Chip Scarinzi's Blog
September 13, 2019
A new short story series
I recently happened upon a treasure trove of writing prompts. As a creative exercise, I began posting the output from some of my writing sessions on Medium.com - if you're interested, take a peek via the link below!
The process is simple: I select two cards from the box of prompts and write whatever comes to mind based on the mashup of the two cards. For example, this week, I posted the a story that manifested from the selection of two cards that read, "person who wants respect" and "person who is locked out." What might you produce with based on that combination? Feel free to write your own story as a comment here - I'd love to see what you come up with for this prompt.
To see my interpretation, visit: https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/a-...
I plan to post a new story each week - thus far, I've posted two. Welcome feedback!
The process is simple: I select two cards from the box of prompts and write whatever comes to mind based on the mashup of the two cards. For example, this week, I posted the a story that manifested from the selection of two cards that read, "person who wants respect" and "person who is locked out." What might you produce with based on that combination? Feel free to write your own story as a comment here - I'd love to see what you come up with for this prompt.
To see my interpretation, visit: https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/a-...
I plan to post a new story each week - thus far, I've posted two. Welcome feedback!
March 24, 2018
How Sports Teams Can Better Engage the Next Generation of Fans
Last month, I watched the Super Bowl the old-fashioned way: on a television screen in my living room. However, that wasn’t the case for all viewers. In fact, TV viewership dipped to a seven-year low as more and more fans chose one of many live streaming options to consume the biggest football game of the year. The same trend continued with the 2018 Winter Olympics, which saw TV ratings slip by seven percent while streaming time tripled. And now, it’s almost baseball season again and it’s a safe bet that Major League Baseball will tinker with its formula for content delivery, too.
Live streaming is just one of many ways the sports world is trying to adapt to the changing viewing habits and preferences of their fans – both young and old. Digging a bit deeper, it’s the young fan more than any other who appears to be the catalyst for much of this experimentation with new technologies and platforms.
At a sports fan engagement conference that I attended recently, one message rose above all others: teams and leagues are pouring their energy into figuring out how to attract and retain Millennial and Gen Z fans. That’s easier said than done, of course. Younger generations have so many other entertainment options at their fingertips that teams are fighting for attention and, in many cases, losing.
There isn’t one magical solution to creating lifelong loyalty and fandom. However, a few basic human truths might help teams and leagues forge a path toward stronger connections with young fans…
We are social animals.
It’s ingrained in our DNA to prefer clustering in groups to solitude. This characteristic is one of the key drivers of diehard sports fandom. Being part of a fan community at a live sporting event activates the bonding hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that prompts attachment between a mother and child) and very quickly, we become bonded to the experience itself.
So then, how can sports teams encourage this kind of meaningful connection?
First and foremost, I’d advise teams to offer fans more opportunities to gather. These events stir up civic pride, build excitement and sell a few more tickets, too. Teams with strong community ties tend to have a dedicated and consistently active fan base. While this is just one piece of the puzzle, aligning sport with our natural inclination to gather can deliver a massive leap toward a relationship with young fans. Sport as community-builder often works.
Teams can also tap into new technologies for stronger, community-building engagement, but the experience must be immersive. Social media is not enough on its own; most everyday interactions between teams and fans on social platforms still hold fans at a distance. High-quality VR content from a meet-up event, for example, can provide fans viewing from afar the sensation of being present, in some way, for the festivities.
We are addicted to winning.
It’s not a coincidence that the San Francisco Giants set a National League record for consecutive sellouts (530 games) during a period notable for not one, not two, but three World Series victories. It’s also not a coincidence that Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia was the hottest ticket in town between 2007 and 2011 when the Phillies rattled off five consecutive National League East division titles and a World Series win. It’s not happenstance, it’s science.
Winning, particularly when it’s unexpected, causes the release of dopamine in the brain and, in turn, the brain associates that positive feeling with sport. In that way, we begin to crave the win (and the game) more and more.
Here’s some advice for professional sports teams hoping to expand their fan base: win more games.
It’s not that easy, is it? Building a competitive sports team is hard. Building a consistently competitive sports team is even harder.
However, teams do have the power to create opportunities for fans to win even when the on-field product doesn’t cooperate. Some teams offer a certificate to fans attending their first game. Now, imagine if that fan instead received an audience with the team’s President for 20 minutes? These little victories – these “Instagramable moments” – can create an anything can happen environment that gives newer fans more reason to spend time at the ballpark. Doing so will lead to the evolution of more diehards. Over time, the bonds of fandom will only grow stronger.
We want experiences.
