CINCINNATI - Emily Price didn't spend very long in the minor leagues before getting her call up to the majors.

Two years ago, Price graduated from James Madison University on a Saturday. A week from the following Monday she interviewed and was hired by the Cincinnati Reds as the Riverfront Club Sales Coordinator.

The Ironton native found out that she not only had to field the fast problems, but the curveball events as well.

"My title is sales coordinator, but I do a whole lot more than that. The title really doesn't describe my job," Price said.

That's an understatement. The Ironton native's job has more duties than the Reds have had pitchers this season. She also deals with Christmas parties, weddings, luncheons, reception and corporation parties to name just a few of her duties.

The activities at the new Great American Ball Park are not restricted to the baseball season. Her job is year-round. Last winter, she entertained 450 employees who received a trip and dinner as a reward for the Loreal company. Recently, Proctor and Gamble had employees in town from Thailand, Sweden, Britain and Japan.

"Companies may be local, but they have clients and employees from all over the world. When conventions come to town, they want to see a game," Price said. "Some days we're in meetings all day, so we look forward to (being out in the stadium with a group)."

A normal day for Price begins at 8:30 a.m. and usually extends into the late evening hours. She said her work weeks are anywhere between 40 to 90 hours but "it's usually around 60 to 70. I work a lot of non-game day events."

Despite the long hours, Price said it has been a great experience. She credits her co-workers for making the job so enjoyable.

"It's a fun place to work. The front office is a pretty tight-knit group. We do a lot of favors for each other," Price said who had "only" three events to coordinate on this day.

While working for the Reds may seem like a dream job for a Reds fan, Price said there is more work than play.

"It depends on the day,

but I usually don't get to see much of the game," Price said. "I usually take care of a group. I may sit down for an inning, or sometimes it's slow enough I can sit at my desk and get some work done."

Parents Jeff and Kathy Price visit occasionally and Emily will treat them to a Sunday ball game. "I get to see them and sit and watch the game. Mom and I usually spend more time talking than watching the game."

Unfortunately for her friends, Price does not have access to many tickets during the course of the season. But that doesn't stop the steady flow from Ironton to the ball park.

"I see someone from Ironton at about every game," Price said.

Price knows a lot about athletics. She qualified for the state track meet at Ironton High School as a distance runner before graduating in 1998.

She said the Reds organization is always looking to educate new fans about the game through a Baseball 101 class.

"It teaches women about the game of baseball," Price said.

And if the women learn as fast as Emily Price, they can spend more time in the ball park and less time in the classroom.