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Pursuing your dream...at what expense?

infielddadinfielddad10,000+ posts
In the discussions about salary and elsewhere, Beenthere has raised legitimate questions about how minor leaguers are compensated, and is it worth it. Without taking a position, it is important to note that the compensation is set by MLB. The players are not represented on the issue and have no say. Their skills are, in effect, sold to the owners of minor league franchises, some of whom are making very friendly financial returns on their investments...since they do not have to pay the salaries for those providing the main attraction. That is for another post and discussion.
My point with this post is to focus on the "is it worth it" question and to contrast my son's experience with 4 of his very best friends with whom he has been attached since all were 6 years old.(They are a group of overachievers in many respects.)
Friend #1: Graduate of an Ivy with honors, double major and 4 year starter in football. Currently employed with an investment banking firm where he works 300-350 hours per month, does mostly due diligence things and see this as nothing other than a learning period and stepping stone. Income:Well compensated. Goal: to stop working so many hours making partners rich. Passion: unclear/to move on and find something he loves.
Friend #2: Graduate of an Ivy with honors and also a football player. Currently in LA, unemployed with a dream of being a writer. Has 2 manuscripts he is passionate about but has been unsuccessful in getting accepted by anyone. Income:subsistence doing tutoring on a very part time basis. Passion: writing. Goal: to be published.
Friend #3: Graduate of an Ivy where he played football. Currently overseas getting a masters in international studies. Passion: Languages. Income:none. Goals: still unclear.
Friend #4: Graduate of an ACC school with honors. Currently in LA where he has taken a position with a commercial real estate brokerage. Hates his work because there is none. Is just cold calling and trying to develop contacts and leads. Passion: Unclear/unkown/confused. Income: minimal. Goal: to move on after obtaining some baseline experience.
Mine: Graduate of a very good DIII, just completed his second year of minor league ball making $1,150 during the season. Volunteer assistant for his college team during the Fall and now setting up a lesson program with local little league players until January. Passion: baseball. Goal:MLB. Income: $1,150 per month in season and per diems.
After putting the current lifestyles of these great young men into some context, it appears to me that the two who really have a passion(writing and baseball) are in similar situations where their future is uncertain but their passion unwavering. Compared to their peers, they are taking risks that their goals will never be met. But, on balance, I expect they will all be successful. Whether it will be in the fields currently chosen is a complete guess.
I do not however see that my son pursuing this baseball dream is putting him behind or creating risks he should not be taking. In contrast, I am so proud of him that he has a passion, dream and some talents that continue to mature and improve. I am proud beyond words that he will take this risk.

'You don't have to be a great player to play in the major leagues, you've got to be a good one every day.'

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ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
infielddad,

I wonder about things like these and have become more at ease with such things as time passes. Life does not always follow a perfectly scripted blue print. Many of the paths that lead to success result from the chosen path and not from a predetermined formula. Many opportunities in life come from the network you establish along the way, in your chosen field, and that often leads to other opportunities. For instance, your son is going to meet people in baseball that his Ivy league friends will not come in contact with and visa versa. Is one set of friends or contacts more valuable than another? Hard to say.

If a baseball career is not his ultimate destination, who is to say that some prospective employer or business partner down the road won't subscribe more weight to your son's baseball and college experience versus the Ivy league credentials? I guess you could ask, does one fall behind professionally by toiling in the minors versus getting after it (a job) right away after college? I think you have your whole life to get after it. I also think the baseball experience is priceless and its intrinsic value transends how much you make or when you actually start making it.
L lhpx2100+ posts
Infielddad -

I sounds like your son went into this experience with his eyes wide open, and I agree that at this stage of his life, pursuing his passion is worth every sacrifice. I will point out, though, that the key point that all of your examples have in common is that they are all college graduates, and from some mighty fine colleges it would seem. That fact alone increases their options enormously as they think about having to "change gears" in the future. Lots (maybe most) of the players in minor league ball don't have that college degree (many are a long way off from getting one, too), which complicates their future after baseball. I know that many are offered a college "scholarship plan" when they sign, but that might be an interesting topic for another thread. Most players end up never going back go school. I think that is why so many HSBBW posters emphasize (rightly) that getting that college degree is the most important consideration. Unless you are an early-rounder that gets a million or more dollars (and then, take care of that money!), it is probably a good idea to go to college first.
L lhpx2100+ posts
CD --

We must have been responding at the same time. I agree completely with your assessment about going down a path and prospering from all the experiences and folks you meet as you travel it. Baseball has taken my sons (and, consequently, us) into expereinces we never could have scripted out. That is what is so great! That college degree gives you lots more addition options, though...
L lafmom5,000+ posts
I certainly don't have much wisdom to add to this debate after those two wonderful posts. As you said CD - life can take many turns and twists. I have two wonderful children that I've always felt have much more confidence and courage to pursue their dreams than I ever had at their age. I have always and will always encourage and support them in their endeavors. If my kids can have the courage and determination to go after "it" - then their mom can certainly stand behind them. I think VADad summed it up very well in the other thread - don't want them to ever "if only". Dreams don't have pricetags IMO.
MN-MomMN-MomHSBaseballWeb Owner
Infielddad, great thread, thanks very much for sharing specific stories and your son's own situation.

