Turning Internships into Careers | Nolan Murphy
Since the 19th century, Major League Baseball has captivated the hearts of Americans, solidifying its position as the nation’s favorite pastime. Jessup alumnus Nolan Murphy can relate, especially since his love for the sport began at a young age. “I started playing baseball when I was just four years old and always enjoyed being around the ballpark,” he said. “I have great memories playing baseball, hanging out with kids in my neighborhood, later playing in leagues, surrounded by people who loved the game too. It’s been a big part of my life.”
Murphy continued playing baseball at the collegiate level when he attended Folsom Lake Junior College where his innate pitching ability couldn’t be overlooked. “That was when I focused on a pitcher only role, but I also took batting practice as well.” He later transferred to Jessup at the recommendation of his older brother who also attended the growing University. “My brother had such an amazing experience at Jessup. He was always talking about how great the professors were and how much he enjoyed going there, so I decided to follow in his footsteps.”
Recruited by Jake McKinley, Jessup’s former coach who went on to spend four seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Murphy had the opportunity to come under his instruction the fall prior to McKinley’s departure to support the Brewers. Murphy pitched three seasons for the Warriors from 2019-2021, made 27 career appearances, throwing 38.1 innings, striking out 19 batters with a career record of 2-1. During the summer seasons of 2018-19, Murphy also pitched for the Lincoln Potters.
During his undergraduate years at Jessup, the Roseville native declared a business major and enjoyed his on campus experience as a student athlete. “Jessup was great. The faculty were awesome and really cared about me. Life on campus gave me a sense of community that instilled a mindset of wanting to go to class and be involved because everyone was kind and helpful.”
When it came time for Murphy to complete his internship requirement, with the help of Jessup’s Career and Life Planning Services, he reached out to the Potters. Unbeknownst to him, that experience opened the door to the career path he follows today. “During my final season of baseball eligibility at Jessup, the Potters asked me about a part-time role for that summer season. That transitioned into a full-time position almost immediately as the operations coordinator for the first year,” he said.
The pandemic left Murphy with another year of eligibility which helped solidify his decision to return to Jessup to earn his MBA. As he pursued his MBA, opportunities with the Potters expanded. “After my first year in operations, I tackled more than what was expected which led to a promotion to assistant general manager after the 2021 season,” he said.
Murphy earned his MBA in 2022 and continues to serve the Potters as assistant general manager. “I absolutely love my job. During the summer, it’s so rewarding to go to the ballpark and see families and our frequent patrons enjoying the games,” he said. “In the offseason, we’re renewing partnerships and managing season tickets and VIP nights. I’m also designing and getting merchandise ready, preparing travel schedules, planning our events and theme nights, and hiring our interns and hourly employees.”
The Lincoln Potters started their legacy in 1923, under a different name and played through the mid 1960s. The team was revamped in 2017 as a college summer team and currently is part of the Pacific Empire League. Attendance in 2022 reached roughly 32,000 people through the front gates while last summer hosted 40,000, nearly 1,100 people per night.
The 2024 season began Memorial Day weekend. For more information visit: lincolnpotters.com.
