Hey guys my name is Steve Shepard and I'm looking to get back into affiliated ball. I'm a 6'4 245 lb RHP. I got drafted in the 13th round by the Nationals in 07 and was released the following June in 08. I then signed with the Phillies this past spring and got released on the final cuts in spring training. Then I signed with the NJ Jackals of the can am league and got released right before the season started.
The problem I've been having is staying with teams, I'm not getting the game experience needed in order to develope. I have the stuff to be in pro ball, but I'm not being given a chance. I have such little experience since college. I went to Franklin Pierce in NH and threw 27 innings in 3 years, then I only threw 9 innings with the Nationals, 8 2/3 with the Phillies in spring training, and 3 innings with the Jackals. I also played in a mens league this year where I pitched around 40 innings.
I'm 23 and have been working with an exbigleague pitcher and throwing bullpens to his son 2 times per week and I have been staying in shape at the gym. All I know is I feel I should be playing pro ball, but I am having a hard time getting back in. I threw at the Franklin Pierce scout day this past fall with a 91-94mph fastball and was pounding the strikezone. Not one scout seemed interested. It's been a frustrating road. I know that if I was given the chance to throw on a regular basis I'd do well. But I haven't been able to get that opportunity.
Does anyone have any suggestions?? I really want to go to some tryouts, but they are all invitation only and I have no idea about how to get invited to one. Any advice or input anyone has would be greatly appreciated. I'm not ready to hang em up yet.
Here's a video of me throwing with pitcing coach Paul Swingle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQvYvTclMsM
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