I still dont understand why money is always the main topic of discussion regarding the minors, yes its rough, yes its tough, but so are a bunch of other jobs. This is an entry level position to a multi-million dollar a year job.
But also remember money isnt everything, i was happier before i had my signing bonus. You cant take this game and base it solely on getting rich, if you do it will humble you real quick. Luckily i've already learned that.If you look at most of the big leaguers, even the guys with big contracts, you will notice that they still just love to play the game. It may seem like with all the money that players get that its all they care about. But if you watch the game, the best players arent all about the money, they play hard and then when the season ends they let their agent take care of the negotiating.
Beenthere,
Teammates and roommates, Do you know Eric?
Ive already been out to Burlington but I may try to make the Dayton OH or Lansing games.
Teammates and roommates, Do you know Eric?
Ive already been out to Burlington but I may try to make the Dayton OH or Lansing games.
Great post AHS!
NJBB - If you get to Dayton, especially on weekend, please let me know. I'd LOVE to come up and watch Chris with ya!
quote:Beenthere,
Teammates and roommates, Do you know Eric?
Ive already been out to Burlington but I may try to make the Dayton OH or Lansing games.
Coached him in the summer of 2002 with the Upper Deck Cougars.
Big, talented, good-looking kid.
Thanks, I'm still watching.
lafmom,
you have a pm
you have a pm
Got it! 
This is a most interesting thread, as many of the pro ball discussions are. And there are as many opinions and perspectives as there are belly buttons out there.
From our perspective, there have been times when we almost wished our son were ready to hang up the cleats ... watching him struggle at his 'profession', watching the sadness in his eyes as he tried to figure out what he needed to correct to be successful, watching his face as he struggled with the little voice that told him to just keep walking when he left the mound that inning, walking till he got back home to Orange County.
Does he think his job is tougher than that of a family man trying to support a family of 4 on minimun wage? Would he ever compare what he does with that of a service man/woman who is protecting our country and putting themselves in harm's way so that we can enjoy our American way of life? No, not for a minute.
But IT IS HIS JOB AND HE TAKES IT VERY SERIOUSLY ! ! ! He treats it as a job, he shows up when he is supposed to, does what he is expected to do, and in some cases, sacrifices some things that people outside the sport wouldn't understand (sometimes it is even club house dues that come pretty expensive as he moves up, or long bus rides on 2 lane roads that take 3 hours up and 3 hours back, just to turn around and do again the next day), and does his job in rather rough climate conditions that are not always conducive to a successful outing.
He has a love/hate relationship with his dream job, and stays with it because he has the same dream he had when he was 8 and 12 and 16 and 20 ... to make it to a 40 man and then a 25 man roster. He doesn't get paid a whole lot but he and his wife manage to survive inspite of it. They both know that he could be making more money if he were in the non-sports work world, and his wife chose to teach full time. But to them, it isn't about the money at this point, anymore than it was for his parents and her parents when they first started out.
bbscout ...
Thanks for making the comments about the married couple. I know a lot of wives do NOT travel with their husbands, primarily for financial reasons, tho there are a few wives who don't travel because they really don't support their husbands' dreams. (I feel very sad for those players ... ) But our son and his wife married just before his second season for that very reason ... they loved each other, had gone together for 6+ years, and he wanted the emotional support from her that she dreamed of providing to him while pursuing his dreams. And tho many wouldn't understand this either, most of the married players that we know are more stable and settled and quite often more dependable than the single players.
infielddad ...
Thanks for your original post. I have a good sense of what Jason was feeling as we have witnessed firsthand the sadness that our son has experienced when a close friend is traded, impacted by the rule V draft, or (more painfully) said goodbye to a friend who wasn't ready to hang up his cleats but was handed his ticket home. And as I sit here and watch the tail end of the All Star game, I realize how many of those fine athletes lived the same way and wouldn't be where they are today had they not lived throught the challenges of the minor league life.
God bless them all ! ! !
From our perspective, there have been times when we almost wished our son were ready to hang up the cleats ... watching him struggle at his 'profession', watching the sadness in his eyes as he tried to figure out what he needed to correct to be successful, watching his face as he struggled with the little voice that told him to just keep walking when he left the mound that inning, walking till he got back home to Orange County.
Does he think his job is tougher than that of a family man trying to support a family of 4 on minimun wage? Would he ever compare what he does with that of a service man/woman who is protecting our country and putting themselves in harm's way so that we can enjoy our American way of life? No, not for a minute.
But IT IS HIS JOB AND HE TAKES IT VERY SERIOUSLY ! ! ! He treats it as a job, he shows up when he is supposed to, does what he is expected to do, and in some cases, sacrifices some things that people outside the sport wouldn't understand (sometimes it is even club house dues that come pretty expensive as he moves up, or long bus rides on 2 lane roads that take 3 hours up and 3 hours back, just to turn around and do again the next day), and does his job in rather rough climate conditions that are not always conducive to a successful outing.
