Any baseball players that played minor league but didn't make it to the majors?

Question

I think my guy friend is having a hard time in his life right now because he played baseball since he was 6, played in the minors, played for team USA, got called up to the majors on occassion, but was never signed a steady contract by MLB. So he ended up retiring. Is anybody else out there going through the same thing? I'm trying to understand him, he seems lost at age 32. How can I help him?

Also, he's addicted to snuff (chewing tobacco). Do you think he's going through a mid life crisis?

Answer 1

well he is not alone... remind him of that........

Answer 2

I can relate to him. I retired from professional baseball in February of 2003. It was a very hard decision to make but one i had to make. At the time I was playing for the St. Paul Saints, going into my third season with them, making less than $1,500/month. While I went ot Minnesota to play my wife stayed home in Nevada. We wanted to get out of living with her parents so I had to give up the dream.

In all reality the dream was gone when I got released from the Expos in 2001. I got to AA Harrisburgh for a month and then the "axe" came. It was the hardest thing I have ever had to go through. All the hard work and hopes and dreams were taken away in a flash! It was the only thing I wanted to do since I can remember. I too, played since I was 6, played at a D1 college and so on.

I guess the decision to retire was the right one to make and it was a little easier because I was out of affiliated ball and I had my degree to fall back on. I now have a great job with a very prominant sunglass company, a one year old daughter and am the pitching coach for the high school varsity team in my city. I miss playing a lot and it hurts to see freinds up there and guys you know you are better than, but some times your cards aren't dealt that way.

He will get over it, give him some time and support. It is a true shock to his system, his confidense is probably low and he probably doesn't know what to do for work now. It is scary because he has to try new things.

The "dip" he might quit eventually because it could be an association thing, I only do it when i play and coach, but now with my daughter I try not to at all.

Good luck and just be there for him!

Answer 3

There isn't a magic answer on how to help him. Time will heal what he is dealing with and help him accept himself for who he is Today is the 6mo anniversary of my first date, which was to a Devilrays game here in Florida, with an ex-ball player. He and his family have told me about how successful he was in baseball until he got drafted into the US Army. Now in his late 40's he lives and breathes the game. At 4:30 in the morning before he leaves for work, he is on the sports message boards, and chatting, while the sports channel plays in the background on TV. He won't get the chances back that he lost to play 30 yrs ago and yet life goes on. Your guy will accept his position in life and move on to use other talents he possesses, maybe coach individual players at the local high school or get a job broadcasting for a team or write a column in a local paper. The games will go on and he will have to find his place. You being supportive and caring to listen to him, is the best thing you can do for him. Go on line, or check with the local high school yourself and if something comes of it, hand him the phone #, for whoever he needs to talk to get involved. Alot of kids in "Big Brother" type groups would be blessed to have him help out local kids, learn to be better ball players, and he will have the knowledge they need.. It could put a smile back on his face. Good luck

Answer 4

I dont see the form you should %. a style of. they are all such great perks of being a substantial league ball participant. ill %. the three i could prefer the main, that's thoughts, enjoying, and money. i like telling thoughts, while a plan is going incorrect i continuously like it that way by way of fact it ends up in a great tale. I cant think of the wonderful thoughts those adult men get with their occupation. enjoying could be great too. It style of pals with teammates, by way of fact thats what could make enjoying so astonishing. Going head to head against and with extremely some the superb athletes interior the international could be very cool. and that i could be mendacity if i didnt say money, by way of fact money is in simple terms so great :D

Answer 5

He's lucky he got to age 32. For most of us the dream ends by the time we are 16. It has been said that an Athlete has two deaths, the second one of course being the death of their athletic career. And most of them are reluctant to give it up, the stars who chose to go out in top in all sports, not just baseball you could easily count on your fingers.

Answer 6

U HAVE TO UNDER STAND THIS HAS BEEN HIS DREAM SENSE HE WAS 6 I WOULD IMAGINE,BEEN A MLB PLAYER AND TO SIGN A MONEY $ DEAL AND HAVE A SHOT AT BEING GREAT IN THE GAME HE LOVES. SO LETTING SOMETHING GO THAT U HAVE THAT MUCH PASSION ABOUT IS VERY HARD,,,,JUST MAKE SURE HE KNOW U SUPPORT HIM AND U LOVE HIM ALOT.....P.S. SNUFF IS LIKE CIGS.VERY ADDICTIVE

Answer 7

Encourage him to find a job dealing with baseball. Whether it be a trainer or coach of some sort he'll be able to be closer to the game he loves. But most importantly support him.

Answer 8

There's tons of players in the minors who were never able to get that far. Tell him to have some enjoyment in the fact that he came closer to his dream than a lot of people ever did.

Answer 9

he will get over it im sure, what was his name if u dont mind me asking?