We have dozens of women covering pro and college sports for our team brands here at SB Nation. Meet one of those talented writers, Stacy Marlow, who writes for our Atlanta Braves blog, Talking Chop.
Why are you so passionate about baseball and the Braves?
I can thank my twin brothers for my love of baseball. We spent countless hours at the baseball field from the time they were 4 years old. I can’t remember a night in season that my family wasn’t gathered around the TV watching a Braves game. Still to this day I watch or listen to all 162 Major League games, attend spring training and affiliate games, and passionately track statistics, player status, and trade rumors. Being a true Georgia peach and growing up during the 90s, I can’t imagine loving another team like I do my Braves.
What has been your favorite experience covering the Braves for Talking Chop?
My primary role with Talking Chop is to incorporate collector topics with Braves baseball along with covering the occasional season ticket holder events. Typically I discuss baseball card pricing, autographs, and memorabilia. Although I have not been with TC for very long, my favorite experience so far was looking back at the array of Chipper Jones cards during the time of his Hall of Fame induction back in July. It was enjoyable to reminisce with other collectors about cards we may not have seen for a long time while also appreciating Chipper’s career.
What are some of the unique challenges you’ve faced?
My main challenge with TC is trying to write to an audience that may or may not have ever been introduced to collecting. Knowing that not everyone is interested in cards and memorabilia, I try to be sure my writing is interesting and understandable to most audiences.
How did you start writing for Talking Chop?
As with many other fan bases, Braves fans are a passionate and active group on Twitter. I developed a relationship with many of the Talking Chop writers on Twitter, and was approached about writing. At first I didn’t think writing was something for me, but very soon after I realized that this was a new way for me to interact with other fans and share my passion for the team. It has been a very enjoyable experience for me, and I am really glad I gave it a chance.
What women in the industry do you look up to?
Although I don’t know any other women in the SB Nation family, there are many women in the sports and media industry who I look up to. Kelsey Wingert is a field reporter and host for Fox Sports South and travels with the Braves. Her interviews and social media presence go beyond simply reporting information. She is passionate about the team and extremely knowledgeable about the sport of baseball.
Another woman in the industry who I have looked up to for years is Susan Lulgjuraj. She is the marketing communications manager for Topps (one of the biggest sports card companies in the industry). Sports cards and collecting tends to be a male driven hobby, and her presence has made it easier for women to gain respect among fellow collectors.
Finally, the number one woman I look up to in the industry of sports is my boss and mentor, Lisa Chang. Formerly the head of human resources for Arthur Blank (Falcons and Atlanta United owner), she is leading the way for women and minorities to be included on a larger spectrum in sports-related roles. Not only does she promote inclusion, she also instills the value of both dedication and professionalism in women searching for high-level sports management positions.