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Credit: Kristine Volk, U.S. Navy, via Wikimedia Commons (public domain)
Seeing a final score graphic on Instagram tells me who won the game, a clip of the whole dugout losing it after a walk off makes me wish I was there. This is the opportunity that summer collegiate baseball teams have on a platform like Instagram. A good Reel gives someone a taste of game night even if they have never attended one. For the Salem Marion Berries, that means showing what a summer night at their ball park feels like, from the first pitch to the kids waiting for autographs afterward.
The Portland Pickles had a moment that made for great reel content, when a fan name Dixie stepped up to the plate and hit a home run. MLB’s coverage later explained that he was a Pickles summer intern who was off the clock. The setup is easy to understand even if you’ve never heard of the team, and the swing gives you a reason to stick around for the reaction.
Watch Here: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DM4UH1kONMV/
The Berries can use a like minded approach on any game night. Start with a diving catch, a mascot reaction, or the crowd going crazy after a close play. Add a short line of on screen context and leave in the crowd noise. Film vertically and caption any dialogue so the clip also makes sense with the sound off.
The Savannah Bananas turn entertainment between plays into content people can view on its own. In one of the team’s in game dance clips, four players perform a choreographed routine on the field. It serves as a quick introduction to what makes their games so one of a kind.
For the Berries, maybe a weekly “At the Berry Farm” Reel. One week, ask a player what song gets them ready to hit. The next, follow the mascot through the stands or ask fans what brought them to the game. When the Berries Academy has a camp coming up, have a player teach one drill parents can try with their kids. A series like this gives fans familiar faces to look for when they show up in person.
After a Reel gives fans a reason to go, make the logistics easy. Put the next home game’s date, first-pitch time, and location in the caption. Share the Reel to Stories with a ticket link so someone can act while they are texting friends about weekend plans.
After some time, look at the engagement across game highlights, player interviews, and fan clips. Then check whether the Stories tied to those Reels are getting ticket link taps. A fan sending a Reel to their group chat is a good start. Giving that group a game they can actually plan around is the next step.
