Blogger’s note: Inside the Box is a view of life in the Press Boxes of Major League Baseball. We hope to bring it to you on a semi-regular basis. Today’s guest is York Daily Record sports writer Steve Navaroli.
Steve covered the Baltimore Orioles home opener earlier this year. He was gracious enough to give us a peek inside the press box. We appoligize to Steve for taking so long to get this interview up on the site.
The Southpaw: For fans, Opening Day is one of the most fun days of the season, is it the same for you?
Steve Navaroli
Steve: Opening day doesn’t have the same magic it did when I was a kid, but I think that is a personal affront for me that baseball has lost the zip because of all the money involved. As a journalist, Monday was pretty cool though.
The Southpaw: What would be the one thing about working in the press box that you think fans would be most surprised to learn?
Steve: The press box on Monday was packed, but if that isn’t always the case. At Camden Yards, the press box is a foul ball haven. Protect your laptops.
The Southpaw: How accessible are the players and coaching staff?
Steve: Very. Manager Dave Trembley does a press conference right after the game and they open the clubhouse afterward. However, if players don’t want to talk they can hide in the “safe media-free zones,” which includes a coach in the middle of the room.
The Southpaw: Takes us through some of your responsibilities during the day?
Steve: The day is long getting there four hours before game time (mostly because it was opening day). We can go in the clubhouse before and gather notes, work on stories, etc. I did plenty of blogging during the opening ceremonies and typed all game for the feature-type gamer.
Again, we thank Steve Navaroli for his time. And don’t forget to check out his thoughts at The Lineup Card and his stories at GameTimePa.
Copy Editor Patrick Abdalla doesn't need performance-enhancing drugs to take a look at all things Major League Baseball. Whether it's arguing about the Hall of Fame, quizzing someone with a stat out of left field, discussing a good baseball book, or talking about "Field of Dreams," Pat always enjoys some infield chatter. 