If you’ve ever heard younger fans ask questions of players and executives at fan events, it doesn’t take too long before you hear a variation of, “How do I follow in your footsteps?” Creating a meaningful connection with young people isn’t just about what’s on their screen. Rather, many young fans have a hunger for knowledge and experiences; they are still charting their course. Helping to piece together a roadmap that may even lead to a life in professional sports can go a long way.
One example of how this might manifest is a shadow program that gives fans the chance to engage with various members of an organization. Perhaps it’s the opportunity to sit with a regional scout for a few games; perhaps it’s a day with a team’s head trainer. Analytics departments, the hub of innovation inside most organizations, also provide a treasure trove of possibilities when it comes to fostering better engagement with the next generation of fans. Establishing a lifelong bond with a fan sometimes centers on what happens between the white lines. However, sometimes it’s in the experience offered outside of the playing field as well. Creating these moments for young people can have a lasting impact.
What do you think? Have you come across teams or leagues breaking new ground with their fans? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Live streaming is just one of many ways the sports world is trying to adapt to the changing viewing habits and preferences of their fans – both young and old. Digging a bit deeper, it’s the young fan more than any other who appears to be the catalyst for much of this experimentation with new technologies and platforms.
At a sports fan engagement conference that I attended recently, one message rose above all others: teams and leagues are pouring their energy into figuring out how to attract and retain Millennial and Gen Z fans. That’s easier said than done, of course. Younger generations have so many other entertainment options at their fingertips that teams are fighting for attention and, in many cases, losing.
There isn’t one magical solution to creating lifelong loyalty and fandom. However, a few basic human truths might help teams and leagues forge a path toward stronger connections with young fans…
We are social animals.
It’s ingrained in our DNA to prefer clustering in groups to solitude. This characteristic is one of the key drivers of diehard sports fandom. Being part of a fan community at a live sporting event activates the bonding hormone oxytocin (the same hormone that prompts attachment between a mother and child) and very quickly, we become bonded to the experience itself.
So then, how can sports teams encourage this kind of meaningful connection?
First and foremost, I’d advise teams to offer fans more opportunities to gather. These events stir up civic pride, build excitement and sell a few more tickets, too. Teams with strong community ties tend to have a dedicated and consistently active fan base. While this is just one piece of the puzzle, aligning sport with our natural inclination to gather can deliver a massive leap toward a relationship with young fans. Sport as community-builder often works.
Teams can also tap into new technologies for stronger, community-building engagement, but the experience must be immersive. Social media is not enough on its own; most everyday interactions between teams and fans on social platforms still hold fans at a distance. High-quality VR content from a meet-up event, for example, can provide fans viewing from afar the sensation of being present, in some way, for the festivities.
We are addicted to winning.
It’s not a coincidence that the San Francisco Giants set a National League record for consecutive sellouts (530 games) during a period notable for not one, not two, but three World Series victories. It’s also not a coincidence that Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia was the hottest ticket in town between 2007 and 2011 when the Phillies rattled off five consecutive National League East division titles and a World Series win. It’s not happenstance, it’s science.
Winning, particularly when it’s unexpected, causes the release of dopamine in the brain and, in turn, the brain associates that positive feeling with sport. In that way, we begin to crave the win (and the game) more and more.
Here’s some advice for professional sports teams hoping to expand their fan base: win more games.
It’s not that easy, is it? Building a competitive sports team is hard. Building a consistently competitive sports team is even harder.
However, teams do have the power to create opportunities for fans to win even when the on-field product doesn’t cooperate. Some teams offer a certificate to fans attending their first game. Now, imagine if that fan instead received an audience with the team’s President for 20 minutes? These little victories – these “Instagramable moments” – can create an anything can happen environment that gives newer fans more reason to spend time at the ballpark. Doing so will lead to the evolution of more diehards. Over time, the bonds of fandom will only grow stronger.
We want experiences.
If you’ve ever heard younger fans ask questions of players and executives at fan events, it doesn’t take too long before you hear a variation of, “How do I follow in your footsteps?” Creating a meaningful connection with young people isn’t just about what’s on their screen. Rather, many young fans have a hunger for knowledge and experiences; they are still charting their course. Helping to piece together a roadmap that may even lead to a life in professional sports can go a long way.
One example of how this might manifest is a shadow program that gives fans the chance to engage with various members of an organization. Perhaps it’s the opportunity to sit with a regional scout for a few games; perhaps it’s a day with a team’s head trainer. Analytics departments, the hub of innovation inside most organizations, also provide a treasure trove of possibilities when it comes to fostering better engagement with the next generation of fans. Establishing a lifelong bond with a fan sometimes centers on what happens between the white lines. However, sometimes it’s in the experience offered outside of the playing field as well. Creating these moments for young people can have a lasting impact.
