graduating do i have options

I hesitated in responding as I am pretty direct and usually accused of not being sympathetic or understanding.

Realistically, the chances of playing beyond this point are probably not good.

Understand that independent ball is  made up of former pro players trying to get back into the game or looking for playing time due to recovery from a prior injury and from what I understand they are not always well scouted.   Does your son  know of a scout that he could talk to about this?  Most players I know going into independent ball get in because of a relationship with an agent or scout who recommends them.

He might want to contact teams to see if they have MLB try outs in the area.

He doesn't  have to be done with the game, there are so many ways that he can get into it on a different level.  I don't know what his major was, but there are so many jobs in baseball that do not always include playing.

I wish that every young man could play the game at the pro level, it would definetly open the door as to what exactly it is all about, it is not what you see on TV, and for a free agent, it is extremely difficult to try to find your way into the line up.

BTW, you  used the word WE, so is this something he wants to pursue or something that you want him to do? 

Best of luck!

Right Arm;

Your son can check the web sites for the Independent Leagues and request a tryout.

In a few weeks, there will be additional players released from Pro baseball Minor Leagues as the MLB signs players from the June draft.They will also make a contact with the Independent Pro Leagues.

We have Senior players at SSU [Division2] who will experience a the same situation.

They are good, but will not be drafted. If requested, I will help each one.

Last year, in Perth, Western Australia, I visited with 12 Americans, who are playing on the Perth Heat or Club Baseball.Many are College graduates. Yes, you have options.

Several years ago, a Japanese Industrial League team request my assistance to find players for their Company Team. China is also an option.

One of our former Australia alumni will soon graduate and he and a teammate will travel to Uganda in June to assist in the development of baseball programs.

"Baseball teaches Life". Many opportunities to explore.

Bob Williams

<www.goodwillseries.org>

TPM, i don't see anything you said as negative, i actually prefer straight forward, alot of us don't have a lot of time for dancing. As far as the WE comment it is simply this, he and I gaining information. Consultant, thanks.  I should have been a little more clearer in my post i do apologize for this.  I was hoping that if someone knew of when there will be a tryout or knew of a tryout that someone sends me a PM or post it on here.  I am familiar with mlb scouting bureau tryouts, we already know when and where those are.  Son has done well he majored in physical therapy and is an academic, he will be fine in my opinion when baseball is over.  His words were "what do i am do i am not sure i want to stop playing right now", so i seeked advice from people who know more than I. 

My son is currently playing under a Spring Training contract with the Frontier League.  35 players invited to camp and 24 make the regular season roster.  He received the invite partly through connections and his performance at an open team tryout (held in April).  What others have said here is correct: the roster is almost exclusively made up of players with pro experience (some as high as AA), although the Frontier League mandates that team keeps 11 with either one year or no pro experience.  My son just graduated from college and just recently completed his rehab from February 2012 Tommy John surgery.  One of his motivations for taking this route is that he didn't want his last baseball experience to be his injury.  If nothing else, this Frontier League Spring Training is allowing him to have some closure.

There are also international options, Italy and Denmark are two that I aware of.

My son received a conference call from a GM and Team Manager from a Indy team out of New Mexico telling him they had been talking to his Pitching coach and wanted to sign him as a closer. And they were emailing him the contract that night to sign and be IN New Mexico on Tuesday (yesterday!) for their home opener. Kind of a whirlwind phone call he said and after calling to consult me about what I thought and should do I basically told him at the end of the day the decision was his to make as he was now 23 but I just gave him some serious things to consider and think about.

He called back and said that it may be a missed opportunity for him but he declined their offer as he wants to play all his cards for this summer in a more secure route should he be given the opportunity to play at the next level.

Man I was excited for him but, sweating it at the same time!

Many years ago, I lived in New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment" as a Officer, not a gentleman. Drafted by Uncle Sam. This is the promised land and I would return in a "heartbeat".

Made many friends and had many memories. The Head Coach at the Las Vegas, NM. team is a good friend and the experience will be rewarding to a young 23 year old.

As you know the Indy League can sell the players contract to a MLB team.

Bob

TPM is correct, It's better to walk away from baseball due to injury than to be unwanted after 17 years of playing.

Zeus;

the player should make the decision. If he is ready to quit, then do it. Don't look back.

When I faced this decision after a MA Degree, I asked my mother. She said "you can always work for a living, but you can always play baseball".

I played in Edmonton, Canada for $2,500.00 per month for one more year and then traveled to SF and started a tire business with Willie Mays as my promotions.

'YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT AROUND THE CORNER".

Bob