Why am I writing this?
From the time I was 6 years old, I wanted to be a major league baseball player. It is all I could think about when I was growing up.
Most people didn’t think I had a shot. But that didn’t deter me. And, in 1996, the New York Yankees drafted me in the 28th round out of high school.
I went on to commit to UGA but eventually signed with a JUCO called DeKalb College in Atlanta, GA. We had an amazing JUCO team and several players played pro ball later and my catcher even caught Randy Johnson’s perfect game in the big leagues (That catcher’s name is Robbie Hammock).
I signed with the Yankees the night of my last game of the first season of JUCO baseball.
But… the reason I am writing this is because I was from a small rural town and I had nobody to guide me on what playing pro baseball was like and nobody shared with me the “do’s and don’ts”
So… I figure I would share my thoughts on this now that the 2023 MLB draft is upon us.
I hope some young kid finds it helpful.
1.) Don’t spend your signing bonus.
I spent half on mine on a sports car. Don’t do that. It will be gone before you know it, and so will the money you spent on it. When you’re young and newly drafted, it can be tempting to splurge your signing bonus on flashy items like cars or boats. However, it’s crucial to remember that professional sports is an unpredictable and often short-lived career. I would advise to think of this bonus as a safety net for the future, rather than as free spending money. Investing in assets with a promising return, such as real estate, can create financial stability that might be desperately needed in the years to come.
2.) Don’t chase girls/women.
I didn’t chase girls too much, but I definitely wanted a girlfriend. And, I found one, got engaged, and married before baseball was over for me. I am very grateful that I am still married to her, 24 years later. BUT… if baseball is your number one priority, girls will take that away from you. Just be aware… if you find one you like, you will likely choose to spend more time with them than you will in the gym and on the field if that is what you pursue.
Romantic pursuits can often become a distraction, especially for young athletes who are just beginning to navigate the world of professional sports. While it’s not wrong to seek companionship or love, it’s important to stay focused on your career and not let relationships derail your trajectory. A wise coach once told me that chasing girls, maintaining a relationship, or getting married could be the fastest way to ruin a sports career. He wasn’t wrong.
3.) Be nice, humble, friendly to everyone.
In the highly competitive world of professional sports, your attitude can often be just as important as your performance. Treating everyone with respect and kindness can make a significant difference in how you’re perceived within the organization. Remember, there are hundreds of players vying for a limited number of spots. If you’re seen as a team player who’s easy to work with, you’re more likely to be selected for those coveted positions.
4.) Work harder than everybody else.
Hard work might not always seem to pay off in the immediate term, but rest assured, it does not go unnoticed. Constantly strive to be the hardest worker on and off the field. Even when it feels like no one is watching or acknowledging your efforts, keep pushing. Over time, your dedication and work ethic will become apparent and will make you stand out from the crowd.
Some of those big leaguers you will meet in your career made it on talent alone. But… most didn’t. So, unless you are the next best thing to sliced bread, watch what the other big leaguers are doing and mimic it. Work as hard as they do to keep their job so that one day you can take it.
5.) Don’t drink, do drugs, or party.
I have some former teammates that would argue with me on this one. But, I will tell you… I have MORE teammates that did these things that today would now agree with me.
Substance abuse and partying can have serious negative effects on your career and personal life. These activities can lead to poor performance, injuries, and legal troubles, not to mention they can damage your reputation — and, YOUR CAREER is in the hands of management. Don’t give them a reason to promote someone else over you. And… all it takes is ONE mistake and you get labeled.
Make the conscious decision to abstain from these activities, at least until you’ve established yourself in the major leagues (and ideally, even after that).
6.) Don’t break the law thinking you are invincible.
I saw many teammates get in fights in bars, get DUI’s, steal…. etc. And it ruined a lot of their promising careers. Don’t do that stuff. Avoid hanging out with people that do. You will be held to a higher standard and your career could depend on you staying out of trouble.
As an athlete, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you’re untouchable or above the law. However, it’s essential to remember that athletes are not immune to the consequences of their actions. Breaking the law can lead to serious consequences, including legal trouble, suspensions, and even the end of your career.
7.) Go to chapel every Sunday.
Even if you’re not religious or don’t agree with everything said at chapel, consider attending. Chapel can be a source of support and guidance, providing a community of people who care about your well-being and success. In the challenging journey towards becoming a big leaguer, you need all the support you can get.
8.) Accept instruction, but be respectful and confident in what got you drafted in the first place.
Coaches will often try to make a name for themselves by making significant changes to your style of play. While it’s important to be receptive to coaching and instruction, it’s equally crucial to remain confident in your abilities and the skills that got you drafted. If a proposed change doesn’t work for you or negatively impacts your performance, be assertive enough to communicate this, while maintaining respect towards the coach.
I didn’t do this. I blindly accepted what I was told. And I lost some of the tools that got me drafted in the first place. Accept instruction, be polite, try it, but in the end… stick to your guns and your gut.
9.) Seek out supporters in the organization and talk with them often.
Every coach has their favorites, and you’re likely one of them. It’s essential to identify these supporters within the organization and engage them in conversations. Their advice and insights can be invaluable when making difficult decisions or navigating challenges.
Not only that… coaches and management all meet frequently about players and who should be promoted, demoted, and who should be let go. You want people fighting for you in those meetings.
10.) Enjoy the whole process.
Lastly, but perhaps most importantly, enjoy the journey. Despite the pressures and challenges, remember that you are one of the select few chosen to play professional baseball. Cherish every moment, take lots of pictures, make memories, and never take anything for granted. The joy you find in the process can fuel your passion and drive, making the journey to the big leagues not just a pursuit of a career, but a truly fulfilling life experience.
And… if you don’t make it to the bigs, It’s okay. But never stop believing that you can do it! Don’t quit until every team has told you “no” at least a dozen times. I wish I had done that.
Either way… get ready for the most wild ride of your life! And congrats!
