son is middle infielder(primarily 2b) at a naia school,senior,all-conference last 2 years,6'1" 180,340 career ba,978 career fielder,ran 6.71 at pro day this fall. feel he can play at next level,defensively no doubt.all star this summer in summer wood bat league which consisted of mainly d1 players. problem is hard to get noticed at small school. possibly independent leagues?
looking for advice.
thanks
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lancek:
There is no prescription or roadmap for success. Maybe he has what it takes; maybe not. Pursue every avenue -- pro days, Major League tryouts, independent leagues etc... Find a former professional coach or scout, get him to take a look and if he likes what he sees perhaps he will make a recommendation. Just keep in mind, the odds are against every player, drafted or undrafted. Work hard, be prepared for any opportunity that might arise. Be ready to be disappointed, but best of luck. You have zero chance if you don't try.
We are preparing our three teams [Yankees, Rays, Reds] for our 19th journey to the land "down under". In Perth, Western Australia. It is the now the Australian summer.
There are over 30 Americans playing Club and Professional Baseball in Perth,
WA. If you are interested, we can make an inquiry.
Bob Williams
<www.goodwillseries.org>
Be careful, lancek, the independent leagues are a tough way to go. There is tons of talent but only a few lucky ones mainstream. Your son obviously loves the game, so maybe coaching is something to try. But good luck with your decision.
Be careful, lancek, the independent leagues are a tough way to go. There is tons of talent but only a few lucky ones mainstream. Your son obviously loves the game, so maybe coaching is something to try. But good luck with your decision.
Bum is correct.
I think that most people actually don't understand about the independent leagues because they don't understand how the pro system works.
Right now the Caribbean leagues (winter ball) are filled with free agents who are trying to get signed with teams. Many will because they have experience as far as AAA, some with MLB. It's difficult, so just imagine how difficult it is with no prior pro experience.
I don't mean to be negative, but realistic. My advice would be to try to continue the game other ways, perhaps coaching as Bum has suggested.
One more thing, is this about what you "feel" or how "he" feels, because you didn't indicate who really wants this. It has to be what he wants, not you.
JMO.
if he loves the game and wants to play then do so until "he" feels it's over. I know a guy who quit in AAA just because he felt he hated the grind more than he loved the game. He left and is the owner of his own company and never looked back. Know another guy who played minors, independent and foreign before getting another shot and still didn't make it. Stayed in the game till no one would pay him then left with his head up. I also know many guys who will always wonder "what if". Don't be a what if guy.
"What if" can cut both ways. A guy can wake up in an Econo Lodge at age 28 on a minor league salary and convincing his wife moving every year isn't so bad, asking himself "What if I got a real job when I was 22?"
"What if" can cut both ways. A guy can wake up in an Econo Lodge at age 28 on a minor league salary and convincing his wife moving every year isn't so bad, asking himself "What if I got a real job when I was 22?"
I know a guy who signed as a junior around the 18th round 2009. Never made it out of low A in 5 seasons. He started selling used cars last fall.
