Baseball GM and Scouting FAQ

Will the Baseball GM and Scouting Course help me get a job in baseball?

Yes. It will help you get a job in baseball. The keyword here is help. For the entire eight week course you will be in a class speaking with not only Dan Evans, Hank Jones, and Dr. Lashbrook, but other participants who are interested in furthering their career in baseball. Students have included San Francisco Giants Associate Scout Michael Hemenway, Troy Steffy of Pro Baseball Training, Mike Matheny, Kansas City Royals Manager, and several baseball coaches and pro players.

Networking with these types of people on a daily basis should help you. More importantly, you will be learning techniques and strategies that Major and Minor League Baseball teams are learning themselves and are looking for in employees. The course content includes cutting edge theories and the business of baseball management. The course will give you information that will make you an asset to any professional baseball organization. Will it directly get you the job? Not unless you talk Rob Neyer into going to the interview with you! But the knowledge you learn from the course and the contacts that you make might be the clincher to beating out your competition for the job!

What kind of network in sports does SMWW have?

SMWW now has over 15,000 alumni in over 162 countries. In addition, as you get to know your instructors you will realize that the Rolodex that they have accumulated over the years is a major part of what you are able to tap into. By participating in SMWW courses, doors will open for you that were once unimaginable. SMWW works hard to maintain high standards and hiring executives will notice SMWW on your resume and your new references. Our graduates are thrilled with the associations they can make via our courses.

Do I really get to talk to Hank Jones and Dan Evans weekly?

Throughout the eight week course, Hank Jones has a one hour live video chat each week on scouting. In addition, Dan Evans has a one hour live video chat each week on management & scouting. Dr. Lashbrook also leads a one-hour live video chat each week with students from all courses on job strategies. This is an hour-long question and answers video discussion with chat instructors and your fellow students. If you miss a chat they are archived and you can listen when it is convenient for you.

Can I be the next Theo Epstein? Billy Beane?

Maybe! The start of any great career begins with passion. If you are passionate about working in baseball and you make smart choices you can make your dream job happen. Job experience and who you know is important. Tenacity and determination is a must. If you want to enhance what you know and who you know this is a great place to start. If you need an internship at a professional or collegiate baseball team you need to look into our Sports Sales and Marketing course.

What's the difference between Sports Sales and Marketing Course and the Baseball GM and Scouting Course?

The Sports Sales and Marketing Course assists students in not only learning what they need to know to get an entry-level job in any professional sports organization but also requires that a course project be done with a major or minor league team. It teaches everything from ticket sales and sponsorship sales to creating contacts in the sports field. Students who take this course generally want a job as soon as possible in football, hockey, soccer, basketball, or baseball. The weekly chats focus on who's hiring and the instructors help the students learn skills that those teams are looking for in new hires and strategizing to get the interview. Instructors use their contacts in the sports world to assist students in getting sports jobs. Graduates of the Sports Sales and Marketing course usually get jobs as Account Executives.

The Baseball GM and Scouting Course is pure baseball. Pure baseball sabermetrics and scouting. Graduates of the Baseball GM and Scouting Course are interested in jobs in scouting, player personnel and operations. If you want a job in professional baseball, we recommend you take both!

How else can I break into the baseball world?

Just as Jeff Moorad, Arizona Diamondbacks GM did, you could become a Sports Agent and work your way up. Check out the Baseball Agent Course and consider representing Major League Baseball players. This is a good option for those of you who have families or can't afford to leave a current job.

Do I need any special equipment or books for the course?

The books for the course are sent directly to your home from the SMWW office. Some of the books or materials are so specific that they are either out of print or not sold in any bookstore. You will need a computer with access to the internet.

This all sounds too high tech for me, I don't know very much about computer technology.

Don't worry. We have many students who have felt the same way. SMWW has a technical support team that not only knows computers and can get your microphone working, (even if you didn't know you had one), and they love sports! As long as you have a computer and access to the internet, we can help you with the rest!

I want to work in sports, but due to financial reasons, I can't leave my full-time job.

That is the joy of online! You can continue your current career and still work towards creating a new career in the sports world. Many of our students have become agents or scouts, and keep their current careers. The courses are flexible and yet give you the "who you know" and the "what you know"!

How is the course taught online?

One of the favorite parts of the course for students is usually the live video chats. This is done from your computer via the internet. You can hear fellow students and instructors from all around the world and they can hear you, but you can't see each other. No parking problems, no hassle finding the classroom, and no transportation issues!

In addition to the live video chats, the course work is set up through an interactive classroom designed specifically for SMWW training courses. When you register for the class, our staff will set you up with a password to participate in this interactive classroom. The course work includes interactive discussion boards, weekly quizzes, and course projects which are all a great way to interact with other students and the instructors to get feedback. During the course, guest speakers are invited to join you for your on-line video chats and do informal interviews with students. Guest speakers will include some of the most respected, well-known individuals in the team sports industry.