He has a love/hate relationship with his dream job, and stays with it because he has the same dream he had when he was 8 and 12 and 16 and 20 ... to make it to a 40 man and then a 25 man roster. He doesn't get paid a whole lot but he and his wife manage to survive inspite of it. They both know that he could be making more money if he were in the non-sports work world, and his wife chose to teach full time. But to them, it isn't about the money at this point, anymore than it was for his parents and her parents when they first started out.
bbscout ...
quote:The young couple got married because they love each other
Thanks for making the comments about the married couple. I know a lot of wives do NOT travel with their husbands, primarily for financial reasons, tho there are a few wives who don't travel because they really don't support their husbands' dreams. (I feel very sad for those players ... ) But our son and his wife married just before his second season for that very reason ... they loved each other, had gone together for 6+ years, and he wanted the emotional support from her that she dreamed of providing to him while pursuing his dreams. And tho many wouldn't understand this either, most of the married players that we know are more stable and settled and quite often more dependable than the single players.
infielddad ...
Thanks for your original post. I have a good sense of what Jason was feeling as we have witnessed firsthand the sadness that our son has experienced when a close friend is traded, impacted by the rule V draft, or (more painfully) said goodbye to a friend who wasn't ready to hang up his cleats but was handed his ticket home. And as I sit here and watch the tail end of the All Star game, I realize how many of those fine athletes lived the same way and wouldn't be where they are today had they not lived throught the challenges of the minor league life.
God bless them all ! ! !
This has been a really interesting thread. I really enjoyed the various posters expressing their own points of view and obviously acknowledging other viewpoints. One of the best in that respect I've ever read on here.
As I read through this I couldn't help but think about how hard it is for anyone to comprehend the ups and downs without going through them personally. While I don't pretend to know anything about minor league or professional baseball...I have learned a lot from those who have or are experiencing it...infielddad being one such person who has shared a lot of his son's experiences to me outside of this message board.
But I understand the other views as well...Poptime, while you came out with guns blazing, you ultimately got the discussion to cover the points that it needed too.
Fungo, bbscout, CD, FBM, AHS17, others...great job!
I know from our college experience so much more that I could have never known before. Yes, lots of great things...but there are other times that break your heart as a parent. In what other profession do you have to sit quietly while you watch your son fail badly in front of thousands...or on national TV?
What other job do you as a parent sit next to people who are ripping your child to shreds with their anger? Or read a bristling critique from a fan of their latest performance on their college message board? 
I'll never forget PGStaff's story about sitting in the MLB stadium while 45,000 fans booed his son. 
I can relate (on a smaller scale)!
You know your son can deal with it...but you're just crying inside and only other parents can ever truly understand those feelings.
One of my favorite "little stories" other than PGStaff's occured just 6 or 7 weeks ago. Our son followed another pitcher's bad outing with is own horrible outing...on national TV. The mother of the other pitcher looked at my wife after they were both finished for the day and asked, "Wanna go get drunk?"
But would we want it any other way? Really? Things are not appreciated so much when they come easy. I do hope my son pitches a CG win in the final game of the CWS, gets drafted and stays with one team forever, wins the Cy Young and is inducted into the HOF. We all want that, yes. But this stuff is hard and we know our sons are there because they want to be and we know that they are growing up so incredibly fast and yes, that alone makes us smile!
As I read through this I couldn't help but think about how hard it is for anyone to comprehend the ups and downs without going through them personally. While I don't pretend to know anything about minor league or professional baseball...I have learned a lot from those who have or are experiencing it...infielddad being one such person who has shared a lot of his son's experiences to me outside of this message board.
But I understand the other views as well...Poptime, while you came out with guns blazing, you ultimately got the discussion to cover the points that it needed too.
I know from our college experience so much more that I could have never known before. Yes, lots of great things...but there are other times that break your heart as a parent. In what other profession do you have to sit quietly while you watch your son fail badly in front of thousands...or on national TV?
I can relate (on a smaller scale)!You know your son can deal with it...but you're just crying inside and only other parents can ever truly understand those feelings.
One of my favorite "little stories" other than PGStaff's occured just 6 or 7 weeks ago. Our son followed another pitcher's bad outing with is own horrible outing...on national TV. The mother of the other pitcher looked at my wife after they were both finished for the day and asked, "Wanna go get drunk?"
But would we want it any other way? Really? Things are not appreciated so much when they come easy. I do hope my son pitches a CG win in the final game of the CWS, gets drafted and stays with one team forever, wins the Cy Young and is inducted into the HOF. We all want that, yes. But this stuff is hard and we know our sons are there because they want to be and we know that they are growing up so incredibly fast and yes, that alone makes us smile!
Justbaseball, Great Post.
Let my wife and I know wear the nearest Pub's Are
Around the Country.
How do you Prepare your Son for such abuse.
It's just Baseball.
Do they sell Ear Plug's to Parent's.
Are do you invest in your own Box and Share with other's. EH
Let my wife and I know wear the nearest Pub's Are
Around the Country.
How do you Prepare your Son for such abuse.
It's just Baseball.
Do they sell Ear Plug's to Parent's.
Are do you invest in your own Box and Share with other's. EH
quote:Originally posted by justbaseball:
In what other profession do you have to sit quietly while you watch your son fail badly in front of thousands...or on national TV? What other job do you as a parent sit next to people who are ripping your child to shreds with their anger? Or read a bristling critique from a fan of their latest performance on their college message board?
