Working Hard and Playing Hard: 5 Takeaways from Playoff Baseball

As a grad student at Ohio State's Fisher School of Business, I'm used to juggling coursework, group projects, networking, and career prep. However, amidst all the deadlines and academic grind, I've learned that one of the most valuable aspects of this program is the opportunity to connect with classmates in a fun and casual setting. Recently, I had the chance to attend a Cleveland Guardians home playoff game with a group of friends from the MAcc program. The energy was electric, and it got me thinking about how important it is to balance work and play during grad school. Here are five key takeaways from that unforgettable night:

1. Playoff Energy Mirrors the Drive for Success
There's nothing quite like the intensity of playoff baseball—every pitch, hit, and run feels like it could make or break the game. Especially the game that I was able to attend! It's a lot like the high-stakes grad school environment, where every assignment and project matters. Just like the Guardians fought the Yankees for every inning, our time in the program teaches us to push for success in everything we do. Catching a game with classmates allowed us to release that pressure, cheer together, and share the thrill of each moment. It's a reminder that relaxing can re-energize us for the challenges ahead.

2. Bonding Beyond the Classroom is a Game-Changer
Watching a playoff game with friends gave us a shared experience outside Gerlach walls. We cheered for every Guardians home run and groaned together at every Yankees' home run, especially Giancarlo Stanton's. These moments strengthened our relationships in ways that group projects and study sessions just can't. It's easy to bond over a shared struggle to meet deadlines, but those connections solidify when you have something fun to celebrate together.

3. Networking in a Fun Environment is a Grand Slam
While formal networking events have their place, attending a playoff game with classmates provides a more relaxed environment to build genuine connections. There's no better icebreaker than yelling for your team with a stadium full of Cleveland fans! Whether discussing the latest Guardians highlights or sharing future career goals on the drive to the stadium, informal gatherings help create a supportive professional network that will hopefully last far beyond graduation.

4. Balancing Work and Play Leads to Peak Performance
Playoff baseball is intense, but the athletes know the importance of rest and preparation to perform at their best, just like grad school students! Balancing hard work with fun moments like catching a Guardians game ensures we don't burn out. When we returned to the classroom after the game, we were all recharged, ready to dive back into assignments with fresh energy and focus. It's proof that giving yourself time to play hard helps you work even harder. It also plays a role in planning for future shared breaks! We are already planning the next trip we could all attend!

5. Teamwork and Leadership Show Up On and Off the Field
One thing that stood out during the game was the Guardians' teamwork. Every player had a role, just like in a group project. Also, organizing group activities with classmates is like attending a playoff game; it showcases leadership and teamwork in a more relaxed setting. Whether you're taking the lead in planning the Zoom calls or helping rally the group to find motivation, these experiences are great practice for future roles where teamwork is super important. Plus, having those fun memories strengthens our ability to work better together when the stakes are higher in the classroom.

Conclusion: Hitting It Out of the Park, Together
In grad school, the mantra "work hard, play hard" truly comes to life when you're in a program that offers academic rigor and opportunities for meaningful, fun connections. Attending the Cleveland Guardians playoff game was a reminder that while giving 110% in our studies, it's equally important to take a break, have fun, and bond with the amazing people going through the same journey. After all, grad school is as much about the friendships and experiences as academics and career growth. Just like playoff baseball, the journey is as exciting as the destination.