Staff Highlight: Matt Marencik, Ticket Sales Account Executive

From being a member of youth sports leagues in Lafayette, Ind., to being a preferred walk-on quarterback at Indiana University, Matt Marencik’s life playing between the lines led to his career in sports outside the lines.

After graduating with a sport communication and broadcast degree from IU in 2017, Marencik landed on his feet as an account executive with the South Bend Cubs, a different role that held the same team mentality from his upbringing. That’s where he found his stride, using his background in communications and his friendly demeanor to make connections with clients and to begin building a career in sales.

When a ticket sales account executive position with the Indians opened in fall 2019, the opportunity was one Marencik had been seeking. Since, he has helped a growing sales team and a loyal fanbase navigate a pandemic and execute a baseball season unlike any other.

What made you want to join the Indians in 2019?

The Indians meant being able to return closer to home, which was huge. I knew Indianapolis, the size and the market was just a huge opportunity to advance in my sports career.

Favorite memory with the Indians?

My favorite memory would be when I finally got to experience the season after working at Victory Field for just over a year. I went through a full offseason and then the pandemic happened, so it was nice to finally have that work pay off and be able to work games and see the clients I had talked to over the phone.

What was Opening Day 2021 like for you after working through the pandemic in 2020?

I know it was exciting. I think for me, it was just relieving to know that we were going to have a season after it kept getting pushed back in 2020. I had a positive outlook while working from home, I was just happy it resulted in a season.

What drew you to sales?

Honestly, I kind of fell into it. I identified with being part of a sports team all my life, so I knew this is what I wanted to do. My personality and skills I had learned, it just made sense to go that route.

Did you have a different dream job before landing in sales?

I just wanted to work for a sports team. I was always optimistic that I would end up doing something that I liked, that’s kind of how I carried myself. I knew I just needed an opportunity and to get my foot in the door.

Is baseball your favorite sport or do you have a different one?

Working in baseball has really changed my perspective. Ironically, I had no experience before having never played it, and I really didn’t watch it – I was just your average Chicago Cubs fan. But working in it has really made me appreciate it more and the experience that comes with it. I like football better, but the down time in baseball games really does make for a better experience for someone to have a date night here or a company to come out on their outing. It is just overall a good time.

Did being a college athlete push you into a career in sports?

Definitely. It set me up. My experience with football at IU was that I learned a lot about discipline. I really have appreciation for all student athletes because it’s a very difficult thing to manage your social life, academic life and athletic life. You really have to make use of all the time in the day, so that’s really what I’m most appreciative from the whole experience.

What is your favorite place to go outside of the ballpark?

I love to hang out with my girlfriend, Haley, and dog, Owen. I’m a homebody, working from home during the pandemic was not a bad gig. Anywhere I can be around good people is the place for me.

Favorite part of living in Indianapolis?

The proximity to home is a big one. There are a lot of things to do in this city. I live near Eagle Creek so there’s also a lot of cool scenic areas to see