It's been way too long since my last visit. Much has happened. But, I could REALLY use some seasoned advice... especially from any scouts in the audience.
Son graduated from a good academic college (double major, Magna Cum Laude) in 2010. He is living on his own, still hanging on to "The Dream", working out at an "anonymous" baseball training center, 1,000 miles from home, while holding down a full-time job.
He landed a Spring Training contact earlier this year in a lower Indy League, but was released. It was an eye-opening, disappointing experience. We both thought (as did his teammates) that he was the odds-on favorite to be the starting catcher. We were thrilled, given his past baseball heartaches. So, getting his walking papers was quite a shock. Although, the silver-lining was him hitting a HR in his first and only professional at-bat... definitely a great memory.
I will attempt to condense my request to what is pertinent as everyone has a "story".
We are learning that the baseball training center he is attending does provide very good training. Now, with no place to play, he certainly needs the reps he can get there. But, the pro contract connections that we thought this training center had... now seem pretty sparse at best. I understand jobs in the baseball industry are tight this year. But, time is running out... not just on the season, but on his career! We want to make sure we're doing the right things and considering all of our options... before it is too late.
Because my son was signed early last year, he did not attend any other pro tryout events... which we realize was a mistake. And, by the time he was released, all the pre-season tryouts were already over and everyone's rosters were filled. (In fact, the coach of his Indy team tried calling around to find him a place... to no avail). Meanwhile, the training center said they'd find a place for him as slots always open up by mid-season. So, while we were upset, we weren't terribly worried.
For sake of argument, assume my son has the "goods" to play. It's a long story, but I feel we've had enough feedback over the past several years (college to present) from former affiliated coaches, scouts and players that have affirmed that he has the skills to make it as a pro. And, he just keeps getting better. Since being released this spring, he has attended some "open" MLB tryouts. He was kept for a "second look" at two camps (Braves and ??). But we have learned that those types of tryouts very rarely net any signings. Those that do sign are usually pitchers. Unfortunately, my son's current training center doesn't seem to really have anything... as they were certain would develop. Unfortunately, we missed some of the few mid-year pro showcases (like IndyProShowcase) because of what the training center was supposed to offer.
Yes, hindsight is too easy. I realize we relied too much on this training center. But, now what? what's missing? My theory is that experience and pedigree... and now, age... and lack of connections are huge obstacles.
Further, as a 4-year bench player from a northeastern DIII school, it is really tough to get attention. I know. Any reasonable observer, including scout worth his salt, would conclude there is nothing there to be seen given THAT college experience. Of course, getting released from low-level Indy ball doesn't help (and THAT is its own story). But, this is really not the case. The story from college is truly beyond belief... but things happen for reasons and I don't really want to get into all that. Sadly, we had two different DI opportunities that we elected not to take. Again, hindsight.
At any rate, my son is a very strong, 6'2" catcher who has excellent plate skills, a strong, accurate arm and very quick bat (I don't recall his BESR, but it is up there). He also has an incredible knowledge of the game and pitchers love to throw to him. And, as I mentioned, his bat is very good. Yes, I am a Dad, but I usually try to under-rate rather than over-rate. Anyway, our plans at this point are as follows:
- Stay in playing shape and continue to get better
- Go to as many open MLB tryouts as reasonably possible
- Beat the bushes and rattle the cages to see what other opportunities we can find (hence my note to you all)
- Plan on attending as many pre-season tryouts this winter/early spring as possible.
- It is expensive, but the pay-to-play Arizona Winter League seems like it may be one of the last options remaining.
- Hopefully find the money to do it all
So, is this a good approach? Is there anything else we should be doing or can be doing?
Someone with past front-office MLB experience mentioned to us that we probably need an agent. That just seems odd... but does that have some merit? I have certainly learned a lot more than I ever imagined about some of the non-baseball things that occur in a baseball organization. So, perhaps this is something to look into?
Any thoughts and advice would be appreciated. No, he's not hanging up the cleats yet... despite the pressure to do so. He's gotten so close that it makes no sense to quit now. But, which way forward?
Thanks for any advice or help
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