🏆 15 Years in Pinstripes

Mario Oliveri is the Director of Season Ticket Sales, Retention and Service for the New York Yankees, where he leads the organization’s Season Ticket, Retention, Inside Sales, Junior Sales, and the Tampa-based sales staff that oversees Spring Training and Tampa Tarpons. A Pennsylvania native and Misericordia University graduate, his 15-year career in the Bronx has spanned inside sales, premium hospitality, talent development, and multi-market business operations. He has also built a parallel career in education as an Adjunct Professor at NYU’s Global Sport program and the University of North Florida, where he was nominated to participate in the Executive in Residence program.

From Scranton to the Bronx

Mario grew up near Scranton, Pennsylvania, and stayed close to home for college at Misericordia University, where he graduated with a Sport Management degree in 2010. His first real exposure to pro sports came through the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins, where he spent three years in a mentorship program that rotated him through operations, marketing, analytics and game nights. “I worked with them once a month, helped on game nights, and contributed to various departments” he recalls. “Those experiences really taught me what I wanted to pursue—and what I didn’t.”

That experience eventually opened a door to the Yankees. His Penguins mentor, Greg Petorak, connected him with now New York Yankees Executive Director of Publications, Al Santasiere. But Mario still had to earn it. “I loved that he didn’t just pass along my resume, he made me show why my experience was the right fit for the internship.”

Mario got the shot and joined Kevin Dart, the team’s Vice President of Ticket Sales, as an intern. He said, ‘You’ll be helping the Season Ticket Sales team by managing more than 2,000 accounts.’ It was an incredible experience because I was thrown right into the action.” From intern to sales rep to team leader, he’s worked closely with Kevin every step of the way. “He’s been an incredible mentor and a strong leader.”

Moving Up in Sales

In 2011, the Yankees launched their first Inside Sales team, and Mario was part of that inaugural class. The experience sharpened his sales process and his understanding of the New York market. He later moved into an Account Executive role and then into Premium Sales, which he calls one of the best roles of his career. “I worked with some of New York City’s most respected companies, managing their ticketing portfolios and building strong relationships. In addition to account management, I was responsible for driving new business. That experience gave me a strong advantage when I moved into management.”

That success eventually led him back to Inside Sales, this time as the Manager. He recruited nationally, built relationships with universities and developed a pipeline of talent that would later fuel the Yankees’ Season Ticket and Premium Sales teams.

“When I was Inside Sales Manager, my goal was simple, to build a great team and set them up for success. I focused on recruiting top talent and giving them the training and tools they needed to excel. At the same time, we were always looking for ways to hit revenue goals and keep things fresh.” That’s where strategic initiatives like Summer Sales, Winter Sales, and University Suite Nights came in—programs that allowed the team to reach new audiences and deliver strong results. “It was an exciting role that taught me how to lead.”

Building Businesses in Tampa and New York

Beyond New York, Mario also began overseeing the Yankees Spring Training and Tampa Tarpons sales teams in 2018, managing the team remotely.

“I presented a detailed plan to leadership outlining how I could manage the team remotely and drive revenue” he says. The results speak for themselves. “Our Spring Training business has significantly grown,” he notes.

Inside Yankee Stadium, he now oversees the organization’s Season Ticket, Retention, Inside, and Junior teams along with their managers.

The through-line is constant building. "We never just rinse and repeat, we’re constantly exploring new technologies, introducing flexible ticket plans, and finding new ways to bring more fans to the ballpark."

NYU Professor

On top of everything he manages at the Yankees, Mario is also an established professor at New York University. At NYU, he is part of the #1 ranked Master’s in Global Sport program, teaching courses that range from Revenue Strategies to Sports Fandom. “I have a real passion for teaching and enjoy helping aspiring sports professionals grow and succeed.”

For Mario, teaching isn’t just a side role—it’s a source of inspiration. He says: “Teaching pushes me to stay sharp and innovative. I work hard to deliver a high-level, real-world curriculum for my students.”

Success at the Yankees

After 15 years, Mario knows what separates good from great—and it’s not complicated. “It comes down to hard work and passion. Being coachable matters too,” he says. His hiring philosophy is intentionally candid: “I set clear expectations, highlight the success of our program, and share our proven track record. Working in sports isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle that demands real commitment.” He makes a point to recognize employees who exceed expectations.

His Why

Mario’s “why” has evolved throughout his career. Early on, it was about securing a full-time role, then earning promotions, and eventually breaking into leadership. Today, it’s centered on creating impact, fostering growth, and prioritizing family.

And he still sees the future as wide open. His motivations have shifted over time, but one constant remains—his drive. “Fifteen years later, I’m as motivated as ever to keep getting better,” Mario says. “That drive comes from the people around me, a great leadership team and my family. I’ve got a wife and a daughter, and being able to share the ballpark with them and create memories together, that’s what matters.”