At the beginning of November, students in english teacher Steven Stepnoski’s AP Composition class wrote ‘how-to’ essays. The students interviewed “expert” sources on their topic and build their credibility. Crier selected Jorsch and Mainellis’ essay.

“No matter your career choice, you will always be selling something,” comments Jeff Bogacki, Director of Group Sales for the Chicago White Sox. Selling tickets for a popularized sporting event may seem like an easy fleet, but in reality it can be challenging, especially when you are selling tickets for the worst team in Major League Baseball. In sports there are good seasons and bad seasons, but what about one of the worst seasons in history? This does not solely affect the team, but in Major League Baseball it affects every worker, especially ticket salesmen. The White Sox did not have the best record for this past season, but persuading sports lovers became a routine for Jeff Bogacki. The ability to advance past adversity and hardships is a crucial skill that is essential when it comes to selling tickets for a lousy team.
Why would you want to go watch a team with a 41-121 record, when the Cubs are in the same city? It takes a skilled salesman with a great pitch in order to sell what seems like a losing ticket. “Listen to understand, not to respond,” says Bogacki. In order to sell the ticket, you should not jump to conclusions and assume to know what the receiving end wants; especially in sales. Listen to what each person or company wants to accomplish. It will allow you to tailor your response directly to show the value of your product to the consumer. Although the White Sox hit a historic all time low this season, Bogacki adds, “Additionally, you have to be authentic and genuine. A great salesperson has the ability to connect with people and have them believe what they are selling.”
In addition to soaking in all the information about your consumers, hard work is another key factor in ticket sales. Bogacki says that hard work is an obvious answer, but it is still important in any role or job. “You must be willing to work extremely hard. Sales are a numbers game and the more touchpoints, calls, emails, meetings you have, the greater your opportunity to close deals.” Nowadays, most people don’t understand the value of hard work. Put yourself at a high standard. Strive to perform at your greatest potential. “Hard work doesn’t have an offseason,” former White Sox first baseman José Abreu advises. Don’t drop the ball, stay persistent with your consumers.
All seriousness aside, ticket sales still require some fun. Taking into account the memorable 2024 record, you have to learn to convince consumers that a losing game can be a winning experience for the audience. “When the team is under performing, we come up with a few more different creative ideas” Bogacki explains. Think outside of the box. Innovative ideas will aid in increasing attendance rates. Invent ways to draw people in and convince them that their experience will be superior, even in competition to the Cubs game down the street.
One, two, three strikes you’re out. You are only allowed limited chances to sell yourself in life. Whether it be a baseball ticket or yourself in a job interview, there will always be challenges to overcome and adversity to face, but, “it’s all about adaptability.” In Jeff Bogacki’s case, the recent MLB season presented new obstacles that he learned to conquer. Following your negative experiences, create your own positive opportunities. Not every pitch is straight down the middle, but with hard work and adaptation, you might end up hitting a home run.