It’s an event we all look forward to every year, trading places with the Milwaukee Brewers. Athletes and mascots get to come to the airport and we get to show them what it takes to run an airline for a day. But, this year we got a chance to trade places with the Brewers to see what it takes to be a professional player and mascot!
I, along with three of my Cohearts, (Ramp Agent Ted Patek, Ramp Sup Ray Krasemann, and CSA Steve Nowak,) were given the ultimate opportunity to go out to Miller Park and become honorary superstars for a day. I say “superstars” lightly, because let me tell you—it’s a whole lot harder than it looks!
Our adventure began by walking into the press room where our friends from the Brewers had personalized jerseys, hats, and balls waiting for us. We signed our contracts—ok the waivers— then got to tell the room what we did for Southwest and what we were bringing to this team.
After the interviews were wrapped up and our official team photos were taken, it was off to the field. We traveled through a maze of tunnels to a walkway that led us straight to the Brewers turf. As we stood outside the dugout taking it all in, something on the scoreboard caught my attention: our names! They were displayed on the jumbotron like a starting line up!
Our first skills test of the day was running the bases. I stepped right up to the plate, sun glistening down on the bright green grass, the crowd (in my mind of course) going crazy, and BAM, a fastball right down the middle—I knocked it straight out of the park! Ok, that didn’t really happen but it sure felt like it. I took off down the baselines and rounded the bases as if I hit a base-clearing grand slam! As we crossed home plate, you could sense the feeling, the victory, and the cheers of the fans!
After base running, it was time to grab our gloves and head out to the bullpen to practice warming up to pitch. (Let me tell you, it looks a whole lot easier than it actually is.) It was completely wicked. Despite giving it an A-Team effort, the balls seemed to have a mind of their own and went every which way but straight.
Sliding down the famous “Bernie Brewer Slide” was the ultimate highlight of the day. As we began our summit, the possibly of falling out of the slide or dangerous landings ran through our heads … we did, after all, sign a waiver. Standing at the top of the platform, eyes shut,we each jumped on the burlap sack and went for what was one of the most exhilarating 10-second-rides ever! It was a total blast and, like a 10-year-old kid, I wanted to do it again.
As all great things come to an end, it was time for us bid farewell to our “recruiters” and thank them for this once in a lifetime fantastic experience. While they might want to recruit us for the Brewer Team, our hearts are on the Southwest Team. Trading places with the Milwaukee Brewers was another awesome experience thanks to Southwest Airlines.
Working for Southwest Airlines has been a dynamic career choice. Employment has allowed me to take advantage of traveling the world, making a difference in my community, and participating in some outrageously fun adventures like this one.
Photos courtesy of The Milwaukee Brewers
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