Posted on 10/21/2015 6:47:02 PM PDT by Larry Lucido
Ben Tuliebitz grew up a Yankees fan, attended Don Bosco and started working for his favorite club 10 years ago as a media relations assistant. "I didn't even know there was a traveling secretary until I started working here," said Tuliebitz, who quickly aspired to the position.
Now, he's in his fifth season moving the Yankees from city to city. And no, there isn't an "assistant to the traveling secretary" position on the Yankees – the job George Costanza famously held on "Seinfeld" – but Tuliebitz does have an intern.
Two years ago, that intern's name was Jason Alexander Ludwig — no relation to the actor Jason Alexander who played Costanza.
"We didn't find out his full name until halfway through the season," said Tuliebitz, responsible for moving 25 players, coaches, team personnel and broadcast crew around the league with precision.
And today is getaway day. Here's part of Tuliebitz's morning checklist:
Settle the hotel bill and make sure everyone is checked out; set up buses to the ballpark; fulfill players' ticket requests; arrange buses to the airport; arrange for trucks to carry equipment and luggage; make sure the plane home is ready with catering, flight attendants and crew; set up buses from LaGuardia Airport back back to Yankee Stadium; fulfill player requests for car service home; arrange the trucks to handle equipment and luggage to the Bronx.
Somewhere in there, he'll call his mom in Wyckoff to wish her a happy Mother's Day.
Wait, someone needs tickets for a show? Reservation at a five-star restaurant? During the first minutes of our chat, someone in a Yankee uniform politely interrupted with a request for Tuliebitz.
He hands out the players' per diems. He arranges housing for call-ups.
With the potential for weather delays and extra innings, "you're always thinking one step ahead," Tuliebitz said. But with all the juggling and the potential headaches, it's a job he loves to the core.
"I'm grateful. I feel like I'm part of the team. I'm with the ballclub every day, in the clubhouse. Some days I need to pinch myself because I'm surrounded by some of the best players to ever play the game. I don't want to take that for granted."
And the winning is intoxicating.
"There's something really special about being in a clubhouse and players are pouring champagne over you."
Where in the world does the Yankees' traveling secretary want to visit himself?
"I want to go to Dubai. I want to take a tour of the Middle East."
Seinfeld ping, of course.
Admins: I didn't see this source on the "excerpt-only" list.
Pinging a few of the usual suspect. A pre-ping ping, so to speak.
“Houtson”?? Where the hell is Houtson??? Sonofa.....
Ex Travel Petty officer here.
Can you spell Boondoggle?
Exactly!
Gnight Brother.
Thanks for the larf
Left out the part about changing the uniforms to 100% cotton.
That may be one of the easier parts of the job. The Yankees retain a couple of suites at the Grand Hyatt right next to Grand Central just for in-season callups and acquisitions.
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