Podcast Episode 127 – Dan Kiermaier
SUMMARY
“This Is Purdue,” the official podcast for Purdue University, highlights stories about Boilermakers from across all disciplines, who through research, innovation and determination, have persistently pursued their next giant leap.
Hosted by Purdue University alum, Brian Lamb School of Communication graduate, and Indiana native Kate Young, “This Is Purdue” aims to examine all of the incredible accomplishments of Boilermakers and their contributions to the world.
Below, you’ll find helpful information, stories, and social media content regarding this episode of “This Is Purdue.”
STRATEGY
In this episode of “This Is Purdue,” we’re talking to Dan Kiermaier (BS turf management and science ’12), head groundskeeper for the Chicago Cubs.
Dan is living out his dream career — one that would make his 10-year-old self extremely proud. Every day, he uses his Purdue degree in turf management and science to maintain the safety, playability and historic atmosphere of one of sport’s most iconic venues — Wrigley Field.
In this episode, you will:
- Learn about Dan’s journey within Purdue’s College of Agriculture to becoming a head groundskeeper in Major League Baseball.
- Hear about his experience at the 2016 World Series where the Cubs took the Commissioner’s Trophy home to Chicago after a 108-year drought.
- Get to know how baseball is all in the family for the Kiermaiers, including his brother, former LA Dodgers outfielder and 2024 World Series winner Kevin Kiermaier, who Dan hosted at Wrigley Field for the first time in 2022.
- Go behind the scenes of preparing this legendary field after weather delays and for big events outside of baseball, such as the National Hockey League Winter Classic, Big Ten football games and concerts.
- Experience Dan’s typical Cubs home game day and discover what turf management and science looks like at the second oldest MLB ballpark in the country.
- Find out how his team balances player safety and innovation on the field of the “Friendly Confines” while maintaining the historic charm and ivy — which has a surprising link to Purdue, by the way!
For all sports enthusiasts, baseball fans, Chicagoans, loyal Cubs supporters and more — this is a can’t-miss episode with a Boilermaker who takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to live out his dream.
RESOURCES INCLUDE:
· Links to the podcast
· Social graphics
· Suggested social post copy
LINKS and UTM PARAMETERS
When linking to Purdue websites from social platforms or emails, we recommend that you add UTM parameters to the URL in order to provide reporting on the activity. The Marketing and Communications campaign URL builder allows you to easily configure these links and even request shortened Purdue-branded links.
UTM campaign: this_is_purdue_dan_kiermaier
UTM medium: Social (or email)
UTM source: Facebook, X LinkedIn, Instagram (or email newsletter name)
Link to the podcast: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/dan-kiermaier
General podcast page: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-is-purdue/id1496040232
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1npQBIaTzFnCvDlzeiNV7j?si=h0K1NkdwTMeu-MlzckGaHw
AVAILABLE ASSETS
The following assets are available for download and use. Social assets include files for Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Instagram Stories.
SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDANCE POSTING TIPS
Digital engagement is a powerful platform to share Purdue stories and posts with past, present and future Boilermakers. Here are some tips to help your posts shine:
· Keep posts short and direct
· Link all posts back to our landing page
· Include photos, videos or GIFs
· Use short URLs
SUGGESTED SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
LinkedIn + Facebook
- Have you ever been to a @Cubs game? Or maybe you remember that historic 2016 World Series win. Even if your knowledge of Wrigley Field comes mainly from the iconic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” scene, we have a special treat for you. Chicago Cubs head groundskeeper and @PurdueAg alum Dan Kiermaier joins the #ThisIsPurdue podcast to give you an inside look at @MLB and Wrigley Field. Plus, he shares what it was like to witness THAT legendary #WorldSeries game in 2016 (you know the one). What’s your unforgettable sports moment? Let us know in the comments! 🎧 : https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/dan-kiermaier
- A lifelong @Cubs fan. A #Boilermaker. Part of a family with two @mlb World Series rings. 🏆🏆 These are only a few of the things that describe our latest #ThisIsPurdue podcast guest — Dan Kiermaier. As head groundskeeper for the #ChicagoCubs, Dan is sharing incredible behind-the-scenes stories about the 2016 World Series, how he maintains the iconic atmosphere and safety of the playing field at #WrigleyField, and what it was like hosting his brother, former @Dodgers outfielder and current @BlueJays special assistant Kevin Kiermaier. If you’re a sports fan, this episode is a home run. Listen in or you might risk striking out. https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/dan-kiermaier
- Come behind the scenes of Wrigley Field with #ThisIsPurdue. ⚾🌭🧢 @cubs head groundskeeper and @purdue_ag alum Dan Kiermaier is giving us an inside look at what turf management and science looks like at the second oldest @MLB ballpark in the country. Plus, he shares what it was like to witness THAT legendary #WorldSeries win in 2016 (you know the one). Go to the 🔗 in bio or wherever you get your podcasts to hear the full episode!
- Are you a fan of @mlb or the Chicago @cubs? ⚾ We have the perfect #ThisIsPurdue episode for you. Wrigley Field head groundskeeper and @purdue_ag alum Dan Kiermaier joins the official university #podcast to take you behind the scenes on game day and explain how he helps maintain the historic atmosphere of the 111-year-old ballpark. You don’t want to miss his incredible stories about attending the final 2016 World Series game either. 🏆 Click the 🔗 in bio or listen wherever you normally get your podcasts. Play ball!
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- How does the 100-year-old+ Wrigley Field remain such an iconic sports venue? ⚾ Find out on #ThisIsPurdue as @cubs head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier discusses keeping #Wrigley ready to host the top @MLB players and millions of fans. 🎧 <link>
- Come behind the scenes of Wrigley Field with #ThisIsPurdue. ⚾ @cubs head groundskeeper and @PurdueAg alum Dan Kiermaier is giving us an inside view of what turf science looks like at the second oldest @MLB ballpark in the country. 🎧 Listen: https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/dan-kiermaier
- Are you an @MLB or a @cubs fan? ⚾ Wrigley Field head groundskeeper and @PurdueAg alum Dan Kiermaier joins #ThisIsPurdue to take you behind the scenes on game day and share stories from that 2016 World Series win. (You know the one! 👀 ) Play ball! https://stories.purdue.edu/podcast/dan-kiermaier
TAGGING RECOMMENDATIONS
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EMOJIS
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