Alumnus From First SAEM Graduating Class Scouting for Washington Nationals Baseball Alumni Profile

Tell us about the work you do for the Washington Nationals. 

I report to the vice president of international operations and department head, Johnny DiPuglia. The core of my job consists of scouting in Latin American countries where baseball is played (Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, Colombia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Curacao, Aruba, etc). Crosschecking entails a lot of travel, and time away from family, however, I feel blessed to be a part of this industry, and to do what I do.   

We have a protocol in place for signing free agent players. The process starts with our international area scouts findings. As a crosschecker I evaluate, report and recommend signings to our department head. I also organize travel schedules and have to be constantly updated on the latest Major League Baseball rules, budget restrictions and regulations.  

For several years I ran the operations for our Dominican Republic facility. I’m still involved to some degree with our DR academy operations, but more so in an advisor role to our current staff.

What attracted you to Point Park University and its SAEM major?

I was recruited to play baseball at Point Park by Al Liberi out of Columbia-Greene Community College in New York. My roommate in N.Y. had been recruited by Point Park a year prior so I had a chance to visit the school.

Point Park University was a no brainer for me. I loved the people there, and the City of Pittsburgh. At the time I was a business major, and my interest has always been geared toward sports. When I heard Point Park was going to start a sports, arts and entertainment management program, I did not hesitate to join.

How has your SAEM degree helped you advance in your career?

I have to give a lot of credit to Point Park University for where I am today. I was part of the first SAEM graduating class during which I completed an internship in baseball operations at the big league level with the Pittsburgh Pirates. This experience gave me a lot of insight, and helped me decide which career path to pursue. I met wonderful people within the Point Park faculty and the Pirates organization, and will be forever thankful to all of those individuals.

What are your favorite Point Park memories?

Pittsburgh and Point Park University have a special place in my heart. I built many relationships that will last a lifetime. The caliber of people I met there are a hard find elsewhere. Once, one of our teammates decided to get married spur of the moment at around 11 p.m. on a school night. Without thinking twice, and getting ready in record time, a group of more than 40 people rolled into the courthouse to watch the ceremony. Still today, "Big Hec" and Liz are married with beautiful children.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

I had the chance to visit Point Park University recently and felt very proud of how far the infrastructure, and the institution have come. 

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