When you’re at FirstEnergy Stadium, you see fireworks shows, giveaways and between-inning entertainment. But for Anthony Pignetti, Executive Director of Business Development for the Fightin Phils, those are opportunities to help local businesses grow.
What brought you to Baseballtown?
I actually started as an intern. I graduated with a degree in broadcast journalism from Point Park University in Pittsburgh and really wanted to get involved in sports management. But I graduated in 2008, and the economy wasn’t so great. So, I literally called and emailed every single minor league team in the country and heard amazing things about the internship program here. I worked full-time in the group sales office and always had an interest in the operation's corporate side, so I worked on that in my free time. At the end of the season, I was lucky enough to be hired full-time to work in special events and advertising. Now I’m in my eleventh year with the team.
What are some of the growth opportunities you offer for local businesses?
We have options that fit any budget. Whether you’re a mom-and-pop bakery or a large corporation, we can tailor our support to meet your needs. I think the best part about my job is that the Fightins is not a one-size-fits-all organization, and we have a huge number of loyal fans who come through the park, so we can help no matter what your business goals are. When it comes down to it, we’re a local business too, and we want to do our part.
Speaking of doing your part, are you involved with other organizations in Berks?
Giving back to the community is very important for the Fightin Phils and for me. We see it as an obligation we have and work very hard to create opportunities and to give back. I help with our Dream League, and I also volunteer with the Humane Society. We can work as many as 100 hours a week during the season if we have back-to-back games, but when we aren’t working, I take every chance I can get to give back.
Do you have any new programming in the works for this season?
We started our season in early May, and we’re very excited to welcome fans back to the park this year. And FirstEnergy Stadium is not just a baseball park, it’s also a community venue. Every time the team goes out of town, we’re hosting events. Anything we can do to get people to the ballpark and to support our partners is a priority for us. And, of course, whether it’s your family or your business coming to Baseballtown this year, your safety is a priority for us as well.
Is your job as fun as it sounds?
Yeah, it’s fun. It’s a lot of work; it’s a lot of hours, but it pays off when you’re at a place that brings people so much joy. I see people come in with their families and it makes me proud to be helping them make memories and to be helping our local businesses grow.
Did You Know?
40 Under 40. Anthony was recently named to the Reading Eagle’s 40 Under 40, an award that recognizes outstanding leaders in Berks County, for his tireless work in the community and his contributions to Baseballtown’s success.
Where Work Meets Play. Every member of the Fightin Phils front office team has completed the organization’s internship program, which is known across the country for the depth of real-world knowledge it provides. Recent college graduates are encouraged to learn more at fightins.com.
