Expert: John Madden - 3/27/2010

Question
I played baseball at a division II college and did pretty well for myself. I decided to hang up my cleats before my senior year because I lost the passion for the game and I didn't want to disrespect the game. It has been a year and a half since then and I am coaching a high school baseball team with a former pitcher from the Angels. I have talked with him about giving it one last shot to see what would happen and he told me to go after independent ball. I have looked into it and noticed that their try-outs are only open to players who are fresh out of college (no break) and players who have played post college. My question is, what is the road to take to give  baseball another try.

Answer
Jesse,

I'm glad you are going to give it another shot.  Your friend is right about the independent league baseball.  That would be your best bet.  Although a bunch of the teams state there are certain requirements to tryout, I don't think there is any real rule.  You just have to convince a coach to let you tryout.  You have to understand that you are probably 1 of 1000 kids (who have your experience or more) that are trying to do the same thing.  It all depends on how bad you want it.  It is definitely not going to be easy to get back into it, but if you are serious, it can be done.  Good Luck!  http://www.yougoprobaseball.com