Just,
Please let me know the answer to that question when you find it.
In high school I sat in the crowds at football games and listened to them rip my son if he dropped a pass or missed a tackle.
I have read the remarks on the college message board where people who "say" they are my son's friend ripped him apart about baseball and he hasn't ever even set foot on that campus yet.
Added:
"I'll never forget PGStaff's story about sitting in the MLB stadium while 45,000 fans booed his son"
Now that would be a rough experience and one I am not sure I could handle.
"The mother of the other pitcher looked at my wife after they were both finished for the day and asked, "Wanna go get drunk?"
I am not much of a drinker, but under those circumstances I just may have to take it up. Maybe that is why some people drink BEFORE the game.
FBM - That was a great post! The parents of players who are in the minors obviously share the "true" picture of that life. It is not an easy one and is a job that these guys choose to stay with because of their dreams. It is very easy to understand why some would want to hang it up. It is a challenging life for many reasons.
I think it would be pretty awesome to play in the minor leagues. Even though it is not much you get paid to play a game.
"The life of a minor league player is not easy, and they are not blessed......they are grinding like crazy trying to be the best they can be which is not something that can be said about most people in most jobs."
bbscout, as usual, provides a great and accurate perspective.
For everyone who has posted about how great it is to play professional baseball at any level of the minor leagues, I agree with every single one of you. There are very few playing professional baseball players who would ever trade that experience of being on the baseball field, playing the game and competing as they never have before.
What you don't see is the off the field grind and the "business" of baseball. The business side isn't money. The business side is watching your friends get released, traded, injured. The business side is, for the most part, never ever having a "boss" who tells you how you are doing, where you stand, giving you a performance review, or letting you have a clue of your situation. The business side is having a "breakout" season, getting your hopes up that you have made a mark and having the organization select a player who barely hit over .100 but was paid a very large bonus for the rewards and development of Fall Instrux. For the most part, professional baseball is all about the organization. The player, your son, is a "commodity, a contract" within that organization. The more money invested in the player, the better he stands but he is still by and large a "commodity/contract." Once you get over that, everything is fine.
I have come to view it this way: to play successfully at any level of professional ball you need excellent skills and unbelieveable determination and confidence. Because we all are able to see what happens on the field, we we can share the joys of playing.
Because we rarely see and hear what happens the other 12-13 hours per day in their lives, we really can't relate at all. That is real life and completely understandable.
The reason I started this thread wasn't to discuss what we see on the field, it was to provide some information about the off field. The posts from Fungo, FBM, njbb, bbscout, FrankF, justbb and others combine to provide terrific insights.
The reason I started this thread is to explain that it can be difficult to accept and acknowledge that your son is a baseball player to you and the fans but in his profession, he is all of those and he is also a commodity, a contract that can be bought, sold, traded, promoted, demoted and released. He can go 3-4 and drive in runs in a game, walk into the clubhouse and be told, at 11pm, to be at the park tomorrow morning at 7am as he is being shipped elsewhere. It happens to everyone of these players and it brings home the "business" side of baseball.
The reason I started this thread is to provide some idea of how mentally strong, determined and focused minor league players need to be to succeed in their profession, and even then, the organization will conclude most of them "failed."
bbscout, as usual, provides a great and accurate perspective.
For everyone who has posted about how great it is to play professional baseball at any level of the minor leagues, I agree with every single one of you. There are very few playing professional baseball players who would ever trade that experience of being on the baseball field, playing the game and competing as they never have before.
What you don't see is the off the field grind and the "business" of baseball. The business side isn't money. The business side is watching your friends get released, traded, injured. The business side is, for the most part, never ever having a "boss" who tells you how you are doing, where you stand, giving you a performance review, or letting you have a clue of your situation. The business side is having a "breakout" season, getting your hopes up that you have made a mark and having the organization select a player who barely hit over .100 but was paid a very large bonus for the rewards and development of Fall Instrux. For the most part, professional baseball is all about the organization. The player, your son, is a "commodity, a contract" within that organization. The more money invested in the player, the better he stands but he is still by and large a "commodity/contract." Once you get over that, everything is fine.
I have come to view it this way: to play successfully at any level of professional ball you need excellent skills and unbelieveable determination and confidence. Because we all are able to see what happens on the field, we we can share the joys of playing.
Because we rarely see and hear what happens the other 12-13 hours per day in their lives, we really can't relate at all. That is real life and completely understandable.
The reason I started this thread wasn't to discuss what we see on the field, it was to provide some information about the off field. The posts from Fungo, FBM, njbb, bbscout, FrankF, justbb and others combine to provide terrific insights.
The reason I started this thread is to explain that it can be difficult to accept and acknowledge that your son is a baseball player to you and the fans but in his profession, he is all of those and he is also a commodity, a contract that can be bought, sold, traded, promoted, demoted and released. He can go 3-4 and drive in runs in a game, walk into the clubhouse and be told, at 11pm, to be at the park tomorrow morning at 7am as he is being shipped elsewhere. It happens to everyone of these players and it brings home the "business" side of baseball.
The reason I started this thread is to provide some idea of how mentally strong, determined and focused minor league players need to be to succeed in their profession, and even then, the organization will conclude most of them "failed."