My two boys who are following their dreams parallel parts of your list - my younger would be "Friend #2" (except his passion is music), and my older son would like to be like yours some day!
Last edited by MN-Mom
MN-MomMN-MomHSBaseballWeb Owner
lhpx2,

I agree on all counts - it is fun to see how many things the parents on this site (and their kids) have in common. And it is SO interesting helping them follow even the "impossible dreams".

I am also sending you a PM - I would love to hear more about your child who has "Gone Pro" in music!

Julie
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
Let me ask this--how many of you,the parents, pursued your "Dreams" as you grew up and made your way in life.

How many have coulda, woulda, shoulda's in their minds?

I played ball into my freshman college year before my arm wentand other health problems prevailed--I also had the opportunity to work in the my other dream field, the music field, for a good number of years.

At 63 , I look back and say I regret nothing because I went , as they say, "for the gusto".

Sure there were some wrong turns here and there but I regret none of them--if you do not make some wrong turns how do you know if you are doing right or wrong

You have to go for it
Last edited by TRhit
L lhpmom100+ posts
Great thread.
We've tried to impart upon our son that he reach for the stars and follow his dreams. If he puts his 110% into achieving his goals, he'll never wonder, "What if?" when he gets older. We've hopefully taught him that he can accomplish anything he sets his mind to, followed by hard work.
It's been a difficult year for our son, physically and with illness, but I'm often amazed at how positive and true to his goals our young man has remained. He is truly happy attending school right now.
My husband often speaks to the fact that he went onto get his college degrees, worked the long hours to provide well for our family, but the whole time denying his passion for music.
Money is very nice to have, but after having been with and without, it is definitely not the end all and be all to peace of mind and happiness. Now my husband is pursuing his dream. Smile
I say life is too short and go for it!!
observer44observer441,000+ posts
.

Just discovered this thread and loved it...

While I do not undervalue education, or the options that money brings...

When you're at the end, lying there waiting for your maker to take you, will you wish that you had chased more money, or will you wish that you had chased your dreams and seen more sunsets and spent more time with your friends and family and told them how you really felt about them?

Course I'm preaching to the choir here... Cool
Bighit15Bighit155,000+ posts
Awesome post. What a good bit of perspective. Well done.

My son is happy, most kids that I know that went to college are happy. It just comes down to what you want from life. For some, not every decision is about money and security and playing it safe. For those who feel that way, that is fine as well. Everyone has their own priorities. Everyone has to wake up and look in the mirror.
itsinthegameitsinthegame5,000+ posts
IMO - At the ages we are talking about (say 18-30) I dont think life would be worth living if the only plan was to "play it safe".

The most successful people in the world - in any field - are the ones who went for the gold - however they defined it - and regardless of what everyone else thought they should or shouldnt do.

You have to applaud - and stand up and take notice - of all the young men and women who "go for it".
Whatever it may be. IMO.
Last edited by itsinthegame
TPMTPMHSBaseballweb Member since 2003
I too just discovered this thread.


CD's comment about the baseball experience being priceless is great. For me, out of my daughter, my husband, my son and myself, I know my son will be the most successful. He seems to be more focused on what he wants to do at a younger age and did what he needed to to get there because of baseball. He doesn't have one goal, he has several, all in pursuit of the dream. He knows how to plan out each phase one step at a time, and we didn't teach him that, he didn't learn it from reading books. Baseball was his teacher. I know it has helped prepare him well for his future, whether it be on or off the field. For that I am grateful, he will use what he has learned to whereever the path takes him. The passion that he has for baseball makes him more passionate about his life, his future, though at times he seems confused, when that day comes I know it will be easier for him to choose the right fork in the road, all because of baseball.
O Orlando1,000+ posts
When I was in my twenties, I continued my passion for travel with a job that took me to many places around the world and loved it. Because of that experience, I've always preached to the kids to take your twenties and enjoy them.

You're going to be on this earth for about 80 years. Taking the first 20 to be a kid and the next 10 to pursue your own interests, passion, and experience, not only makes you a more well-rounded person, but might just stave off that "if only" middle aged crisis on down the line!

I've worked, along the way, with a whole lotta people who graduated, got married, had kids....and pretty much nothing else. Still a good life...but lacking, IMHO, in spice.

Every life lesson I've talked about with my kids was a baseball metaphor (strange reactions from my daughter on occasion, but she's coped Wink) What better way to learn those lessons first-hand than by participating at the highest level you can in the Perfect Game?

I agree with TPM -- the qualities that keep a player playing and the development of those intangible talents we so frequently refer to will be invaluable whatever our sons eventually do in life.

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