Bentley University is giving high school student Brian Rodgers the chance to play in the big leagues as he participates in an internship with the Boston Red Sox. Through the “Break into the Business of Baseball” program, sponsored by Bentley and MLB.com, Rodgers will complete a one-month internship during summer 2012 with the Boston Red Sox .

“The business behind the sport of baseball has always interested me, as I find the application of both marketing and statistical analysis to the sport extremely fascinating,” Rodgers says. “I hope to work for a sports organization someday, preferably in baseball, so naturally the internship interested me.”

Bentley solicited 100-word essays from high school students nationwide, asking them to explain why they should be chosen for the unprecedented one-month internship offered by the Red Sox. After reviewing hundreds of entries, the winner was chosen by representatives from Bentley and MLB.com.

“We’re thrilled Brian was chosen to join us and we know he will make valuable contributions during his internship,” said Noah Garden, executive vice president, revenue for MLB Advanced Media. “We also are excited to continue our relationship with Bentley University and support its efforts to give high school students like Brian opportunities such as this.”

Rodgers is a senior at Hamilton-Wenham High School in Hamilton, Mass., where he is on the varsity tennis team and played on the school co-op hockey team. He is an avid fan of all major U.S. professional sports, but particularly follows baseball and football.

“When I went to Red Sox games with my dad, I always tried to convince him to bring me to Fenway two hours early to watch batting practice and guilt a player into throwing me a ball,” Rodger recalls.

The sports enthusiast enjoys thinking about different players in terms of their stats, personalities, strengths and weaknesses. He plans to pursue a college education in business and sports management, with a career goal to work for the front office of a professional baseball team. 

“Not only will this internship be an opportunity to work for a team that I have always admired,” Rodgers notes, “but it will give me valuable work experience and a connection to talented professional people in the sports industry.”