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WINNIPEG — He fuels every pitch.
Supplies every hit.
And makes sure the fish stay fresh.
Jamie Samson is the Winnipeg Goldeyes’ clubhouse manager. His job is to prepare the team’s locker room before every game.
“We’ve got to get (the players) food, do their laundry, order equipment and mix up the Gatorade,” said Samson.
His responsibilities also extend onto the road. Samson is in charge of getting the hotel rooming lists ready before the team leaves Winnipeg.
“Last year there were two guys that got along really well but one of them snored so loud,” said Samson. “So we had to move that around.”
Samson first caught on with the Goldeyes as a bat boy back in 2011. The 26-year-old from St. Andrews eventually worked his way up to assistant clubhouse manager before landing his current role.
“My priority was this place,” said Samson. “I wanted to work as much as possible. It was really fun coming here when you’re 12, just hanging out at the ball park.”
Samson doesn’t just stick to the home side of Shaw Park. He also helps the visitors by preparing their dugout and clubhouse. This August, Samson will work his 1000th game as a member of the Goldeyes’ organization. The team credits a good chunk of its success to him.
“It’s great not having to worry about the little things and just being able to go out and play,” said infielder Josh Mazzola. “He takes pride in what he does. If you need something, he’s there for you.”
Part of the team even if you’ll never find Samson on the roster.
“I want a ring like they do,” said Samson. “I want to celebrate at the end of the year. Losing is never fun. I have the same goals and same dreams as these guys do.”
CLUBHOUSE COUNTING: Samson works roughly twelve hours every home game which the Goldeyes play 50 of each season. He goes through four tins of Gatorade powder every night, two for the home team and two for the visitors, for a total of 200 a year. And then there’s the sunflower seeds. Samson puts out 7-8 bags a game and all of them come back empty.
“Lots of (the players) will flick them all the time,” said Samson. “Try to hit people instead of eating them.”
Samson keeps six bats in stock for each player and twelve for the heavy hitters.
“Josh Mazzola and Casey Haerther are known to break their bats more often than the others,” said Samson.
As for how many loads of laundry he does each day.
“There’s too many to count,” said Samson. “I’ve stopped trying to keep track.”
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