What do you think? Have you come across teams or leagues breaking new ground with their fans? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
January 29, 2018
How the Philadelphia Eagles are Saving My Relationship with Football
Like many fans, I've had an up-and-down relationship with football during the past few years. In light of recent discoveries about CTE and brain injuries, along with the fact that the NFL has known of these dangers for far longer than they've let on, I've found it more difficult to stay connected to the league. But then, I am also a lifelong fan of the Philadelphia Eagles and this coming Sunday, they'll take a crack at winning their first Super Bowl title. Their improbable run has presented an interesting conundrum that I'm sure other fans are also grappling with at the moment: loving your team, but feeling distanced from the sport itself. In any case, I wrote a post on Medium (linked below) tackling this very issue. Take a peek - would love to hear what you think!
https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/ho...
https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/ho...
November 16, 2017
CTE in Contact Sports: My Interview with Dr. Bennet Omalu
I recently interviewed Dr. Bennet Omalu, the man who first discovered CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) in the brain of Pittsburgh Steelers' Hall of Famer Mike Webster 15 years ago. If you're not familiar with CTE, it's caused by repeated blows to the head common in contact sports like football, rugby, lacrosse, and ice hockey - among others. In short, it's a problem and my discussion with Dr. Omalu centered on the search for solutions.
I'd also love your perspective in the comments re: what contact sports leagues can do to protect its players and reduce instances of traumatic brain injuries.
Admittedly, the post is long... I felt it was important to share the content of our discussion in full, however. Enjoy:
https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/ct...
I'd also love your perspective in the comments re: what contact sports leagues can do to protect its players and reduce instances of traumatic brain injuries.
Admittedly, the post is long... I felt it was important to share the content of our discussion in full, however. Enjoy:
https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/ct...
November 10, 2017
A Few Words on the Passing Of Roy Halladay
Earlier this week, perennial All-Star pitcher and future Hall of Famer Roy Halladay lost his life when the small aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Gulf of Mexico. Halladay, beloved across the baseball landscape, was one of a kind on and off the field and like most fans, I've struggled to process the reality and finality of this week's tragic news. Halladay finished his career with the Philadelphia Phillies after 12 seasons with the Toronto Blue Jays, and while his time in a Phillies uniform was short, the bonds he forged with the city and its fans remains unbreakable. In the post linked below, I tried to cobble together a few words to honor the memory of Doc Halladay:
https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/a-...
https://medium.com/@ScarinziSports/a-...
April 14, 2017
For Discussion: Team USA vs. Local Team Pride in the U.S.
The American Studies Dept. of Hobart and William Smith Colleges, located in the heart of the Finger Lakes in Seneca, N.Y., selected my book, Diehards: Why Fans Care So Much About Sports, this semester as reading material for a course on baseball and American culture. "Diehards" explores the root causes and impacts of sports passion and the course, taught by Prof. Christopher Hatch, examined a host of topics covered in "Diehards" and other books on fan traditions, how people cheer, and the role that places like Cooperstown play for fans, along with complex topics like racial tensions and culture clashes in sport.
I was given the honor of speaking with the students recently and came away wishing my alma mater offered a course like this when I was a student so many years ago. During the discussion, Prof. Hatch and his students, mostly seniors, asked several smart questions, and I thought it might be fun to drop one here to spark discussion. Here's the first for your consideration:
"Why don't U.S. sports fans seem to back national teams as passionately as they do local teams?"
So I'd ask you, if you're a fan of a local sports team, does your passion for Team USA - in the Olympics, World Baseball Classic, FIFA World Cup or otherwise - rival that of your favorite local team? Why or why not? I'd love to your perspective! You can find a few clues in "Diehards" about why national pride is so prominent when compared to the U.S., btw!
I was given the honor of speaking with the students recently and came away wishing my alma mater offered a course like this when I was a student so many years ago. During the discussion, Prof. Hatch and his students, mostly seniors, asked several smart questions, and I thought it might be fun to drop one here to spark discussion. Here's the first for your consideration:
"Why don't U.S. sports fans seem to back national teams as passionately as they do local teams?"
So I'd ask you, if you're a fan of a local sports team, does your passion for Team USA - in the Olympics, World Baseball Classic, FIFA World Cup or otherwise - rival that of your favorite local team? Why or why not? I'd love to your perspective! You can find a few clues in "Diehards" about why national pride is so prominent when compared to the U.S., btw!
March 11, 2017
Review of "Diehards" posts on Fenway Nation
Fenway Nation, a popular Red Sox fan blog, posted its review of Diehards, my book exploring the phenomenon of diehard sports fandom. Check it out via the link below!
