Kristen Cummins (’09) told her professors during her time at Truman that she would someday work for the St. Louis Cardinals. Last year, her dream came true when she became the marketing and minor league assistant at Roger Dean Stadium, in Jupiter, Fla. Roger Dean Stadium is the spring training home to the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins, as well as their respective Class-A Advanced affiliates, the Palm Beach Cardinals and the Jupiter Hammerheads.

Prior to accepting the position, Cummins had already developed some connections at Roger Dean Stadium. As a student at Truman, where she was an exercise science major with a specialization in sport and recreation management, Cummins had conducted her field experience at Roger Dean Stadium. After graduating from Truman in 2009, she pursued a master’s degree at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville where she was required to complete an internship as the final component of her degree. Having kept in contact with her former supervisor at Roger Dean Stadium, she applied for and received a minor league intern position at the stadium.

In May 2011, Cummins received a master’s of science in kinesiology with a specialization in sports management. She then completed her internship at Roger Dean Stadium in September 2011 and stayed on with the stadium in her new position as the marketing and minor league assistant.

“I take care of our monthly media buys and keep our marketing schedule organized on a daily basis,” Cummins said. As part of her job, she handles all on-field promotions during spring training and the minor league season. In addition, Cummins attends community events and runs the stadium’s Education Day, a program that hosts five minor league baseball games in the month of May. Cummins also heads up Scout Night, an annual event where hundreds of Cub Scouts sleep over on the outfield lawn. During the time that Cummins has been in charge of Scout Night, the amount of revenue the event brings in has doubled.

After spring training starts in mid-February, Cummins’ position goes into full swing. “During this time, myself and the rest of the front office staff are busy selling group tickets and last-minute sponsorship deals and making sure the stadium is in tiptop shape for the fans,” Cummins said.

She considers customer service to be the most important duty throughout spring training. “Remember, the fan experience starts in the parking lot,” she said. “It’s crucial to know all of the answers to all questions a fan may throw at you, treat them kindly and smile.”

Working with the 2011 World Series champions has been one of Cummins’ most memorable experiences. “It was riveting to see all of the 2006 World Series banners come down and the 2011 banners go up,” said Cummins. “Overall, the experiences I have had so far working with the St. Louis Cardinals are ones I will never forget.”

“Life is so hectic sometimes, and what I love about baseball is that it remains constant,” Cummins said. “After all, baseball is one of America’s favorite pastimes for a reason.” — Lauren Massey (’12)