{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"What’s Up, Wake","title":"Batter Up! Michael Villafana Talks Salamanders Baseball","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/84764976\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1791,"description":"Melissa interviews Michael Villafana, general manager of the Holly Springs Salamanders, about his path from sport management and marketing at Seton Hall to baseball roles in St. Paul and Worcester before moving to North Carolina and joining the Salamanders at Ting Park.  Michael explains the team’s summer-league model using college players from across the US, the vital host-family program, and his day-to-day focus on sponsorships, ticketing, and marketing within a small staff. They discuss making history with the Coastal Plain League’s first female player, catcher Alexa George, and how the organization builds fan connections through autographs, promotions, and player interaction. Michael shares career advice, the team’s refreshed brand identity, and what to expect at games — free parking, shaded seating, wide concourse, playground, and concessions — with tickets and schedules at salamandersbaseball.com.\n00:00 Welcome to the Ballpark\n01:33 Michael’s Baseball Journey\n02:55 How Summer League Works\n03:49 Recruiting Talent Nationwide\n04:30 Host Family Program\n06:51 GM Duties Behind the Scenes\n09:34 Making League History\n11:32 Building Fan Connections\n13:26 Funniest On-Field Moment\n15:06 What Makes a Great Player\n15:27 Players Meet Fans\n15:54 Entertainment Like Bananas\n16:42 Career Advice Sports Jobs\n18:44 Creating Memorable Moments\n19:25 Team Vision and Rebrand\n20:35 Ballpark Lightning Round\n22:46 Tickets and Social Links\n23:34 Bonus Fan Experience Tips\n24:33 Family Friendly Ballpark Perks\n26:52 Wrap Up for All Ages","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/3FPpkJ7JIRSxqmup6bUJfqr8_rMrqpK7grf9C8PwVsk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iNmM5/OWRmY2Y4NDg0ZDEy/YjlmZjdkZDdhNDI2/OTJiZC5qcGVn.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}