This has been a great thread and should be moved to a new home in Golden threads!
Thanks all!
Thanks all!
It sure has taken a few twists and turns hasn't it?
Very good thread.
Very good thread.
Oh my gosh TPM, I totally agree with you 
This thread definitely deserves Golden Thread considerations. I will not lie! peace, Shep
This thread definitely deserves Golden Thread considerations. I will not lie! peace, Shep
I agree, an excellent thread - what great posts from many members with first-hand experience. Thank you!
Moving to Golden Threads...
Moving to Golden Threads...
Very well said infield dad,
Many players who hang up the cleats, tell stories of the great times they had in the minors and I'm sure they were many but we all tend to remenber the good times and forget the bad.
Professional baseball is a emotional roller coaster for the players and their famlies.
Many players who hang up the cleats, tell stories of the great times they had in the minors and I'm sure they were many but we all tend to remenber the good times and forget the bad.
Professional baseball is a emotional roller coaster for the players and their famlies.
Simply put ....There are pros and cons to both (as w/ anything in life).....educate yourself as much a possible and make a decision.....Obviously the college coaches want you to go to school and the pro guys want you to play pro ball.........Each situation is different and unique.......I guess I'm up in arms about people trying to sway someone they have never met to make a major life decision......I feel this is not the place to get advice on wheather one should decide to play pro or college baseball.......maybe I'm wrong, and I do understand the passion that goes into the advice but I just do not feel this is the place based on each unique case......
If you want to go to college and play then go to college and play.....
If you want to play professional baseball then play professional baseball.....
Come up w/ a $$ figure and stick to it......It's the kid who has to go to school or play pro ball and no one else......
That's LIFE....Don't get a headache about it....If you are in that postion to make a decision you are very fortunate......
I DO NOT MEAN TO OFFEND ANYONE>>>>>>>>
If you want to go to college and play then go to college and play.....
If you want to play professional baseball then play professional baseball.....
Come up w/ a $$ figure and stick to it......It's the kid who has to go to school or play pro ball and no one else......
That's LIFE....Don't get a headache about it....If you are in that postion to make a decision you are very fortunate......
I DO NOT MEAN TO OFFEND ANYONE>>>>>>>>
quote:I feel this is not the place to get advice on wheather one should decide to play pro or college baseball
SAY WHAT!!!
I think this is the best place in the world to get that advice. This is the only place that I know of where you can hear it from those players (and their parents) that have gone to college out of high school AND those that have turned pro from high school. In order to weigh options one needs to gather information. Infielddad gives a very accurate description of the highs and lows of minor league baseball. His son had to make some very important decisions about college and about professional baseball and he has shared those decisions over the years. I appreciate the experiences shared by those that had traveled the path before me. Obviously you feel that sharing opinions are good or you wouldn't have posted yours on this topic ----- you said it very well and I happen to agree with when you said:
quote:If you want to go to college and play then go to college and play.....
If you want to play professional baseball then play professional baseball.....
Come up w/ a $$ figure and stick to it......It's the kid who has to go to school or play pro ball and no one else......
That's LIFE....Don't get a headache about it....If you are in that postion to make a decision you are very fortunate......
LOW337, Your suggestion and contribution to this topic could help a young player or his parents make a very important decision? We need to keep talking and giving our opinions so our sons can make the best choices. That is the soul of the HSBBW.
Thanks,
Fungo
This is definately a place to come for advice, read different ideas and stories and look for answers. You can get a different perspective or piece of information that you would have never had just pondering the question on your own. However, just because one person says something does not make it true or accurate for your particular situation.
It's up to each of us to to be intelligent and read, do research and then apply the gathered information to each of our own unique situations.
It's up to each of us to to be intelligent and read, do research and then apply the gathered information to each of our own unique situations.
Low - I didn't really think this thread was about choosing between college and pro ball. I thought InfieldDad and our other parents of drafted players were sharing their son's realities of playing ball in the minor leagues. I appreciate hearing about their stories.
I do still feel like they are blessed. I think those players are blessed to have an opportunity that very few have. Do I think they live blessed lives every day? No - it's obviously a very hard road. It's a road that any parent could understand them giving up and I would suspect some parents would be happy if they gave it up and didn't put themselves through the particular challenges day after day.
Again, I've enjoyed hearing the boy's stories and continue to cheer for each and every one of our HSBBW boys as they try to move up!
Low - this is a wonderful place to gain insight into people and baseball.
I do still feel like they are blessed. I think those players are blessed to have an opportunity that very few have. Do I think they live blessed lives every day? No - it's obviously a very hard road. It's a road that any parent could understand them giving up and I would suspect some parents would be happy if they gave it up and didn't put themselves through the particular challenges day after day.
Again, I've enjoyed hearing the boy's stories and continue to cheer for each and every one of our HSBBW boys as they try to move up!
Low - this is a wonderful place to gain insight into people and baseball.
I don't have a headache about my sons decision to go pro out of high school. just trying to provide a little insight.
