[ E xecutive ]
Nick Brockmeyer The sports manager who represents VIP baseball players tells AVID how golf bridges the gap between agent and all-stars. words: Kim Gordon
photos: Katherine Bish
Platinum Sports and Entertainment Management president Nick Brockmeyer heads to spring training with a baseball bat in one hand and a golf club in the other— the perfect double-play combination. This St. Louis–based sports agency represents and advises more than 50 Major and Minor League Baseball clients, including San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Thatcher, San Francisco Giants outfielder Justin Christian and Minnesota Twins utility man Brian Dinkelman, along with a handful of St. Louis Cardinals Minor League prospects. With back-to-back trips to Florida and Arizona to preview dozens of exhibition games, spring is Brockmeyer’s busiest time of year. But spring training isn’t all about baseball for Brockmeyer and his Platinum team of five agents—it also provides ample opportunities to hit the links. “There’s nothing better than grabbing an early-morning tee time and then heading to the ballpark for an afternoon exhibition game,” Brockmeyer says. “It’s the perfect day.” And there’s no better way to get back into the swing of things for baseball players and golfers than a March stint in the Grapefruit and Cactus Leagues. For some Major League players, golf is the secret to successful spring training. “Golf is a great way for players to get their minds off baseball and relax and unwind,” says Brockmeyer. “It breaks up long training days, and it’s a great getaway before the grind of the Major League Baseball schedule hits.” Every March Brockmeyer looks forward to playing 18 holes with Thatcher. Last year, Thatcher boasted a 1.29 ERA with stats in the top 10 across every pitching category. And he’s also a golf enthusiast. “It’s amazing to have the opportunity to play a sport with professional athletes,” says Brockmeyer. “It’s not like I can go out on the field and play a couple of innings with the Padres, but I can hold my own on the golf course with them. And playing with world-class athletes definitely improves my golf game.” 50 / AVIDMAGAZINE.COM / APRIL 2011