AboutTom 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 twelve 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 twelve years i have realized that i do fulfill most most questioners satisfactorily which keeps me doing this.
Question QUESTION: Tom,
I am 26 years old and throw a 93 mph fastball with a lot of movement. Do you think I have a shot at trying out, or will my age hinder me since I will have to play minor leagues for a little while? Cory
ANSWER: Cory,
I'm not sure what you're asking me. you can try out at any age above 16 years old. write back.
tom
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Tom,
I was just wondering if you thought I was too old to tryout for the majors. I know with my age I will be older than most players trying out, and I was wondering if you thought I would be wasting my time going and trying out. Cory
Answer Cory,
you're never too old. and it's not like you're 50 years old and asking me the same question. the way i look at it, even if you don't make it, you'll never regret not doing it when you are 50 years old and you'll have a story to tell your grand kids some day...if you don't make it. good luck.
