Hundreds of individuals descended upon Hotel Murano on March 13 to apply for jobs with the Tacoma Rainiers. The minor league baseball team is lining up its staff for the 2010 season, which begins next month.

Some were teenagers looking for a first job. Others were adults either looking to supplement their income with a part-time job, or were unemployed and searching for work to tide them through this period of high unemployment.

Alyson Jones, director of media development and events, said Hotel Murano was used because the team has entered into a partnership with the downtown hotel to provide lodging for visiting teams this season.

“We like having the event here,” she commented.

The team was planning to hire between 150 and 200 people to serve as parking lot attendants, ushers, ticket takers and for jobs in the gift shop and concession stands.

Four hours into the job fair, close to 300 had applied for openings. Some were adults who have been fans for years.

“They want to give others that experience they have enjoyed,” Jones observed.

Some were teenagers in casual attire; a few adults showed up in suits and ties.

“We have a broad spectrum, a large age range and turnout,” Jones said.

The recession is having some effect, with more older adults applying, she noted.

Many showed up with resumes in hand.

“Everyone is in it to win it,” Jones said. “They are putting their best forward. We are just like any other employer. We want to hire the best people possible and this provides an opportunity to hire people we see can do it.”

About 40 people applied for 12 to 15 positions on the Fun Squad, which handles promotional duties such as shooting T-shirts into the stands or coordinating contests and activities while players take the field. Between four and eight people are needed each game.

Five people tried out to be Rhubarb, the team’s reindeer mascot. Vice President Jocelyn Hill said the person who had the position the past few seasons found a full-time job and is no longer available.