SECACUS, N.J. – Rory Whetstone, a journalism student who dreamed of covering baseball, landed her ideal summer internship at MLB network.
Aug. 28, 2025
student Interns at MLB Network
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Rory Whetstone, a student at the Missouri School of Journalism, spent her summer immersed in the world of major League Baseball at MLB Network.Her experience provided invaluable insights and solidified her career aspirations.
Did you know? Whetstone’s fascination with baseball broadcasting began at age 10, listening to Chicago Cubs games on the radio.
Inside the Newsroom
Whetstone worked on the news production and assignment desk at the Secaucus, New Jersey studios. This role put her at the center of the network’s daily operations.
Her responsibilities included monitoring team social media accounts. She helped producers find content, like a clip of the Washington Nationals’ “bat dog,” which aired on “MLB Central.”
“The assignment desk is like a heartbeat,” Whetstone said. “If news breaks, we’re the ones making sure the whole network knows and pivots instantly.”
Handling breaking News
The fast-paced surroundings demanded quick reactions. During one show, news broke that Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Corbin Burnes tore his UCL. Whetstone was instrumental in relaying updates to producers,causing the broadcast to adjust its coverage.
“Those early journalism classes taught me to think fast and trust my instincts,” she said. “In that moment, everything I’d learned at Mizzou kicked in.”
Learning from the Best
A significant moment for Whetstone was observing veteran journalist Jon Morosi on MLB trade deadline day. She was positioned near reporters covering all 30 teams’ trades.
“Even though it was a simple conversation, it was a huge moment for me,” she said. “Moments like that really reinforced why I love this field.”
Mentorship and Growth
Whetstone found particular inspiration in learning from veteran sportscasters Abby Labar and Lauren Shehadi.
“For them to take me under their wings and give real career advice was incredible,” she said. “Both of them treated me like a colleague,not just as an intern. That meant everything to me.”
The supportive atmosphere extended throughout the newsroom. Casual interactions over coffee often turned into career discussions. Colleagues also assisted her in filming clips for her professional portfolio.
“from day one, people treated me like I was an integral part of the team,” she said. “That support helped me walk away a stronger student, journalist and person.”
She also had opportunities to interact with personalities like Harold Reynolds, Mark DeRosa and Adnan Virk, valuing their game analyses and advice.
“They made me see the game through a whole new lens,” she said.
Future Aspirations
The internship solidified Whetstone’s goal of becoming a Major League Baseball team reporter. It provided valuable insights into the profession.
“There’s no perfect roadmap,” Whetstone said. “Take it one day at a time, work on your craft and don’t be afraid of mistakes – they’re where the best learning happens.”
She also developed technical skills, including booking satellite feeds and coordinating media availability, pushing her beyond her comfort zone.
“By the end, I wasn’t just more confident – I was transformed,” Whetstone said. “This experience showed me there are manny ways to get into sports media, and it confirmed that choosing the Missouri School of Journalism was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