I have to admit to headaches during hitting slumps
I have to admit to headaches during hitting slumps
nj....If he wasn't a prospect, with his offensive numbers this year, he would've been "launched" already. Key will be the end of the year...was last year atypical (an aberration) or was this year more typical, offensively.
I have to agree with Fungo.
This is absolutely the place for Parent's and player's to discuss there concern's.
It really help's a lot to hear other Individual's Concern's and decision making.
Most everybody has a good idea of what there thinking of doing but it help's to have your concern's discussed by other's.
EH
This is absolutely the place for Parent's and player's to discuss there concern's.
It really help's a lot to hear other Individual's Concern's and decision making.
Most everybody has a good idea of what there thinking of doing but it help's to have your concern's discussed by other's.
EH
Infielddad's post was awesome and right on.
OK OK OK......My main beef was w/ a few people really leaning one way when giving opinions as advice.
Let's try this:
Pro Ball "Pros":
1. get payed to play (perhaps large bonus)
2. more games which provide more opportunity to develop. 68 - 76 games in short season. 140 games full season
3. professional instruction (position specific)
4. can get school package (there are stipulations)
etc...
Pro Ball "Cons":
1. potentially nine months away from home
2. the grind (often you will not know what day it is)
3. if signed for little or no bonus you must produce or be able to help develop others or you get fired (released)
4. the longer you wait to go back to school to get degree the more apt you are not to go back at all.
5. risk of injury
College "Pros":
1. progress towards a degree (we hope)
2. college experience (possible summer league experience as well)
3. may have ability to get home to see family
4. hopefully some school is paid for
College "Cons":
1. too few games played (intra squad in fall, 56 in spring) some vary, i'm referring to D-I.
2. often you don't get position specific instruction nor quaility instruction.
3. Coach or someone important to you on the staff could leave. (could affect scholarship)
4. risk of injury
My feeling is you can go back and forth as to what is a better choice. But it is all relative.
You must come up w/ a $$ figure and stick to it.
It may be: 20K , 100K, 300K, 800K, 1Mil, 3Mil.
That is up to the player/family. How much is 3 to 4 years of school worth to you.
And yes the more money a pro team has in you, the more chances you will get. They want their investment to succeed or help them obtain talent.
Hope it helps.
Let's try this:
Pro Ball "Pros":
1. get payed to play (perhaps large bonus)
2. more games which provide more opportunity to develop. 68 - 76 games in short season. 140 games full season
3. professional instruction (position specific)
4. can get school package (there are stipulations)
etc...
Pro Ball "Cons":
1. potentially nine months away from home
2. the grind (often you will not know what day it is)
3. if signed for little or no bonus you must produce or be able to help develop others or you get fired (released)
4. the longer you wait to go back to school to get degree the more apt you are not to go back at all.
5. risk of injury
College "Pros":
1. progress towards a degree (we hope)
2. college experience (possible summer league experience as well)
3. may have ability to get home to see family
4. hopefully some school is paid for
College "Cons":
1. too few games played (intra squad in fall, 56 in spring) some vary, i'm referring to D-I.
2. often you don't get position specific instruction nor quaility instruction.
3. Coach or someone important to you on the staff could leave. (could affect scholarship)
4. risk of injury
My feeling is you can go back and forth as to what is a better choice. But it is all relative.
You must come up w/ a $$ figure and stick to it.
It may be: 20K , 100K, 300K, 800K, 1Mil, 3Mil.
That is up to the player/family. How much is 3 to 4 years of school worth to you.
And yes the more money a pro team has in you, the more chances you will get. They want their investment to succeed or help them obtain talent.
Hope it helps.
And yes I realize that I meant to put this in the Pro vs College Forum....
Just pretend that's where are right now....
Just pretend that's where are right now....
Low337,
I can understand how your post and views relate to the thread in About the Draft and the debate about what to do if your son is drafted in the first round and offered first round money. Lots of advice being given there. Seems to be a fair amount of "disinformation" included in some of that advice.
I don't think anyone in this thread is offering any advice on college vs pro.
I can understand how your post and views relate to the thread in About the Draft and the debate about what to do if your son is drafted in the first round and offered first round money. Lots of advice being given there. Seems to be a fair amount of "disinformation" included in some of that advice.
I don't think anyone in this thread is offering any advice on college vs pro.
Beenthere,
I have a very opposite view on your post.
For a high school player drafted in the first 10 rounds, I would think the Royals are going to be extremely patient. They have completely changed the approach offensively and you would have to think the Royals feel confident Chris has the ability to make those adjustments and be even more successful once he is comfortable with them. If Chris were perhaps a senior sign out of college, the timetable and expectations might be quite different. I don't think Chris needs to put any pressure on himself over the last few months of the season and don't think there is any reasonable chance he will be "launched."
I have an awful lot of respect for the scouting opinions of bbscout. I remember his posts after the Fall instructional league. He reported he loved what he saw in Chris as a player. I feel comfortable that is a shared judgement among those who make those decisions.
I have a very opposite view on your post.
For a high school player drafted in the first 10 rounds, I would think the Royals are going to be extremely patient. They have completely changed the approach offensively and you would have to think the Royals feel confident Chris has the ability to make those adjustments and be even more successful once he is comfortable with them. If Chris were perhaps a senior sign out of college, the timetable and expectations might be quite different. I don't think Chris needs to put any pressure on himself over the last few months of the season and don't think there is any reasonable chance he will be "launched."
