and reminding all Americans that our nation would prevail. Here are two clips that show an excellent portrayal of this:

Baseball returned NY after, the MLB suspended 6 days and 91 games of the 2001 season. Here in this clip, Mike Piazza restores order and extends a light of normalcy to NY and America at Shea Stadium, 10 days after the attacks (9/21/01).

George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States, instills a sense of hope in all Americans, proving he wasn't scared of terror by marching out onto the pitcher's mound at Yankee Stadium to throw out the first pitch in Game 3 of the 2001 World Series.

9/8/08: SPORTS MANAGEMENT - EARLY COLLEGE PROGRAM

Sports Management Students:

Remember that if you wish to partake in the Dowling College Early College Program/Smithtown West Partnership, you must have your materials into me by FRIDAY SEPT. 26th:

This includes:

1. All forms completed (payment form, admission form, Smithtown West form)

2. Payment of $198 ($66 per credit/3 total credits) if paying in full; OR $75 if taking the payment plan route.

If you or your family have any questions, please do not have them hesitate to contact me.

Best-

Mr. E

9/8/08: SPORTS MANAGEMENT AND MARKETING HOMEWORK: Will Mr. Elsesser be sued by the NFL Players Association?

No joke. I was looking for a Sports Business journal to subscribe to for our classes and I somehow came across an article on Howard Bloom's Sports Business News journal that CBS is suing the NFL players assocation (NFLPA) for their demanding that CBS pay licensing fees to them for using their names and stats in Fantasy Football leagues. CBS claims that the players association is violating anti-trust laws.

I would like all students in Sports Management and Sports Marketing to Read the article here!

This is very interesting being that CBS not only broadcasts 100+ games a year with the NFL but also that if the NFLPA is able to pull this off, they will be entitled to some sort of fee that will definitely cut into the $500 million of revenue that they make on Fantasy Football per year. Imagine if this sets a precedent for Fantasy Football leagues (which are used by 19.2 million people per season)???!!!!! If CBS gets clipped on this, imagine what other sites may be next. Could this mark the end of all free fantasy football leagues forever???

YOUR ASSIGNMENT:

Since we have been spending much time on Fantasy Football these past couple of days, I would like you to interact with this article here on the blog by making a few comments on this post. Your commented response to this post is due by Tuesday 9/9. Be sure to include your opinion of this article and which side you favor. Remember to use the correct posting format (First Name, First Initial of Last Name, Period#).

In the meantime, I'll be looking for a lawyer...just in case...

Be good-

Mr. E

9/8: SPORTS MARKETING EXTRA CREDIT: NFL Kick-Off Concert

Not a bad way for the NFL season to be offically kicked off, other than to add a benefit concert. Keith Urban, Usher, and Natasha Beddingfield were just a few of the names to be in attendance for this terrific event.

THERE ARE ELSESSER DOLLARS out there for anyone who e-mails me with 3 different ways that this picture features marketing.

Additionally, I will give double Elsesser Dollars to anyone who can identify the target market that this concert was most likely trying to reach.

The Challenge is on. I'll be waiting at celsesser@smithtown.k12.ny.us

Mr. E

NYC aims to make their last BIG bucks on Baseball

Well I couldn't help myself from coming home today and heading straight to the computer to check out my favorite sports blog, Neil Best's (LI Newsday)Watch Dog blog, which focuses on news and commentary from the world of Sports media. As I have told many of you in class, sports media is a MAJOR part of NY sports (and the sports world in general).

Anyways, Neil linked me to a pretty good article posted on Newsday's website this afternoon, on how NYC is aiming to make one last major dollar on the demolition of Shea and Yankee Stadiums. NYC, which owns the stadiums, has the right to all property in the stadiums that is left behind after the teams move out (including lockers, urinals, and SEATS). While the city has not announced the Yankees auction plans yet, Shea Stadium seats have been selling like hotcakes....one pair for $879. Yankees seats are rumored to sell for double that. (I better ask for a raise now).

Anyways, since the new ballparks will be privately owned (Elsesser dollars to anyone who can tell me how the Mets can afford to this and double Elsesser dollars to anyone who can give me concrete examples on how the Yankees can do this) this is the city's last chance to capitalize on their major value..... (we will discuss this in class very soon...but for now just think about it......actually....this may be a good DO NOW critical thought question one day).

Enjoy the article and let me know what you think. Click here to read all about it!

Have a good night!
Mr. E

NFL OPENING DAY!!!

Just wanted to pass along a happy NFL Opening Day to everyone...

The G-Men (NY Giants) kick-off their action and the NFL Season tonight against the Washington Redskins at 7pm.

JETS vs. Miami on Sunday....BOOM!

Enjoy!

Mr. E

ESPN 1050's Michael Kay Interviews Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo

For those of you sports media nuts out there like me, I came across a really good interview on ESPN Radio 1050AM in New York yesterday afternoon. Michael Kay, host of the station's afternoon drive show (The Michael Kay Show) interviewed former WFAN Radio star and new Sirius sports talk radio host Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo.

I think this is a really good interview as it covers a variety of interesting topics, which have been RED HOT news in this area throughout the summer.

Let me know what you think. You can listen to the audio of this on ESPN 1050's website here.

Enjoy!

Mr. E

9/3/08: SPORTS MARKETING: LEARN ABOUT FANTASY FOOTBALL!!!

Hello Sports Marketers. I hope you are enjoying this nice summer September evening. I noticed today that there were quite a few of you who were unsure of all the details, rules and scoring methods of the workings of Fantasy Football. I did a little research and was able to come across a few articles that may help you. If anyone finds some better ones, please pass them along to me so that I can share.

Beginner's Guide to Fantasy Football (good stuff here....I think even the experts might find some useful information).

7 Rules to a Better Fantasy Football Draft (a couple awesome pointers everyone should consider in their draft strategy)

Be good!

Mr. E