Emerson Names Baseball Executive to Direct Sports Communication Major

Longtime Boston Red Sox executive Dr. Charles Steinberg will lead Emerson College’s new Sports Communication program, which launches in Fall 2017.

Steinberg, currently president of the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Sox’s Triple A affiliate, and an aide to former Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, also teaches sports communication classes at Emerson. He will continue in all three roles while he heads up the Sports Communication program.

“It is an honor to help develop the Sports Communication major at Emerson College, already one of the world’s foremost institutions in journalism and communication,” Steinberg said in a statement. “There are vast and growing numbers of students aspiring to enjoy careers in sports communication, and Emerson is already among the leaders who successfully launch students into this emerging global industry.”

Steinberg spent more than a decade with the Red Sox as executive vice president and senior advisor to the president/CEO, with previous executive roles with the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Baltimore Orioles.

Starting out as an intern with the Orioles, Steinberg rose through the ranks. He became known in the MLB for his skill in public affairs, community relations, and marketing.

Steinberg has headed the clubs’ public relations and outbound marketing, ballpark entertainment and special events, community relations and advertising, television and video production, and, at each club, created innovative fan services departments.

Each of the four franchises established attendance records during his tenure.

“His expertise and dedication to the field, especially as a leader in the Red Sox organization during an exceptional era, make him an incredible asset to the program and to our students,” School of Communication Dean Raul Reis said in a statement.

Emerson announced its new Sports Communication program last fall. The program will immerse students in sports media and entertainment—one of the top revenue-generating industries in the world, with myriad communication career opportunities.

One unique aspect of the curriculum will be eSports studies, which prepares students to take part in industries that support major gaming events and infrastructure, including how to promote and run tournaments, organize teams, and understand the emerging business models of eSports.