|
Shannon’s Been Hit at Media Relations with the Mets
BY BERNIE BEGLANE
The year was 1992 when Shannon Dalton, like all high school seniors, was deciding on which college to attend.
Arizona State and Duke were high on her priority list. Living in New Jersey at the time, Shannon’s parents thought that both were too far from their hometown of Little Ferry.
By mutual agreement the choice was St. John’s University. Turned out to be a good one.
As a result of completing her studies in Athletic Administration, the now Shannon Forde is director of media relations for the New York Mets.
“I started out as an education major,” explained Forde, who married John Forde last Dec. 29.
 |
Shannon Forde |
“In my first semester I was flipping through the course offerings book for the entire university and noted that Sports Publicity and Public Relations was listed.
“That was something in which I was very interested since I was a big sports fan, so I wound up changing majors.”
Having enrolled in Athletic Administration called for Shannon to take a full semester (18 credits) internship and she selected the Mets and worked under Jay Horwitz, vice president of media relations.
“It was the year (1994) of the baseball strike,” continued the graduate of the Vincentian Fathers’ school in Jamaica.
“I stayed with the Mets until August, two months after my graduation. The following February I received a telephone call from Jay offering me a position at minimum wage.
“Stella Fiore (another Athletic Administration graduate) was on staff during my internship so it was like a reunion.”
Elaborating, Shannon added, “The hours were long and the starting salary was minimum, but I have been here at Shea Stadium ever since.
“There are some weeks when I put in as much as 90 hours. It’s awesome to work under Jay.
“When he gets back to Shea from a road trip to the West Coast – such as last week’s – he will sleep in his office and be ready to go the next morning.”
Anything stand out through the years?
“One of the highlights has to be making the playoffs (1999, 2000 and 2006),” responded Forde.
“Another is baseball itself, but more than that is the people you meet. Media people…people from the different clubs.
“People from different sports…celebrities from all walks of life.”
The Mets playing the first professional game after 9-11 was mentioned, too.
“It was Sept. 21, 2001, against the Atlanta Braves,” continued Shannon. “Mike Piazza hit a three-run homer for us to win, 3-2.
“The new stadium currently under construction outside of left field is exciting, too.
“Plans were unveiled before 9-11, but obviously, had to be postponed. Now it’s half way built. I can’t wait.”
Obviously Shannon has no regrets about changing majors while at St. John’s.
“None at all,” she shot back. “Not even with those 90-hour weeks.”
Going to Bat for Education
The diocesan Futures in Education Foundation had its own team consisting of friends, colleagues, students, parents and teachers to KeySpan Park in Coney Island for the Brooklyn Cyclones’ 5-1 win over the Williamsport Crosscutters on July 17. The Brooklyn Cyclones “stepped up to the plate” and donated a portion of ticket sales from the game to help build scholarships for needy students attending Catholic schools in Brooklyn and Queens. Futures also held a highly spirited and very successful raffle with the grand prize of throwing out the first pitch at a Cyclones game.
Above, Cyclones mascot Pee Wee joins the fun with the staff of the diocese’s Stewardship and Development Office.
Above, Theresa Andersen, principal of St. Rose of Lima School, Rockaway Beach, is joined by students from the Queens school as they go to bat for education.
|
