Baseball Executive Wesley Branch Rickey Who Led The St. Loui

Baseball Executive Wesley Branch Rickey Who Led The St Louis Cardina

Baseball executive Wesley Branch Rickey, who led the St. Louis Cardinals to two World Series victories, is perhaps best known for his courageous leadership in breaking the color barrier by signing Negro League rookie Jackie Robinson to the minor and major leagues in the mid-1940s. Rickey was also credited with being one of the first to encourage his teams to use helmets, batting cages, and pitching machines to improve their safety and playing skills (National Baseball Hall of Fame, 2014). In order to be the problem solver that he was, Rickey needed to be able to look through several different lenses. He had to be able to grasp subtleties in the political and social mores of the time and at the same time be visionary enough to take risks.

He also proved himself to be well versed in the technical aspects of the game of baseball. Jackie Robinson went on to be an executive in the Chock Full O’Nuts coffee company. To do this job, he needed to demonstrate his problem-solving and decision-making abilities using what he had learned on the field. Problem solving and decision making are important skills for all leaders, including those in sport organizations. The types of problems sport leaders encounter are unique to the industry (e.g., trying to increase low attendance at a football game, firing a coach, drafting players).

Decisions by owners and governing bodies such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the National Football League (NFL) have wide visibility and have come under close scrutiny by fans and the general public. It is important for the decision makers in sport to make sound decisions and attack problems with a well-honed skill set. Fortunately, problem-solving and decision-making models and frameworks have been developed that serve as a helpful foundation in developing these skillsets. (National Baseball Hall of Fame, n.d.)

For this discussion, I will explore a common sports-related challenge: low attendance at college football games. This issue impacts the revenue, visibility, and overall vitality of athletic programs. The challenge falls under the category of organizational problems, which involve internal processes, and can vary in intensity from moderate to high, depending on the level of decline and stakeholder pressure (Scott, 2014).

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Addressing low attendance at college football games requires a comprehensive problem-solving approach that considers multiple variables influencing spectator behavior. Among various problem-solving models, I have selected the SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) combined with the Rational Decision-Making Model to formulate a strategic plan for mitigation. The rationale for this choice lies in SWOT's ability to holistically evaluate internal and external factors, and the Rational Model's emphasis on logical, evidence-based decisions, which are essential in a high-stakes sports environment with public scrutiny.

Firstly, conducting a SWOT analysis enables athletic administrators to identify internal strengths such as a dedicated fan base, competitive team performance, and tradition, while acknowledging weaknesses like poor stadium facilities or ineffective marketing. External opportunities could include leveraging social media for promotion, community engagement programs, or scheduling attractive opponents, whereas threats encompass competing entertainment options, weather conditions, or safety concerns. This comprehensive assessment guides the development of targeted strategies that maximize strengths and opportunities while addressing weaknesses and threats.

Building upon the SWOT framework, the Rational Decision-Making Model provides a structured process for decision makers. This model involves defining the problem clearly, generating alternative solutions, evaluating these options systematically, and implementing the most feasible plan. For example, to increase attendance, the decision may involve implementing flexible ticket pricing, enhancing game-day experiences, or increasing community outreach efforts. Each alternative is evaluated based on criteria such as cost, potential impact, feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance, ensuring that the chosen intervention is logical and aligned with organizational goals.

Specifically, I recommend a systematic strategy that incorporates targeted marketing campaigns, improved fan engagement activities, and infrastructural improvements. Utilizing the SWOT analysis, the athletic department can identify high-impact opportunities such as community events on game days or promotions tied to local businesses. The Rational Decision-Making Model guides the process of selecting the most effective initiatives, such as launching a loyalty program or improving concession services, which can be objectively assessed through data on past attendance patterns and survey feedback.

This integrated approach offers several advantages. First, it ensures that all relevant factors are considered through SWOT, reducing blind spots. Second, by applying the Rational Model, administrators make informed, justifiable decisions that can withstand public scrutiny and adapt to changing circumstances. Third, this strategy fosters stakeholder buy-in, as decisions are transparent and data-driven, increasing the likelihood of success in boosting game-day attendance.

In conclusion, addressing the sports-related challenge of low attendance demands a systematic, evidence-based approach. The combination of SWOT analysis and the Rational Decision-Making Model provides a robust framework for developing targeted interventions that are logical, feasible, and aligned with organizational objectives. Using this approach, athletic programs can enhance their visibility, financial stability, and community support, ultimately translating to improved attendance at college football games.

References

• National Baseball Hall of Fame. (2014). Branch Rickey. Retrieved from https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/rickey-branch
• National Baseball Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Branch Rickey July 18, 2015. Retrieved from https://baseballhall.org/inductees/branch-rickey
• Scott, D. (2014). Sports Management: Principles and Applications. Pearson.
• Smith, J. K. (2019). Effective Strategies to Enhance Sports Attendance. Journal of Sports Management, 33(4), 305-319.
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• Williams, D. L., & Carter, P. (2016). Competitive Scheduling and Fan Engagement. Journal of Leisure Management, 30(2), 150-165.