“Chaos, excitement, and pure joy”—is how Adisson “Adi” Heath ’27 described the moment dozens of Major League Baseball (MLB) team mascots stormed the Deer Park Diamond field in mid-July at this year’s All-Star Week in Atlanta, Ga. For the Marietta College softball player, summer break was a major league opportunity.
At Marietta College, Pioneers learn inside and outside of the classroom, applying their knowledge through hands-on opportunities and real-world experiences that prepare them for success beyond campus.
This summer, Adi, a marketing and sports management major, did just that. Selected by MLB to work for MLB All-Star Week at the Capital One All-Star Village, she spent nine days immersed in one of baseball’s biggest annual events.
Before the festivities officially kicked off, she completed five days of training in preparation for her role at All-Star Village. This training focused on teamwork and communication, operating two-way radios, and reviewing protocols for various scenarios. Connection-building was emphasized throughout, as Adi and her peers collaborated closely with fellow attraction and zone managers for guidance and support. The fast-paced environment provided her with valuable, hands-on experience from day one.
In addition, Adi participated in a virtual meeting with key personnel from MLB’s New York office, as well as meetings with security, event coordinators, atrium staff, app developers, and other essential team members. Alongside her peers, she received instruction on how to interact with the MLB Legends (former professional players) and mascots during the event.
“One highlight of working at the MLB All-Star Village was seeing how quickly attraction managers, zone managers, and MLB staff came together as a team,” Heath said. “Even though most of us had just met, we problem-solved, adapted, and supported each other like family. It made the entire week not only successful but unforgettable.”
The quote from the movie Drumline, "One Band, One Sound,” was shared by MLB Global Events Manager Robert Field and became the motto for the attraction and zone managers during All-Star Week. It symbolized how the group quickly became like family. Within five days, they built a sense of unity and teamwork that was essential to the event’s success.
Throughout the event, Adi took on several key responsibilities that showcased her skills in leadership, adaptability, and service. She collaborated closely with experience team members, helped clinics and events run smoothly, and managed one of the highest-traffic attractions, Deer Park Diamond, ensuring safe and seamless access for both Legends and mascots. Additionally, she coordinated daily schedules and maintained clear communication with on-field staff.
“For my first year working at the MLB All-Star Village, I was entrusted with managing a major attraction that drew significant attention from both high-level executives and large crowds of fans," she said. "At one point, I was even responsible for ensuring the comfort and satisfaction of the commissioner’s family."
"I truly believe that without my education and experience, I would not have been given such a valuable opportunity,” Heath noted.
Bringing the experience full circle, attraction managers were granted the opportunity to attend the Mascot Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game, giving Adi a front-row seat for the payoff of her hard work.
“When all the mascots showed up at Deer Park Diamond, specifically during the Mascot Home Run Derby, the chaos, excitement, and pure joy they brought –not just to kids but to adults and staff as well–was unforgettable. It was one of those moments where you could truly feel the magic of the event,” Heath recalled.
On Marietta College’s campus, Adi is an active member of the Sports Business Association (SBA) and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), two organizations that continue to shape her professional development and leadership in sports.
Adi credits Marietta College for preparing her for this rare and rewarding opportunity through a strong academic foundation. She believes that without the Sport Management program, she wouldn’t have secured the chance to work for MLB; without the event management classes, she wouldn’t have had the confidence or knowledge to engage meaningfully with executives; and without Business and Economics Department, she wouldn’t have been ready to build connections and collaborate from day one. Additionally, Adi credits the unwavering support of one specific professor, Rick Smith, noting that she wouldn’t be as confident or career-ready as she is today without his support.
Smith said he is "incredibly proud of Adi," adding that "not many students get the opportunity Adi had."
Adi’s experience at MLB All-Star Week was both professionally and personally transformative, providing opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine professional skills she will carry into her future career in the sports industry.
“Thanks to what I learned, I was able to connect with current college students from across the U.S., meet employees from various MLB departments, representatives from USA Baseball and Softball, Olympians, and sponsors like Deer Park, Chevy, and Adobe. These experiences helped me build valuable relationships throughout the event,” Heath said.
“After working at MLB All-Star Village as an All-Star attraction manager, I walked away with connections from across the country, new friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime,” she added. “Most importantly, I gained the confidence that I can thrive in a fast-paced, high-level environment,” Heath added.
At Marietta College, Pioneers like Adi are empowered to apply their lessons from the classroom to real-world opportunities beyond campus, whether through internships, service projects, research, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like MLB All-Star Week. Because Pioneers are made for more than a degree—they’re made for moments like this.