Game Day Dreams: Islander Sport Management Student Builds Career in Baseball

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Connor Mason ’27 is in his fifth season working at Dell Diamond, home of the Round Rock Express, Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. What started as a part-time job handing out programs at the gate has grown into something far more meaningful — a launchpad for a career in professional sports. 

Mason, a fully online sport management major at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, is completing his practicum with the Express this season. For him, working at the ballpark doesn’t feel like work.

“It’s like I’m at my second home,” Mason said. 

Round Rock, located roughly 20 miles north of Austin, is where Mason grew up attending Express games and where he still lives today. At the ballpark is where he developed what his mother calls “an encyclopedic knowledge of sports,” referring to him as her “personal ESPN.” Now Mason puts that passion to use behind the scenes, working in the Fun Zone, scanning tickets, and even delivering box scores on the team’s radio broadcast alongside play-by-play announcer.

Mason has cerebral palsy and uses a power wheelchair, but those who work alongside him said his disability has never defined his contributions to the organization. Jackson Ryan, the Express’ Coordinator of Baseball Operations and Community Outreach, who also has cerebral palsy, has known Mason for years through summer camps programming. Their shared experience has deepened their professional relationship into something closer to family. 

“The excuses could be there, but Connor controls his attitude, his effort, his concentration very well,” Ryan said. “He just wants to be seen as a normal human being, and he is.” 

Mason’s path to the Island University included earning an associate degree in computer science from Austin Community College before zoning into his true passion — sports — via the Island University’s sport management degree.

Dr. Misty Kesterson, Senior Clinical Professor of Kinesiology, describes Mason as a strong and engaged online student who communicates well and consistently demonstrates professionalism in his academic work. 

“He takes initiative, stays on top of deadlines, and contributes thoughtfully to discussions,” Kesterson said. “He’s studying sport communication, fan engagement, and promotion — and then seeing it all play out on game days. Whether he’s helping with fan entry or observing operations, it all connects directly back to the classroom.” 

Ryan describes Mason as a light in the ballpark, someone who makes an impact by bringing energy and positivity even during the dog days of summer when temperatures climb past 100 degrees and the grind of a 75-game home schedule wears on everyone.

“It doesn’t matter if the team is in last place or first place,” Ryan said. “He’s going to cheer for the Round Rock Express.” 

Mason’s goal is to climb the ranks within the Express organization. He envisions himself as a clubhouse manager someday, helping players with travel logistics, booking hotels, and ensuring operations run smoothly. The practicum is a step toward his dream. 

“My foot is in the door,” Mason said. “We tend to hire from within. So hopefully, depending on how well I do, I can get promoted.” 

Ryan believes Mason will get there. 

“Knowing his work ethic and how he goes about things, I wouldn’t be surprised if that happened,” Ryan said. “He always tells me he wants to be in the front office one day. And you know what? He can do it.”

Mason’s success highlights the value and flexibility of the sport management program at the Island University, which offers multiple pathways to a degree, including traditional, blended, and online coursework as well as full- and part-time enrollment options.

For Mason, the journey has been about finding a place where he belongs. At Dell Diamond, surrounded by coworkers who treat him like family, he has found exactly that. 

“They don’t see me as a guy in a wheelchair,” Mason said. “They just see me.”