If you dial Anthony Morrison’s phone number and happen to catch his voicemail, you will hear in a proud voice, “This is Anthony Morrison with the world champion Philadelphia Phillies.” This 2002 Temple graduate knows that hard work can pay off in big ways.

A native of South Philadelphia, Morrison grew up next to Veterans Stadium rooting for his home team. Today, the 31-year-old works in event operations at Citizens Bank Park. Morrison’s responsibilities include supervising more than 700 employees and managing ballpark events, security, police and parking.

His behind-the-scenes work is what helped make 2008’s October playoffs an eventful and exciting month for Philadelphia. “The work and planning into post-season got more involved with each win,” said Morrison. His department specifically helped to coordinate police and security efforts for the Major League Baseball commissioner and dignitaries.

Yet Morrison wasn’t always on the fast track to success. “I came into Temple with the wrong attitude,” said Morrison, then a business major. After suffering grades led to community college for a semester, he decided to pursue the sport and recreation management program within the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STHM) at Temple.

Assistant Dean Jeffrey Montague remembers meeting Morrison for the first time. “I told him he wasn’t ready,” said Montague. After a year of hard work and three more visits to Montague’s office, Morrison was accepted into the program. “I showed him that persistence pays off,” said Montague. “If you want to be a professional, you have to show some professionalism first.”

Morrison attended STHM’s Career Day during his junior year and used the opportunity to network with representatives from the Phillies. He received a phone call three weeks later with news that he had landed an internship at the ballpark. “You have to work hard and do everything you’re asked to get your foot in the door,” Morrison said, of his first few years with the organization. Since those early days, he has had a great deal of success and promotion within the company. This past year proved to be the most rewarding experience of all.

Traveling to all of the World Series games with the team, Morrison was close to the action the entire time. He recalls being in the dugout during the championship game and rushing the field with the team after their win against the Tampa Bay Rays. “It was surreal,” he remembers, holding the trophy and celebrating with his family well into the night. But that wasn’t the end of the road for Morrison. His department was also responsible for organizing the escorts, transportation and security for the Phillies’ parade, which had an estimated attendance of 2 million fans.

Morrison knows that his dedication and teamwork has led to a successful career doing what he loves. “The sky is the limit,” he said, of his future plans. “I couldn’t imagine working for any other team.”