How old do I have to be to take this course?

18 or older.

Do I need a college degree to take this course?

No.

Do you have more questions?

Call the office and ask! 1-877-SMWW-Now in the US or Canada. In London at +44(0) 871 288 4799 Everywhere else at +1-503-445-7105

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Success Stories

Marc Roche
Minor League Operations Assistant at Pittsburgh Pirates
Michael DeCicco
Baseball Performance Center Data Analyst
Alexandria Woody
- LA Angels Minor League Video Coordinator
James Badas
- Washington Nationals Assistant Director of Baseball Operations
Ron Knight
- Atlanta Braves Director of Minor League Operations
Brett Down
- Chicago Cubs Video and Technology Intern
Omar Aguilar
- Milwaukee Brewers Performance Science Intern
Kevin Ackerman
- Trenton Thunder Group Sales Account Representative
Dave Yount
Milwaukee Brewers Data Tracking Operator
Christopher Turrisi
- San Diego Padres Performance Analyst

Testimonials:

Chris O'Keefe

I have learned quite a bit via the Baseball Scouting and General Manager Course, it has taught me about how to scout baseball talent and how to grade them, the different materials used are very valuable, Rob did a very nice job in the chats and how our class applies to what we do. I have been a employee of the Boeing Company for over 28 years, I am currently working as a bird dawg or associate scout for the Minnesota Twins.

Chris O'Keefe

I have learned quite a bit via the Baseball Scouting and General Manager Course, it has taught me about how to scout baseball talent and how to grade them, the different materials used are very valuable, Rob did a very nice job in the chats and how our class applies to what we do. I have been a employee of the Boeing Company for over 28 years, I am currently working as a bird dawg or associate scout for the Minnesota Twins.
Jake Sanders: Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals

I'd just like to toss a big thank you out to Dr. Lashbrook for his vision in developing such a great company which has enabled so many of us to break into the sports industry. My advice to ANYONE who is on the fence about taking an SMWW course is this: take the plunge! You won't regret it. I am proof that it's not too good to be true. The sports professionals at SMWW gave me the specific knowledge and training to enter this field and to market myself.

Jake Sanders: Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Royals
I'd just like to toss a big thank you out to Dr. Lashbrook for his vision in developing such a great company which has enabled so many of us to break into the sports industry. My advice to ANYONE who is on the fence about taking an SMWW course is this: take the plunge! You won't regret it. I am proof that it's not too good to be true. The sports professionals at SMWW gave me the specific knowledge and training to enter this field and to market myself.
Jerome Differding

SMWW allowed me the connections and opportunities to interact with MLB personnel. I was able to set up and conduct a face to face interview with Minnesota Twins GM Terry Ryan. SMWW also gave me the skill to market myself to get my feet in the baseball door.

Jerome Differding

SMWW allowed me the connections and opportunities to interact with MLB personnel. I was able to set up and conduct a face to face interview with Minnesota Twins GM Terry Ryan. SMWW also gave me the skill to market myself to get my feet in the baseball door.
Joe Piraino

I have been looking for a course that teaches the in's and out's of the baseball world and although I had been reading an assortment of baseball books I still felt like I was missing something. I did a search on the internet for sports management schools and while their curriculum was good, they lacked the networking aspect with some of the top names in baseball. I came across Sports Management Worldwide and it was exactly what I was looking for. I got the chance to speak with Rob Neyer on a weekly basis whom has worked side by side with Bill James (Now and executive with the Boston Red Sox) and got first hand knowledge of the baseball world including business, scouting, general management, ect. I would recommend this course for anybody that has the desire to break surface knowledge of the baseball world. It's been a joy learning with Rob, and Dr. Lashbrook!

Joe Piraino

I have been looking for a course that teaches the in's and out's of the baseball world and although I had been reading an assortment of baseball books I still felt like I was missing something. I did a search on the internet for sports management schools and while their curriculum was good, they lacked the networking aspect with some of the top names in baseball. I came across Sports Management Worldwide and it was exactly what I was looking for. I got the chance to speak with Rob Neyer on a weekly basis whom has worked side by side with Bill James (Now and executive with the Boston Red Sox) and got first hand knowledge of the baseball world including business, scouting, general management, ect. I would recommend this course for anybody that has the desire to break surface knowledge of the baseball world. It's been a joy learning with Rob, and Dr. Lashbrook!
Luke Sugg

I would have to say, the experience I received from SMWW will benefit me later on with whatever sporting career I choose to pursue. Even if you are a baseball wizard and know everything, I bet this course will teach you stuff you have never learned before, they go inside baseball and teach you things that are important.

