Staff Spotlight, Featuring Matt Millward, General Manager

Why did you decide to work in baseball?

My dad brought the joys of baseball into my life at a very young age. He would take me to Phillies games, we would listen to the radio broadcast whenever in the car, and breakfast gatherings with his fantasy baseball buddies were a weekly occurrence.

What is your favorite baseball memory?

I was lucky enough to see my beloved Philadelphia Phillies win the 2008 World Series at Citizens Bank Park. What made it even more special is that my dad got to experience the other Phillies championship in 1980. For those that remember the uniqueness of the clinching game, I endured the first five innings in a cold rain and came back two days later to watch them raise the trophy.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I take pride in my handwriting. Those that know me well are aware that my penmanship is pretty precise, but others in the community would never know this. Although I casually shrug it off, it always brings a smile to my face when someone new is surprised by my neat handwriting. I can thank my mom and elementary school teachers for the few extra hours of practice when I was a kid.

What’s the best way to start the day?

Blasting my favorite songs throughout the office – without any judgement from my teammates regarding my musical selections.

What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?

One of the best parts of my day, on a consistent basis, is coming home and being greeted by my three dogs, Archie, Ella, and Milton. Whether I’m having a bad day or getting home from the office at 11PM, they are always excited to see me walk in the door. The love goes both ways as I often spoil them with treats and belly rubs.

What is something special about the place where you grew up?

I grew up in the little town of Bethlehem, PA. We’re home to the famous steel mill, Lehigh University and Just Born candy - the company that makes those famous marshmallow Easter Peeps. As a local, I would argue that Peeps are much better when you open up the package for a few days and let harden up a bit…

What motivates you each day?

Undoubtedly my girlfriend is the true inspiration that keeps me going every day. I would not be where I am today without her support, understanding, and common aspirations to live life to the fullest. Having the support of your significant other is essential in our industry and it is rewarding to know that we are there for each other every step of the way. One day we plan to come up with that “million-dollar idea” and start our own business, but for the time being it is comforting to know that we both want to transform the landscape of Minor League Baseball.

Where is the most relaxing place you’ve ever been to?

Without a doubt, Australia is the most relaxing place I have ever been. The culture in ‘the Land Down Under’ is very casual and humanistic. The number of beaches on the coast are endless and it’s easy to find a spot to kick back and relax.

What would be your ideal way to spend the weekend?

Traveling to a new city in the United States is always my favorite way to spend a weekend. Some larger cities require more than three days to explore, but for the most part a weekend is the perfect amount of time to find the highlights. My ideal weekend ventures include catching a Phillies, Eagles, or Penn State football game in a visiting stadium. I’ve been fortunate to see my teams play in many cities and the mystery of how the game will unfold brings more excitement than ever.

Who inspires you to be better?

I’ve been lucky enough to learn from great mentors since the day my career started. Without the guidance of Scotty Brown, Dan Rajkowski, and Kurt Landes, I would not be where I am today. Each of these individuals pushed me to work harder and showed me first-hand the leadership qualities I would need to succeed. “Leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders.”

What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?

“Best Boss in the World!” In all seriousness, the best compliments come from the employees that I lead and others that I have managed over the years. It is extremely important to me that I guide in a way where learning is consistent and life satisfaction is at the highest. When you truly love what you do, the rest will fall into place. The biggest compliment I can receive is when an employee pursues an opportunity that is a stepping stone and aligns with their career aspirations.

What is your favorite family tradition?

I absolutely love Thanksgiving more than any other holiday. Who could ask for a better day than spending time with family, eating favorite foods, and watching hours of football?

What would be your walk-up song?

“I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys

What’s something—big or small—that you’re really bad at?

Speeling has always been my kryptonite. I was always the first eliminated in our school spelling bees and still have certain words that I can’t seem to figure out. I’ll blame this on the red squiggly lines and auto-correct features that were introduced to computers when I was young.

What song do you have completely memorized from start to finish?

Billy Joel – Piano Man

What’s the last book you read?

“Radical Candor” by Kim Scott

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I can vividly remember wanting to be a sports agent at an early age. I would credit these aspirations to the movie Jerry Maguire and my overall love for sports. Although I haven’t given up the dream, a law degree and really thick skin still stand in my way!

What three words would your friends and family use to describe you?

Compassionate – Driven -- Focused

What’s your most used emoji?

Those that know me well would laugh because my texting skills could use much improvement. Since the days I started playing “Snake” on my Nokia phone, the traditional :) still remains my go-to emoji.

What was your first job?

My first job was a paperboy for my local newspaper. It taught me the importance of responsibility and accountability at a young age. Packing the Sunday paper on the front porch with my family was a weekly activity and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

What is your favorite quote?

“Everything happens for a reason.”

Describe the best experience you have ever had at a sporting event.

Attending the Rose Bowl is second to none. During my time at Penn State, I was lucky enough to play in the marching band and get the full New Year’s Day experience. The day started with a 5.5 mile parade in front of 750,000 spectators and finished with a first-hand experience of “The Granddaddy of Them All.”

If you weren't working in baseball what would be your other career path?

Although I’m still banking on a million dollar entrepreneurial idea, I would say my other career path would be either be a crime scene investigator or defense lawyer. I love putting the pieces together and solving a problem for the common good of the community.

What would your perfect room look like?

My perfect room is confined within an outdoor screened-in porch. I love sitting outside in the spring and the fall, and I enjoy the sounds of a good thunder storm (especially when the baseball team is on the road). My perfect room is complete with a comfortable couch, large TV, and every single sports channel in the universe.

What’s your favorite breakfast cereal?

Special K Red Berries – Just enough milk to keep it crunchy at the beginning but slightly soft at the final bite.