You are here:

Minor League Baseball/Get back in the swing of things.

Advertisement

Expert: Tom O`Leary - 1/21/2009


Question
I am in the Marine Corps and have been away from baseball for at least a year or so. I have always had a natural talent for baseball and stood out above everyone I played with (so I've been told). I wanted to ask what to expect from tryouts or if I made it if the Minors/Majors would even except an active service member. Thanks for you time.

Answer
Jonathan,

tryouts are no secret. they want to see you hit and throw. if you are actually good enough to make a team, then you will absolutely stand out from every one else.

as for being an active service member, i don't know what your restrictions are so i guess that would be an issue until you get out.

good luck.

tom

Minor League Baseball

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Tom O`Leary

Expertise

I am am best suited to answer questions regarding minor league baseball prospects.

Experience

Originally, i started doing this because I became engrossed researching prospects for a fantasy league. Back then all I really wanted to do was answer questions about baseball prospects. Funny how time flies but eleven years later I have been asked questions regarding the negro leagues, what minor leaguers get paid, why players don't rub their injury when they get hurt, and how players can tryout for the minor leagues to name only a few. I was recently in correspondence with a father of a marine who lost several fingers while in Iraq; he was later drafted by the Padres and is playing in their minor league system. Additionally, i get a lot of questions from guys asking me if i think they can be successful at these tryouts or if they should tryout at all. I do my best to answer every one's question without overstepping my bounds of knowledge. *sometimes i have to tell people that I just can't answer their question.* And sometimes I have to tell people that they just aren't good enough to be a professional ball player.* Most recently i have received two negative feedbacks from people who didn't like my response. one 30 year old guy who hadn't played since he was a teenager asked me if he really had a shot at making the tryouts. realistically, i said no. i guess he didn't appreciate my bluntness but what would you have wanted me to say? I am not really an 'expert' in anything. I just answer people's inquires, give some conservative advise or tell them 'I don't know.' After eleven years I have realized that i do fulfill most most questioners satisfactorily which keeps me doing this.

Education/Credentials

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.