Al Barba: KSU's Director of Athletics Communications

Al Barba is the Sports Information Officer/Director of Athletic Communications at Kennesaw State University. Last Friday (August 23), he was a guest speaker for my sports reporting class.

Barba told us about his personal life and how he entered the world of sports reporting and athletics communication. His education (journalism major at Pepperdine) and work history (includes 5 years of public relations work for the 49ers) qualify him as an excellent adviser when it comes to sports reporting.

Al Barba, courtesy ksuowls.com

After introducing himself and summarizing his career experiences so far, Barba explained to us what exactly sports information officers do. He described to us the many ways that officers handle publicity for departments of athletics and sports teams. As part of his job, Barba also handles website maintenance, develops communication strategies for athletics, and assists the media with press releases, game notes, record and fact books, and interviews with student-athletes, coaches and administration.

Barba gave our class numerous tips and recommendations to help prepare us for the assignments we will have to complete throughout the semester. He taught us how to do our homework before covering high school football in order to get the most out of our time on the scene. Barba also provided the class with ideas for KSU athletes and coaches that we could feature for our profile assignment.

Overall, I am very grateful that Mr. Barba was able to speak to our class. His experience in the field of sports reporting has provided him with a vast knowledge of what to do and how to do it when it comes to covering a game or writing features on athletes. I know that his advice will be very helpful not only throughout this semester but my future career as well.

Braves' Heyward takes a jaw-breaking pitch to the face, undergoes surgery

Atlanta Braves' right fielder Jason Heyward suffered a devastating injury Wednesday when a 90 mph fastball struck him in the face. 

 

After taking the pitch to the right side of his face, Heyward remained on the ground for several minutes while he was tended to by Braves trainer Jeff Porter. Heyward reportedly never lost consciousness and eventually left the field on his own. He was evaluated by doctors at the field before being transported to a Manhattan-area hospital.

 

After medical examination, X-rays revealed Heyward's jaw to be fractured in two places. He had surgery in Atlanta today in which doctors placed two metal plates over each fracture.

 

Though it's possible that the incident will put Heyward out for the remainder of the season, it is estimated that it will take him a minimum of 4 weeks to get back on the field.

 

Heyward's jaw fracture is the second major injury occurring at Citi Field in recent weeks. The other happened when Tim Hudson fell victim to an ankle fracture while covering first base.

 

Heyward's injury adds him to a list of six other Braves who have suffered serious injuries within the current season. His absence is expected to have a very negative impact on the team's overall performance.