Tim Kurkjian Sports Journalism Fellowships

Hall of Fame baseball journalist ESPN’s Tim Kurkjian has long been a friend of the Bethesda Big Train. Our Kurkjian Sports Journalism Fellowships cover several aspects of sports journalism and sports business, including broadcasting, sports writing and social media, graphic design, photography, videography, and marketing. See below for more details about each particular position within the Kurkjian fellowship program. Additional positions will be posted in the coming weeks.

The Bethesda Big Train (www.bigtrain.org) is a team of top college baseball players competing each June and July in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League (www.calripkenleague.org). The Big Train won its eleventh Ripken League championship in 2024.

These positions come with the understanding that we have a small staff. While your primary duties are listed here, all staff are expected to do whatever it takes to provide an outstanding experience for all of our fans. So you may be writing a game recap, and then also setting up a bounce house.

Big Train internships are unpaid. Expenses will be provided to help Kurkjian Fellows defray costs.

Team Broadcaster

The Bethesda Big Train is seeking college or graduate students with play-by-play or color commentary experience to serve as on-air broadcasters for the 2025 summer season. Individuals should have experience calling a baseball game, possess a strong knowledge of the game, and be able to demonstrate the ability to precisely articulate game action to fans on broadcasts. Ideal candidates will be comfortable hosting and conducting on-camera interviews for pre-game and post-game video content.

Interning with Big Train offers educational and networking opportunities, and course credit is available for college students. Expenses will be provided to help Kurkjian Fellows defray costs.

Qualifications:

Demonstrable college baseball or softball broadcasting experience
Availability for all Big Train home and away games in June and July of 2025
Strong knowledge of college baseball rules and terminology
Background in communications or journalism preferred

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assist with the pregame setup and check of broadcast equipment
Conduct pre-game interviews with coaches and players as needed
Provide play-by-play and color commentary for all Big Train home and away games
Conduct research on rosters and players (both Big Train and opponents) prior to each game
Develop and produce social media content including, but not limited to, TikTok and Instagram videos, highlight packages, human interest stories, and other related content
Attend and assist in the execution of team events and promotions in the community
Assist full-time Big Train staff with set-up and post-game procedures 
Other duties as assigned

To apply, send your resume, cover letter, and broadcast reel to TeamWork Online or Email [email protected] with the subject “Big Train Kurkjian Sports Journalism Fellowship: Broadcasting.”

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.