According to the reviewer, "Red Sox fans (and all baseball fans) will love this book—and it might just get you to do some some self-examination."
Here's the link:
http://bit.ly/2lNWlt7
According to the reviewer, "Red Sox fans (and all baseball fans) will love this book—and it might just get you to do some some self-examination."
Here's the link:
http://bit.ly/2lNWlt7
January 19, 2017
New Review of "Ghosts" on Readers' Favorite!
Thrilled to share with you this four-star review of Ghosts by Susan Sewell @ Readers' Favorite - linked here and pasted below. Check out this little gem: "The story captures you right from the first page and takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride of subterfuge and malevolence."
Link to review:
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Full review:
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Ghosts by Chip Scarinzi is an intriguing suspense novel. Bennett Covington had an unusual day. During his workday, a fire broke out in his building, and Bennett and his associates had to evacuate. Bennett calls his very pregnant wife and lets her know he is coming home early. While waiting for a ferry, Bennett accidentally sees a murder taking place. Before he can act, Bennett is attacked and knocked unconscious. Twelve hours later after regaining consciousness, Bennett finds himself covered in blood with a gun in his hand. Horrified, he sees a dead man lying next to him. Determined to exonerate himself, Bennett goes to confront the killers. Again, Bennet finds himself at a murder scene holding the weapon. Now Bennett is the chief suspect in multiple murders. Death and darkness are dogging his footsteps and the harder he tries to escape its clutches, the deeper he finds himself in its grip. Caught in a trap, Bennett desperately misses his expectant wife and small daughter. Will he ever be able to prove his innocence and escape the psychopaths that have made his life a living hell? Will he ever be able to go home again?
Ghosts by Chip Scarinzi is a gripping suspense novel filled with intrigue. The story captures you right from the first page and takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride of subterfuge and malevolence. The storyline unfolds to uncover a sinister plot with Bennett at its center. Bennett, unaccustomed to the machinations of evil, is in way over his head and ill-equipped to combat his tormentor. I couldn't imagine how he could defeat and survive such a powerful adversary. The villain is demonic in perception and is a crafty and cunning foe. The evil that emanates from him suggests other-worldly sources and leaves the reader speculating about his origins. This transfixing suspense novel will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very end. It will delight and horrify suspense fans everywhere.
Link to review:
https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Full review:
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Ghosts by Chip Scarinzi is an intriguing suspense novel. Bennett Covington had an unusual day. During his workday, a fire broke out in his building, and Bennett and his associates had to evacuate. Bennett calls his very pregnant wife and lets her know he is coming home early. While waiting for a ferry, Bennett accidentally sees a murder taking place. Before he can act, Bennett is attacked and knocked unconscious. Twelve hours later after regaining consciousness, Bennett finds himself covered in blood with a gun in his hand. Horrified, he sees a dead man lying next to him. Determined to exonerate himself, Bennett goes to confront the killers. Again, Bennet finds himself at a murder scene holding the weapon. Now Bennett is the chief suspect in multiple murders. Death and darkness are dogging his footsteps and the harder he tries to escape its clutches, the deeper he finds himself in its grip. Caught in a trap, Bennett desperately misses his expectant wife and small daughter. Will he ever be able to prove his innocence and escape the psychopaths that have made his life a living hell? Will he ever be able to go home again?
Ghosts by Chip Scarinzi is a gripping suspense novel filled with intrigue. The story captures you right from the first page and takes you on a thrilling roller coaster ride of subterfuge and malevolence. The storyline unfolds to uncover a sinister plot with Bennett at its center. Bennett, unaccustomed to the machinations of evil, is in way over his head and ill-equipped to combat his tormentor. I couldn't imagine how he could defeat and survive such a powerful adversary. The villain is demonic in perception and is a crafty and cunning foe. The evil that emanates from him suggests other-worldly sources and leaves the reader speculating about his origins. This transfixing suspense novel will have you sitting on the edge of your seat until the very end. It will delight and horrify suspense fans everywhere.
December 2, 2016
New Review of "Ghosts" on UnderratedReads.com!
Thrilled to share this thoughtful, thorough review of Ghosts by Jennifer Wells, which ran today on UnderratedReads.com. Check it out here:
http://bit.ly/2fMC7N0
If you pick up a copy (available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold), hope you enjoy!
http://bit.ly/2fMC7N0
If you pick up a copy (available on Amazon and everywhere books are sold), hope you enjoy!
September 1, 2016
Review of "Ghosts" on J. Bronder's Book Reviews
Jessica Bronder posted her review of Ghosts on her popular book review blog today - check it out below!
https://jbronderbookreviews.com/2016/...
https://jbronderbookreviews.com/2016/...
