Valparaiso University Business Management Student Puts Knowledge to Work in Local Baseball 

Many children who grow up watching the World Series dream of being part of the game. While not everyone can take the field as a player, there are more opportunities in the professional sports industry than most people realize. At Valparaiso University, the sports management focus in the College of Business prepares students for a variety of roles in this competitive field, and Brandon Osika ’28 has a unique perspective on the value of combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. 

A Crown Point, Indiana native, Osika has been working with the Gary RailCats baseball team since landing an internship during his senior year of high school. At 18, he became both the youngest clubhouse professional in the American Association of Professional Baseball. Three and a half years later, he continues to work for the RailCats while pursuing his degree in Valpo’s sports management program. With years of professional experience already under his belt, Osika has gained a firsthand appreciation for how his Valpo education complements and strengthens his work in the industry. 

“Valpo’s program really aligns with the current industry standards and what a new employee in sports should expect to see,” Osika said. “Working on this degree and getting the knowledge of why we do the things we do in the industry has been really helpful for me. It’s been a good experience that’s helped round out my knowledge of the industry and my tasks.” 

An avid fan and player growing up, Osika knew he wanted to keep baseball as a central part of his life going into his professional career. Since joining the RailCats, he has gained experience across nearly every aspect of the organization’s behind-the-scenes operations, from business management, sales, ballpark operations, and even managing the food and beverage system. But perhaps the most valuable part of his experience has been the professional relationships he’s built along the way — something he encourages other aspiring sports professionals to prioritize. 

“Sports is an industry that’s about who you know,” Osika said. “The hardest part is getting in the door. Get an internship with some organization somewhere. Get as much experience as you can. It looks great on a resume, but more importantly you start making those connections. You never know what the people you meet will be able to do for you down the line.”

That emphasis on building relationships extends to Osika’s experience at Valpo, where connections with classmates and professors have been among the most rewarding aspects of his education. As a commuter, he has embraced campus life through intramural sports, University events, and time spent with classmates in the College of Business’s sports lounge. These experiences have helped him build friendships, connect with future colleagues, and feel fully immersed in the Valpo community. 

“As long as you’re willing to participate in student activities and really insert yourself into campus, you can really get the full experience as a commuter without a problem.” Osika said. 

A Chicago Cubs fan, and a fan of Chicago baseball in general, Osika’s World Series dreams may be dashed for the 2026 season, but his love for baseball is as strong as ever. He plans to continue working for the RailCats for the foreseeable future, building on the knowledge, skills, and professional relationships he’s developed through his work and his Valpo education. 

“Having three and a half years of experience in professional baseball at my age isn’t something I take for granted. It’s an incredible thing to have been a part of, and to continue to be a part of,” Osika said. “At the same time, I’ve gotten the Valpo experience with really knowledgeable professors that are always willing to help if you have a question. They’ll go out of their way to go above and beyond.”