So, it is almost 3AM and I was in another one of my late night/early morning productivity bursts, when I started Facebook chatting with my friend Misty (@Chi_Mist) from Chicago about her current job search and interest in working with the Chicago Blackhawks.  The question came up, “What do you think about sending a letter to them?”  Instantly a story came to my mind about my cousin, Matt, and after our conversation I realized it would be valuable for others to hear it as well.  So here it is, a TRUE story about passion, sports, and following your dreams.  Perfect for the likes of Ryan Stephens (@RyanStephens) and Gary Vaynerchuk (@GaryVee).

My cousin, Matt, is from New York and grew up a HUGE Mets fan.  He knew everything about the Mets, inside and out. In 1990/1 Matt was working for the department of defense in DC, avidly keeping up with the Mets, as always, and they were playing quite poorly.  In a state of complete frustration with the way his beloved Mets were performing and relying on the fact he heard the team’s Owner read all of his mail, he wrote a very comprehensive letter to the Owner of the NY Mets.  This letter basically laid out all of the things Matt thought the Mets were doing wrong, including why they should fire their current manager. (Keep in mind, Matt really knew the game and had legitimate explanations for his criticisms)

To Matt’s surprise, he received a letter back from the Owner with explanations and rebuttal to Matt's points and a thank you for taking the time to write.  Additionally, the offer to meet in-person was made to Matt for the next time he was back in NYC.  A few months later they fired the manager and things started to change for the Mets.  Around that time Matt had planned to visit family back in NY and thought it would be the perfect time to write back and request the in-person meeting.  A meeting was arranged for a slot of 15 minutes and Matt was set to meet with the Owner of the NY Mets!

The meeting turned into a long conversation where the owner began opening up to Matt about different issues and Matt even went on to speak with the VP and other members of the Met’s administration.  Matt recognized the perfect opportunity and asked if any positions were open within the organization.  There were no available positions but the Owner mentioned the commissioner of the MLB was asking each major league team to submit a representative as a candidate to represent the MLB in promoting baseball’s debut in Barcelona for the 1992 Summer Olympics.  He asked Matt if he wanted to be the representative for the NY Mets.

Matt went on to be selected for the position and was in charge of promoting baseball in Barcelona for the 1992 Olympics, helping to ensure its success.  All starting with a passionate letter!

Now, this is a true story, and there are some things you should consider:
1)    Matt is extremely intelligent - graduate from Duke and appear on Jeopardy and come very close to winning intelligent. (His brother also appeared on the show at a different time)
2)    He really knew baseball, specifically the Mets, inside and out which allowed him to draft compelling insights and thought-provoking statements
3)    He was full of passion for something he loved!
4)    He showed up in-person
5)    He had a bit of luck and timing on his side

Will everyone that writes a letter to a team’s manager or a company’s CEO obtain his or her dream job?  Of course not, but if you are extremely knowledgeable, passionate and show why YOU matter, you have a much better chance!  So, study harder, sacrifice more and follow your passion!  Maybe a little luck will come your way too :)
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