I have an awful lot of respect for the scouting opinions of bbscout. I remember his posts after the Fall instructional league. He reported he loved what he saw in Chris as a player. I feel comfortable that is a shared judgement among those who make those decisions.
Excellent Post LOW337!!!! I have refrained from posting in this thread expressing my opinion but here it goes.
Some very valid and good points came out of that last post. The main one was, "come up with a figure and stick with it"-LOW in pre-draft agreement.
Don't get greedy and miss your opportunity.
The one part of my experience personally after signing in the "PROS" pointed out in LOW's post was the instruction received on a more individual basis, daily.
In college, it was much different and we all seemed to train as unit or team most times with the same practice schedule and routine, most days. Infield/outfield practice, cages, tee-areas, batting practice on field...well, you know the drill.
In the professional level, the coaches were always making suggestions, doing advanced drills, helping in cages, and breaking down each individual's mechanics in order to make adjustments and corrections. Teammates were always helping and teaching through experiences. This was empirical and made the difference for many.
Through the years of observing pro teams in the leagues I've covered, I have found that each organization does take pride and works very hard to bring out maximum potential of players.
Each organization does keep putting player back out there until the player does one of two things: makes necessary adjustments and excels or fails and falls flat on his face in pro ball. Some just can't make it at this level, whether it be because of injuries, or level of competition. Those are the harsh realities of success or failure in the business aspects of baseball at the highest level.
LOW337 did point something out that is sooo right about the amount of money invested in player. I fell victim to this harsh reality in the business aspects of who gets released myself! I have seen this happen O too many times! Top picks are given many more chances than lower picks. Unfortunately, that's just the business of investments of property.
Look at it this way, the odds of your son signing a professional contract are about one in a 100,000 each year according to statistics of draft eligible candidates. You have accomplished a major feat in the simple fact of defying the odds of being signed at all, and yes YOU ARE BLESSED! IMHO, I think what I'm hearing is the harsh realities in this thread of players personal experiences, which there are a lot more who don't succeed in pro ball than do. I didn't succeed, but Im thankful to have experienced the opportunity because a 100,000 others the year I signed didn't!! At least when you're done, you can look back and know you have done everything possible to achieve your dream. LOW made it much further than I and is an excellent scout, instructor, coach and has played with and against the best of them and we can draw a great deal from his experiences! Collectively, I just don't think we should portray pro baseball as a dreadful experience here at HSBBW messageboard because so many parents and HS age prospects will have an ill-conceived outlook which may hinder his progress to attain goal of being chosen to play by professional scouts. It's all about the DREAM. Lets not deprive a young man of at least getting through the first hurdle by painting an ugly picture! peace, Shep
Some very valid and good points came out of that last post. The main one was, "come up with a figure and stick with it"-LOW in pre-draft agreement.
Don't get greedy and miss your opportunity.
The one part of my experience personally after signing in the "PROS" pointed out in LOW's post was the instruction received on a more individual basis, daily.
In college, it was much different and we all seemed to train as unit or team most times with the same practice schedule and routine, most days. Infield/outfield practice, cages, tee-areas, batting practice on field...well, you know the drill.
In the professional level, the coaches were always making suggestions, doing advanced drills, helping in cages, and breaking down each individual's mechanics in order to make adjustments and corrections. Teammates were always helping and teaching through experiences. This was empirical and made the difference for many.
Through the years of observing pro teams in the leagues I've covered, I have found that each organization does take pride and works very hard to bring out maximum potential of players.
Each organization does keep putting player back out there until the player does one of two things: makes necessary adjustments and excels or fails and falls flat on his face in pro ball. Some just can't make it at this level, whether it be because of injuries, or level of competition. Those are the harsh realities of success or failure in the business aspects of baseball at the highest level.
LOW337 did point something out that is sooo right about the amount of money invested in player. I fell victim to this harsh reality in the business aspects of who gets released myself! I have seen this happen O too many times! Top picks are given many more chances than lower picks. Unfortunately, that's just the business of investments of property.
Look at it this way, the odds of your son signing a professional contract are about one in a 100,000 each year according to statistics of draft eligible candidates. You have accomplished a major feat in the simple fact of defying the odds of being signed at all, and yes YOU ARE BLESSED! IMHO, I think what I'm hearing is the harsh realities in this thread of players personal experiences, which there are a lot more who don't succeed in pro ball than do. I didn't succeed, but Im thankful to have experienced the opportunity because a 100,000 others the year I signed didn't!! At least when you're done, you can look back and know you have done everything possible to achieve your dream. LOW made it much further than I and is an excellent scout, instructor, coach and has played with and against the best of them and we can draw a great deal from his experiences! Collectively, I just don't think we should portray pro baseball as a dreadful experience here at HSBBW messageboard because so many parents and HS age prospects will have an ill-conceived outlook which may hinder his progress to attain goal of being chosen to play by professional scouts. It's all about the DREAM. Lets not deprive a young man of at least getting through the first hurdle by painting an ugly picture! peace, Shep
quote:Unfortunately, that's just the business of investments of property.
