From a family of four that can barely afford ballooning ticket prices to workers watching their 401(k)s turn into a 201(k)s overnight people in this nation are being gripped by the grim reality that is beginning to take shape.
When the financial markets go so do smiles. So does happiness. Things are so bad The Happiest Place on Earth has cut its losses and relocated 30 miles to the northwest. It hasn’t gone away but thanks to 2008 Pepperdine alumnus Dustin Picciolo the Happiest Place on Earth does have a new address: Dodger Stadium.
In a baseball era plagued by steroid-infused shortstops littering the game with controversy a pleasant fan experience is a more highly prized commodity than ever before. What better place to find that experience than perched atop Chavez Ravine.
Although Dodger outfielder Manny Ramirez gets a rise out of the crowd as he holds court as mayor of Mannywood the man who is really making an impact with fans is Picciolo the real deputy of Dodgertown.
Picciolo is a 23-year old Pepperdine graduate working as a Dodgers Ambassador. In his second season with the club he helps facilitate everything from game-day promotions to organizing special events including escorting celebrities and first-pitch honorees to and from the field.
“We try to enhance the fans’ experience from the time they decide they want to come to the game until they get home from the game Picciolo said.
If the fans have a problem or a special request, Picciolo comes running, always eager to help. He’s involved in making the ticketing process more fan-friendly and even delivers goodie bags in-game for birthdays.
When he’s not interacting with fans and putting smiles on people’s faces, Picciolo is mingling on a daily basis with the front office executives and players, another exciting perk to the job.
We deal with executives day in and day out Picciolo said. As for the players we see them all the time on the field and they are exceptionally nice and friendly to all the fans.”
In a position like Picciolo’s it would be tough for any sports fanatic not to be star struck. For Picciolo however this isn’t much of an issue. Dustin’s father was a coach for 15 years within the San Diego Padres organization and currently works for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
Picciolo has countless stories of traveling the country with his father watching the Padres.
“You [really] get to know the players… [And] it’s exciting to hear their stories and opinions Picciolo said.
Even during his short time in Los Angeles, Picciolo has experienced some very memorable moments. One in particular he will never forget.
Opening Day 2008 I was fortunate enough to work closely with former players Duke Snider Wally Moon Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela Picciolo said. I stayed at the hotel with these players and brought them from place to place. It was an amazing experience working with the players and getting to know them on a personal level.”
Although Picciolo doesn’t consider his current occupation his dream job he is enjoying every minute of it.
“I love working for a baseball organization but would love to be an executive [someday]” Picciolo said.
In his time as a Dodgers Ambassador Picciolo has generously embraced the fan community always committed to making a difference. It only seems fitting he is a Wave.
“The best part about working for the Dodgers is making fans’ dreams come true Picciolo said. Seeing their faces when they step on the field meet a player and get to take a picture with him or get an autograph that is very rewarding.”
It doesn’t come as much of a surprise Picciolo decided to begin a career in the sports industry. While at Pepperdine Picciolo worked in the promotions and marketing department representing all 14 Division I athletic teams.
“Learning how sporting events are run from the press and front office side interacting with fans running promotions and how to deal with curve balls and set-backs during events helped prepare me in a great way Picciolo said. I knew I wanted to work in sports all my life.”
His co-workers and employers during college acknowledged Picciolo’s passion for sports and took note of his drive and determination.
“Dustin was one of those guys that always went above and beyond said Kevin Borzenski, Promotions & Marketing coordinator for Pepperdine Athletics. Maybe it’s his experiences at Padres games as a kid that made him appreciate what people do behind the scenes to make sporting events run smoothly and enjoyable for fans but he definitely takes a sense of professionalism to what he does.”
What sets him apart is his ability to embrace the big picture.
“Dustin didn’t treat his job at Pepperdine like he was getting paid $8.00 an hour Borzenski said. He treated it like it was preparing him for his jobs in the future.”
Picciolo seems to have found a home in the sports industry while living out his two greatest passions: baseball and serving others. While it appears the industry is relatively recession-proof that doesn’t have to refer to finances alone. Treating people right should be as well. More and more people like Picciolo who strive to make excellent fan experience a top priority will help rid baseball of its tarnished reputation and bring smiles back to the many fans who frequent ballparks around the nation.
As long as Picciolo remains an ambassador to Dodgertown it really will continue to be the happiest place on earth.