rangers.com
There's something poetic about the crack of a bat and the soulful hum of a country song. The Texas Rangers know that better than anyone. This week, they opened the gates once again — not to the stadium, but to opportunity. The 2025 Charley Pride Fellowship Program, backed by The Parrish Charitable Foundation, is officially accepting applications.
It's more than just a program; it's a tribute to a man whose life was stitched together by baseball seams and guitar strings. Charley Pride — the country music legend with over 30 No. 1 hits — always carried a glove alongside his guitar. Before he was a Hall of Famer on stage, he was a pitcher in the Negro and Minor Leagues, chasing baseball dreams under dusty skies.
And now, in the fifth year of this fellowship, Pride's legacy lives on. Five college students from diverse backgrounds will step into the heart of the Texas Rangers' front office for a 10-week summer fellowship — an inside look at how America's pastime is built behind the scenes. It's the kind of opportunity Pride would've tipped his cap to.
Roland Parrish, the driving force behind The Parrish Charitable Foundation and a newly minted member of the Rangers' Executive Board, knows what this means. "This program matches our mission of making a difference for students from underserved communities," Parrish says. And he's not wrong. Alumni of this program aren't just names on a list — they're now woven into the fabric of sports and entertainment. From the NHL's Nashville Predators to Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers, former fellows are making waves.
Take Josh Marcellus, for example. Once a kid swinging bats at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy, he turned fellowship hours into a full-time gig with REV Entertainment, according to a release. That’s the magic of this program — it doesn't just open doors; it builds them.
But this story wouldn't be complete without remembering Pride's unique bond with the Rangers. He wasn't just a fan in the stands. He was family — showing up to spring training, working out with players, and serenading the clubhouse. Even in 2020, amid a world paused by uncertainty, Pride stood at Globe Life Field, singing the National Anthem one last time. Now, his spirit lingers on Charley Pride Field at the Rangers' Surprise, Arizona complex.
For students ready to chase a new kind of dream, the clock is ticking. Applications close on April 4, 2025. The fellowship kicks off May 27 and runs through August 1—10 weeks, three department rotations, and a front-row seat to the inner workings of a Major League Baseball team.
So, to the students out there — this is your stage. This is your field. Apply at rangers.com/charleypridefellowship and take that swing. Who knows? You might just knock it out of the park.
Additional Information:
Eligibility
- Seeking students from diverse backgrounds to apply
- Candidates must be rising college Juniors or Seniors (enrolled in a bachelor's degree program)
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- A passion for and knowledge of baseball is preferred, but not required
- A 10-week commitment to participate in the program
Application Documentation
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Transcript
- A personal statement (500 words or less)
- Two letters of recommendation
Implementation
The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation will provide five fellows per calendar year to various departments within the organization. It should be noted that these fellows do not take the place of existing internships.
Charley Pride Fellows will commit to:
- A 10-week opportunity, 20-hour workweek
- A three-department rotation based on their interests
- No absences (unless excused due to illness, etc.)
Fellowship Positions
A Charley Pride Fellow will select three departments to work in during their time with the Rangers. This person will experience firsthand the day-to-day operations of Major League Baseball front office.
Departments available to fellows include:
- Accounting/Finance
- Ballpark Entertainment, Promotions & Production
- Baseball Operations
- Business Analytics
- Business Partnerships
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- REV Entertainment
- Ticket Operations
- Ticket Sales & Premium Services
Timeline
- January 15, 2025: Application Window Opens
- April 4, 2025: Application Window Closes
- May 27, 2025: First Day of Fellowship
- August 1, 2025: Last Day of Fellowship
