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That's a fun article. Perspective is so much of life, isn't it?
I know plenty of former college players who would be thrilled to be in the spot he's in. They only stopped playing because they literally had no other options to keep playing. And then there are those who could've played MiLB but chose not to, knowing their chances at making the Show were very slim and wanting to start a different career.
it comes down to the individual. A buddy of mine is 47 and coaching High School Varsity & still playing, in a local men's league. Some folks are in it for life.
I have an issue with using to term homeless so loosely. The kid comes from a well off family. He has a college degree. He's doing what he wants to do. He's making his videos. I don't know of any unemployed people with kids losing their home being put up in mansions and making videos.
RJM posted:I have an issue with using to term homeless so loosely. The kid comes from a well off family. He has a college degree. He's doing what he wants to do. He's making his videos. I don't know of any unemployed people with kids losing their home being put up in mansions and making videos.
I agree. It is all fun to live like that if you are a single and can afford that but for most people who have maybe a kid to feed that is not an option.
As a 20 year old single I would have loved that lifestyle too.
Yes it is true that you don't have to play minor league ball and if you are a double digit rounder you probably should quit if you haven't reached AA after 3 years but still the system means that is discriminates against people from lower social levels and especially people with a family.
It is easy to say dont do it for the money until you have someone else to feed than yourself.
RJM posted:I have an issue with using to term homeless so loosely. The kid comes from a well off family. He has a college degree. He's doing what he wants to do. He's making his videos. I don't know of any unemployed people with kids losing their home being put up in mansions and making videos.
I agree with this. Its so much easier when you have some money to help pay for what your salary doesnt.
There are some guys who make money because they were once on ml rosters. In AAA.
One of sons former college team mates, Jason Berken just retired. He wrote an article that he was just so tired of the travel. Most guys get tired after awhile of that routine.
The whole premise is to enjoy the experience while you can.
Dominik, people dont realize that its pretty hard to quit after 3 years, you have signed a contract and bound to that for 6 years. Also, players have 4-5 years before they get an opportunity for protection on the 40, where their salary increases significantly. IMO once a player is released, it may be time to move on.
JMO
True!
You know we never see the 'Homeless Assistant Baseball Coach' threads. Those guys make peanuts. It's a scandal.
TPM posted:
One of sons former college team mates, Jason Berken just retired. He wrote an article that he was just so tired of the travel. Most guys get tired after awhile of that routine.
Jason teaches lessons and does clinics in the Green Bay area as well as in Florida. Great guy and an excellent instructor.
I'm sure he has a future in coaching if he wants it.
Playing in the pros can help someone carve out a career in coaching or scouting for those who are lifers.
Yes he does has been for many years. Supposedly has something in the works, article said he would keep people posted. ?
Son caught the coaching bug, as do many former players. Baseball doesn't have to stop when you hang up your cleats.