Shep,
That is exactly the point I made. In the world of professional baseball, the players are viewed as "investments of property." I am not expressing opinons on whether that is good or bad. I merely pointed out it is a reality and one every parent and player needs to appreciate when they sign a professional contract.
"It's all about the DREAM. Lets not deprive a young man of at least getting through the first hurdle by painting an ugly picture!"
There really isn't any effort in this thread to paint a picture other than reality. Our son has had the exhilaration of being drafted. To this day, the scout who signed him talks of how profoundly the scout was affected when that occured because it meant so much. If I had my way, I wish he could relive that day one million times. Rather than deprive anyone of that dream, I encourage every player and parent to believe that dream can come, if you work hard enough, are good enough, and get a little lucky along the way.
Our son has overcome obstacles and had great and wonderful experiences including being selected for an All Star game where everyone knew he was the very last player selected for an assignment in April.
On the field, he loves and cherishes every minute of what he does.
I am sorry if some of the off the field elements are interpreted as "ugly."
I don't think they are "ugly." They are some of the facts of life for that "person/player" who is referred to rather matter of factly as an "investment of property."
Infielddad & Others,
I just wanted to say thank you.
I never knew what it was really like in pro ball until I started reading this site and probably will never truly understand the full scope of it. I hate to say it, but a lot of these kids and us parents too, some times have these fairy tale ideas of what it will be like and how it will turn out.
We all want a happy ending for our sons. Maybe, for a lucky few it will come true. But at least these kids will be a little more prepared for the reality of what lies a head with the help of HSBBW.
I just wanted to say thank you.
I never knew what it was really like in pro ball until I started reading this site and probably will never truly understand the full scope of it. I hate to say it, but a lot of these kids and us parents too, some times have these fairy tale ideas of what it will be like and how it will turn out.
We all want a happy ending for our sons. Maybe, for a lucky few it will come true. But at least these kids will be a little more prepared for the reality of what lies a head with the help of HSBBW.
Good Post Infielddad but I do have rebutttal
Look at the title you gave this thread>Still want to play professional baseball???????
Maybe it's just me, but I interpret that as to say, be careful what you ask for because you just might get and not like it! If I were a 15-17 yr old reading some of the negative overtones in this thread about pro baseball I may change my direction to pursue golf or some other sport instead All joking aside, you know me well enough Mr A to know I personally wouldn't do that, but some aren't as determined as others, like me. Nothing can take me away from my dreams and/or aspirations and my attitude of intestinal fortitude until I have exhausted every possibility and then I still won't give up! Now that's just me.
On this board for example. Decisions can be swayed with just a little negativity for a teenager already fighting puberty with so much temptation all around them pulling them in other directions. Parents may even persuade alternate routes for their sons after reading some of this causing me and LOW and others to miss out on the next Major League player
On the other hand, I really have enjoyed the posts in this thread and do also think the truth should be told from true to life experiences and that's what I meant when I said last night, I will not lie! The truth should be told about the business of professional baseball so the prospect can prepare better and know what to expect. I really enjoyed fungo's post early this morning and put a great deal of thought in what he said, "I think this is the best place in the world to get advice"-Fungo
In defense of LOW337, what I think he meant, and I may be wrong, is something entirely different than fungo responded to...This is what I think LOW meant> sitting down and speaking with an individual who represents a college or pro team to get a feel for exactly what's expected, how much money and what the player will get in return, is more suited than basing decisions off messageboard of disgruntled parents and players who feel their dream not reaching fruition. Well, it happened to bubandbran, Oldpitcher, me, LOW, beenthere and a host of others here on this site in our pro playing careers too but I'm not going to discourage others from at least getting the same chance I got by questioning my own personal decision to play pro ball because it didn't work out. In other words, go over a few things with recruiter, face to face, with all the realities beforehand in order to make decision.
This board is an excellent venue for so many areas involving the big picture and is a good place to get feedback and a dose of reality, for sure. Peace, and you are all my heroes! Shep
Look at the title you gave this thread>Still want to play professional baseball???????
Maybe it's just me, but I interpret that as to say, be careful what you ask for because you just might get and not like it! If I were a 15-17 yr old reading some of the negative overtones in this thread about pro baseball I may change my direction to pursue golf
or some other sport instead All joking aside, you know me well enough Mr A to know I personally wouldn't do that, but some aren't as determined as others, like me. Nothing can take me away from my dreams and/or aspirations and my attitude of intestinal fortitude until I have exhausted every possibility and then I still won't give up! Now that's just me. On this board for example. Decisions can be swayed with just a little negativity for a teenager already fighting puberty with so much temptation all around them pulling them in other directions. Parents may even persuade alternate routes for their sons after reading some of this causing me and LOW and others to miss out on the next Major League player
On the other hand, I really have enjoyed the posts in this thread and do also think the truth should be told from true to life experiences and that's what I meant when I said last night, I will not lie! The truth should be told about the business of professional baseball so the prospect can prepare better and know what to expect. I really enjoyed fungo's post early this morning and put a great deal of thought in what he said, "I think this is the best place in the world to get advice"-Fungo
In defense of LOW337, what I think he meant, and I may be wrong, is something entirely different than fungo responded to...This is what I think LOW meant> sitting down and speaking with an individual who represents a college or pro team to get a feel for exactly what's expected, how much money and what the player will get in return, is more suited than basing decisions off messageboard of disgruntled parents and players who feel their dream not reaching fruition. Well, it happened to bubandbran, Oldpitcher, me, LOW, beenthere and a host of others here on this site in our pro playing careers too but I'm not going to discourage others from at least getting the same chance I got by questioning my own personal decision to play pro ball because it didn't work out. In other words, go over a few things with recruiter, face to face, with all the realities beforehand in order to make decision.