Luke Sugg

I would have to say, the experience I received from SMWW will benefit me later on with whatever sporting career I choose to pursue. Even if you are a baseball wizard and know everything, I bet this course will teach you stuff you have never learned before, they go inside baseball and teach you things that are important.
Philip Nestler

I am so happy I decided to take the Sports Business Management course. Being such a huge sports fan and not really knowing how to land a job in sports, SMWW paved the way for my dream of working in sports. The course was so much fun and I learned so much in the 8 weeks. I now work for the NEW YORK METS! I would recommend this class to any sports fan!

Philip Nestler

I am so happy I decided to take the Sports Business Management course. Being such a huge sports fan and not really knowing how to land a job in sports, SMWW paved the way for my dream of working in sports. The course was so much fun and I learned so much in the 8 weeks. I now work for the NEW YORK METS! I would recommend this class to any sports fan!
Philip Nicoletti

Associate Scout, Cleveland Indians

Taking SMWW's Baseball GM & Scouting course was one of the best decisions I have made. I learned so many valuable skills which will give me an edge in my career. I have since been named an Associate Scout with the Cleveland Indians. SMWW is definitely a course I recommend to anyone looking to break into the baseball world.

Philip Nicoletti

Associate Scout, Cleveland Indians
Taking SMWW's Baseball GM & Scouting course was one of the best decisions I have made. I learned so many valuable skills which will give me an edge in my career. I have since been named an Associate Scout with the Cleveland Indians. SMWW is definitely a course I recommend to anyone looking to break into the baseball world.
Randy Amimoto

I completed the Baseball Management and Scouting class back in December 2005. This was the best class I have ever taken. The best part about this class is that you get a better understanding of why general managers keep or trade certain players using sabermetrics. Also learning the baseball lingo the scouts use was helpful. Rob's insights and knowledge of baseball made this a fun and enjoyable class. I highly recommend taking this class if you are a baseball enthusiast.

Randy Amimoto

I completed the Baseball Management and Scouting class back in December 2005. This was the best class I have ever taken. The best part about this class is that you get a better understanding of why general managers keep or trade certain players using sabermetrics. Also learning the baseball lingo the scouts use was helpful. Rob's insights and knowledge of baseball made this a fun and enjoyable class. I highly recommend taking this class if you are a baseball enthusiast.
Nathan Erbach

The biggest thing I learned from the GM & Scouting class is how important building connections & relationships and putting yourself out there is to not only getting your foot in the door but lasting in this industry really is. For the most part, all of us have the tools to scout. We can sharpen those tools and learn different things, but without the relationships and understanding the makeup of players and colleagues it is a tough hill to climb to be successful. This course has provided me the ability to get my name out there and I have been able to connect with scouts and front office personnel throughout the baseball industry, and it has even led to opportunities in my area

Nathan Erbach

The biggest thing I learned from the GM & Scouting class is how important building connections & relationships and putting yourself out there is to not only getting your foot in the door but lasting in this industry really is. For the most part, all of us have the tools to scout. We can sharpen those tools and learn different things, but without the relationships and understanding the makeup of players and colleagues it is a tough hill to climb to be successful. This course has provided me the ability to get my name out there and I have been able to connect with scouts and front office personnel throughout the baseball industry, and it has even led to opportunities in my area
James Weissinger

James Weissinger

Before starting the Baseball GM and Scouting Course with Hank and Dan I had zero idea what I was getting myself into. I personally felt I wasn't going to be able to finish the course and thought I was way in over my head. I couldn't have been more wrong about what I thought. This course taught me so much and even opened my eyes to a whole new perspective about the game of baseball that I never understood or thought about in the past. Hank and Dan are brilliant baseball minds and I couldn't have asked for a better set of people to teach me about the front office and scouting side of baseball. I highly recommend this course to anyone that's looking to start a career in an MLB front office.

James Weissinger

James Weissinger
Before starting the Baseball GM and Scouting Course with Hank and Dan I had zero idea what I was getting myself into. I personally felt I wasn't going to be able to finish the course and thought I was way in over my head. I couldn't have been more wrong about what I thought. This course taught me so much and even opened my eyes to a whole new perspective about the game of baseball that I never understood or thought about in the past. Hank and Dan are brilliant baseball minds and I couldn't have asked for a better set of people to teach me about the front office and scouting side of baseball. I highly recommend this course to anyone that's looking to start a career in an MLB front office.
William Gross

SMWWW is the absolute initial step needed if you are interested in a career in baseball" "In just eight weeks I was able to confidently grasp the competencies needed to be an MLB amateur scout!" "I would highly recommend SMWW's Scouting and GM course. Learning the "tips and tricks" and the "inside view" of the trade from industry professionals was tremendous. Hank Jones and Dan Evans ROCK!

William Gross

SMWWW is the absolute initial step needed if you are interested in a career in baseball" "In just eight weeks I was able to confidently grasp the competencies needed to be an MLB amateur scout!" "I would highly recommend SMWW's Scouting and GM course. Learning the "tips and tricks" and the "inside view" of the trade from industry professionals was tremendous. Hank Jones and Dan Evans ROCK!