Step Up to the Plate: Pitch a National Story Like a PR Pro

June 10, 2024

Angelic Bringas

Step Up to the Plate: Pitch a National Story Like a PR Pro

In the world of public relations, securing national media coverage for your client is akin to hitting a grand slam in baseball. It requires a perfect pitch, an understanding of timing, and a personal approach that resonates with journalists. As an experienced Florida publicity team, our job is to ensure our client’s story gets noticed and stands out. Recently, we had the opportunity to pitch a historic story on behalf of our client, related to a major announcement by Major League Baseball (MLB) advising they were combining the player records of the seven Negro Leagues from the 1940s and 1950s to those of MLB’s. Our client is the co-founder of the Negro League Baseball Players Association, Ed Schauder, a sports and securities law attorney at Nason Yeager. He represents several estates and sees an opportunity for the families to monetize the names and reputations of these previously little-known players.

*^{Josh Gibson, American baseball catcher in the Negro Leagues}*

Pitching a national story requires a strategic blend of timeliness, personalization, and precision. By following these guidelines, we enhance media relations efforts and achieve significant PR wins for clients. Remember, a well-crafted pitch is like a well-played baseball game – it’s all about stepping up to the plate with confidence and having a game plan!

To read the media coverage garnered, visit:

The following are some tips when you think your story deserves national attention:

Timeliness is Everything

Timing is critical when pitching a national media story. News cycles move quickly, and journalists are constantly on the lookout for fresh, timely content. Aligning your pitch with current events or trends significantly increases the chances of getting coverage. For instance, our pitch about MLB’s decision to integrate Negro Leagues statistics into their official records was perfectly timed with MLB’s official announcement. This alignment ensured our pitch was relevant and newsworthy. MLB’s recognition of over 2,300 Negro Leagues players, including legends like Josh Gibson, was a monumental shift in sports history, and we capitalized on the timeliness of this announcement. Mr. Schauder, who has been the licensing agent of the Josh Gibson estate for over a decade, played a pivotal role in MLB’s decision, making the story even more significant.

Research and Personalize Your Pitches

Journalists receive countless pitches daily, so personalization can make all the difference. Before reaching out, research the journalist’s past work and tailor your pitch to align with their interests and beats. When pitching the story about MLB’s historic change, we targeted sports journalists and those who have previously covered stories on baseball history or racial integration in sports. This not only increased the relevance of our pitch, but also demonstrated that we had done our homework.

Craft a Powerful Lede and State the Facts

Your lede is the hook that will capture the journalist’s attention. It should be compelling, concise, and packed with essential facts. In our pitch, we highlighted the groundbreaking news of MLB’s recognition of Negro Leagues statistics, highlighting its historical significance and immediate impact on baseball records. This powerful opening immediately conveys the magnitude of the news, enticing the journalist to read further. The focus was on the transformational impact on MLB’s historical records and the newly recognized achievements of Negro Leagues stars like Josh Gibson.

Keep Your Pitch Concise

Journalists have limited time to sift through lengthy emails. Keep your pitch concise and to the point, providing all necessary information without overwhelming the recipient. Our pitch included key points about the historic change, impact on MLB records, and a brief introduction of our expert source, Mr. Schauder. By presenting the information succinctly, we made it easy for journalists to grasp the story quickly.

Proofread Thoroughly

Nothing undermines a pitch faster than typos or factual errors. Before sending your pitch, proofread it to ensure it is error-free. A polished pitch reflects professionalism and respect for the journalist’s time. In our example, careful proofreading ensured that all names, titles, and facts were accurate, reinforcing the credibility of our message.

By meticulously crafting and delivering this pitch, we successfully captured the interest of national media, securing widespread coverage and highlighting our client’s expertise and pivotal role in this historic event. Mr. Schauder’s contributions and his position were essential elements that gave the story depth and credibility.