subject: What You Need To Know Before Attending Any Pro Baseball Tryouts [print this page] Do you want to play pro baseball and plan on attending at least one of the pro baseball tryouts this year? If so, there are three things you should realize. All are applicable whether you plan on attending a tryout for a Minor League Baseball team or an independent minor league baseball team.
The professional baseball business is just that, a business. If you were not courted and considered to be a high draft pick, then you need to network and get aggressive in order to give yourself a chance. Remember that if not drafted in the higher rounds, or if you were overlooked altogether, then you will have to have mental toughness and prove to the teams that they need to select you over another player at your position.
If you attend a pro baseball tryout then your goal should be more than just getting signed to a pro baseball contract. Instead, focus on developing the physical and mental skills to make a long-term career in the business. One way is to know the realities of the differences between the affiliated Minor Leagues and the independent leagues. The independent leagues need you to perform right away as a well-performing team is part of the equation of what it takes to keep fans in the stands; and independent teams are financially self-sufficient so they need the players to be able to market the team when necessary.
Since there are so few roster spots available in the pro ranks, you have to know what it takes to last in the sport before you attend any pro baseball tryouts. You could have been the best player in your college conference in two decades, and it still will not matter. You need to prove that you have the physical skills, the willingness to become a professional (instead of just an amateur), and that you have the maturity needed to be a good representative of the sport. You also have to have humility, especially if you get signed and end up playing behind a player who already has Major League experience.
Finally, at a pro baseball tryout the scouts will look at your mechanics and basic skills; and even if you get invited for a second look you should know that the team will check up on your background. This is done to reduce the risk that you will be a liability to the team. They do not want players with questionable backgrounds, especially for those teams who need players in the community to promote the team. In addition, the scouts look to see if you hustle all the time, act like a leader, dress like a professional, and truly act as if you want to play at the professional level.
Take a few moments to realize that adjusting to life as a professional baseball player can be challenging. There will be low pay, long road trips, a long season, and a whole new set of expectations which you must meet. If you truly can deal with these then you stand a chance at having a successful career if you get signed out of a pro baseball tryout.