This board is an excellent venue for so many areas involving the big picture and is a good place to get feedback and a dose of reality, for sure. Peace, and you are all my heroes! Shep
Great idea making this thread Golden
To me, knowledge is power. Thus, I view this thread in a positive light. I didn't see anywhere that it was suggested that in hindsight that playing pro baseball was "possibly" not a good idea. What I take from it is this:
If your son should happen to be drafted someday, of course celebrate the achievement. Before sending them off and over time, you can fill them in on some of these "realities" so they have some mental background for the difficulties that lie ahead and to know they are not alone. I believe someone who knows ahead of time about some of these difficulties may be better equipped to deal with the grind than someone that discovers these things on their own. I am sure that some of these things are tough to deal with regardless if you know the score beforehand or not.
Here is a little anecdote I heard from Jack Nicholas many years ago and it goes toward his mental toughness. He said he was in a golf tournament playoff with 3 others where there were ominous weather signs like dark skies, rain, hail, thunder and even some lightning in the distance. Each of the other three golfers in the playoff kept looking at the skies and saying out loud "Surely, they will postpone this until tomorrow, how could anyone possibly play under these conditions" All the while he on the other hand went about his business taking his practice swings and prayed inside they would make them play it out right then and there for he knew that he already had them beat mentally. They never postponed the playoff and he said it was the easiest playoff win in his career.
I imagine times are tough for every player at the next level. When the bus rides become a grind, the pay is not adequate to pay your bills, your employer gives you no respect, and there is constant fear of losing your job, use these hardships to mentally get one up on the next guy who may just be thinking to themselves "How could anyone possibly play under these conditions?"
To me, knowledge is power. Thus, I view this thread in a positive light. I didn't see anywhere that it was suggested that in hindsight that playing pro baseball was "possibly" not a good idea. What I take from it is this:
If your son should happen to be drafted someday, of course celebrate the achievement. Before sending them off and over time, you can fill them in on some of these "realities" so they have some mental background for the difficulties that lie ahead and to know they are not alone. I believe someone who knows ahead of time about some of these difficulties may be better equipped to deal with the grind than someone that discovers these things on their own. I am sure that some of these things are tough to deal with regardless if you know the score beforehand or not.
Here is a little anecdote I heard from Jack Nicholas many years ago and it goes toward his mental toughness. He said he was in a golf tournament playoff with 3 others where there were ominous weather signs like dark skies, rain, hail, thunder and even some lightning in the distance. Each of the other three golfers in the playoff kept looking at the skies and saying out loud "Surely, they will postpone this until tomorrow, how could anyone possibly play under these conditions" All the while he on the other hand went about his business taking his practice swings and prayed inside they would make them play it out right then and there for he knew that he already had them beat mentally. They never postponed the playoff and he said it was the easiest playoff win in his career.
I imagine times are tough for every player at the next level. When the bus rides become a grind, the pay is not adequate to pay your bills, your employer gives you no respect, and there is constant fear of losing your job, use these hardships to mentally get one up on the next guy who may just be thinking to themselves "How could anyone possibly play under these conditions?"
Great job to all.....
quote:On this board for example. Decisions can be swayed with just a little negativity for a teenager already fighting puberty with so much temptation all around them pulling them in other directions. Parents may even persuade alternate routes for their sons after reading some of this causing me and LOW and others to miss out on the next Major League player
Shep,
you know the baseball business lots better than I do.
I will state that, from what little I know, the players who "might be swayed" from a little reality, or "negativity" to use your term had better be an amazing talent. If this type of player is not an amazing talent, the type of mindset where they can be easily swayed means they may not love the game enough, have the passion to succeed, or the mental stamina to deal with life in the minor leagues in any event. They better be really good or they are not going to make it anyway and may well not even if they are amazing talents.
If there are universal traits in the minor league players I have met, the two most apparent are wonderful talent and mental strength/dedication second to none.
If a major league team were looking to invest $1,000,000 or more in someone who was swayed by my postings on this site, maybe I will have done them a service that all the predraft interviews and tests would not have noted.
. But, I don't think so.
Wow, many excellent posts in this thread!
As an aside, I figured out how to move the whole thing to the Golden Threads forum, but still keep a shortcut (post with a little blue arrow) in the Going Pro forum where it originated. Ha, I am still figuring out some of these things, after more than a year.
Julie
As an aside, I figured out how to move the whole thing to the Golden Threads forum, but still keep a shortcut (post with a little blue arrow) in the Going Pro forum where it originated. Ha, I am still figuring out some of these things, after more than a year.
Julie