The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are looking for a limited number of Promotions Interns to join our team for the summer of 2026!
Promotions Interns are high energy, exuding positivity - the Shrimp HYPE Squad! They create an exciting environment filled with memorable moments that bring fans back. This internship provides marketing, sales, fan engagement, and promotions experience during all 28 regular-season home games and special community events.
Responsibilities Include:
- In-Game Entertainment:
- Assist with crafting and executing between-inning and on-field activities
- Help create special theme night activities
- Source and escort contestants for in-game entertainment.
- Act as on-field emcee when needed, and guide contestants on the field.
- Assist participants during pre-game recognition, parades, or other activities.
- Assist in the setup/breakdown of gameday props and materials.
- Assist with fan contests and giveaways.
- Help activate and fulfill sponsorship obligations, including in-game promotions, contests, and more.
- Interact with the crowd during home games, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere, and lead dancing between innings.
- Act as Brand Ambassador promoting and marketing the team during community events, including Ottawa Family Pride Parade (6/13/26), Golf Outing 7/28/26), Kids Club Party, Scoop Takeover - dates TBD.
- Distribute marketing materials to local businesses and attend networking events to represent the team and promote sponsorship opportunities.
- Collaborate with other intern(s) to plan, promote, and execute special activities on the assigned Theme Night.
- Be an integral part of and work closely with the Pistol Shrimp team, including working directly with interns, managers, players, coaches, and more!
Desired Qualifications
- Available for all Pistol Shrimp home games, events, and potential home postseason games
- Ability to take and achieve all directions from all Pistol Shrimp supervisors and directors, and work well with others
- Ability to display a positive attitude and professional demeanor while representing Pistol Shrimp Baseball
- Previous experience speaking in front of large crowds and the ability to display strong public speaking skills.
- Comfortable initiating conversations with fans at the field and people at community events
- General knowledge of the game of baseball.
- Ability to take direction and adjust quickly in fast-paced situations
- Passion for game day entertainment
- Flexible, and willing to work long hours, including nights & weekends
- Confident, self-motivated, and able to demonstrate passionate commitment
- Ability to lift 35-40 lbs, stand, or move for extended periods in any weather situation
Education and Experience:
- Applicants should be currently enrolled in an accredited program at a College or University. Prior experience working with sports teams, at sports venues, in hospitality, or retail is a plus, but not required. High school juniors and seniors may also be considered, depending on prior experience/involvement with school clubs and/or activities, work, internships, volunteer work, community associations, or other organizations.
- Big personalities or performers with prior experience acting, cheerleading, dance, or improv are preferred but not required.
Dates & Schedule:
- Expected Availability: May 18, 2026 - August 14, 2026
- Orientation, Training, & Field Setup: May 18 - May 24
- Regular Season: May 25 - August 1
- Postseason: August 2 - August 7
- Packing & Cleaning: August 2 - August 7 or August 8 - August 14
Compensation & More Information:
- Compensation: $500 stipend for the summer. Class credit, if applicable.
- We encourage applicants to consult with their academic advisors to make sure their work experience is suitable for fulfilling degree requirements. This internship provides approximately 150 hours of experience during the summer.
- Please note: Housing is not provided. Applicants who do not reside locally will be expected to secure their own housing if selected.
- Location preference may be given to candidates located in or with confirmed housing within the Illinois Valley footprint or driving distance.
The Pistol Shrimp will begin the review of applications for this position on Monday, February 9, 2026.
About the Pistol Shrimp:
- The Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp are an amateur wood bat summer league baseball team, made up of top college players from around the country who aspire to a career in professional baseball!
- Established in 2019, the Pistol Shrimp are part of The Prospect League, a 20-team league that spans the Midwest from Iowa to Pennsylvania. The Pistol Shrimp are proud to call the Illinois Valley our home and play at Schweickert Stadium at Veterans Memorial Park in Peru, Illinois.
- We would love to have you join our Prospect League Championship team that has accumulated awards for: Prospect League Social Media of the Year, On-Field Activity, Broadcaster, Staff Member, Specialty Jersey, and Theme Night of the Year, as well as numerous Prospect League Fan Awards!
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
