Get in the game
By Rachel Zupek Farrell
Depending on what part of the country you live in, you may not know this, but -- it's March. Which means that April -- and baseball season -- is around the corner. And that means a certain group of people have to get back to work.
From your buddies who walk the aisles with stadium fare to the folks making magic happen on the field, here are 10 jobs that make opening day possible.
1. Agent*
What they do: Agents represent various athletes and negotiate such deals as pay, endorsements and employment.
Pay: Varies depending on the agent's players' salaries
2. Bartender
What they do: You know what they do. In fact, you probably know what they do, where they live and their favorite color after a few trips to the bar.
Pay: About $9 an hour, plus tips
3. Coach
What they do: Teach players the skills they need to be better at baseball. There are several coaches on the team, including pitching and hitting coaches, as well as base and bullpen coaches.
Pay: $150,000 - $700,000 per season, according to a 2011 article in The Wall Street Journal
4. Concession stand worker
What they do: Whether it's walking up and down the aisles with hot dogs or serving up Dippin' Dots behind the counter, concession stand workers provide customer service, food preparation and more.
Pay: About $8.84 an hour
5. General manager
What they do: Most major league head coaches also serve as the general manager, overseeing the baseball team in its entirety.
Pay: Approximately $1 million per year, which varies based on tenure, experience, location and success
6. Grounds maintenance worker
What they do: They're the ones making sure the field and its surroundings look pristine -- the grass is cut short enough, the ivy has been watered and dirt has been smoothed. Well, before it gets ripped up again.
Pay: $23,970
7. Scout
What they do: Most of the players wouldn't be there without the help of a scout. They're the ones finding the best baseball players in the world to recruit for the big leagues.
Pay: $28,360
8. Broadcaster and/or announcer
What they do: Provide commentary and play-by-plays of the game via television or radio.
Pay: $26,230
9. Umpire
What they do: Umpires are those folks behind home plate calling pitches and plays, making sure everyone follows the rules.
Pay: $23,290
10. Camera operator
What they do: For those who couldn't get tickets to the game (or who have seats in the nosebleeds), camera operators shoot the game and broadcast it on local TV stations and on TVs within the stadium.
Pay: $40,300