I'm 17 years old and i'm going to try out for the Baltimore Orioles next year at an open try out.Can anyone tell me how likely the chances of them signing me? I know you can't tell me because you don't know my talent level and so on but let's say i'm slightly better than everyone there or right there with the best players and I give 100% every drill and everything would that impress them enough to sign me to a minor league deal? All i'm hoping for is to be signed to a minor league deal so I at least have a chance to work my way up.Do teams take chances on kids at these tryouts? Thanks for the help!
2007-11-29 16:49:33 · 7 answers · asked by what the? 515 4 in Sports ➔ Baseball
Well the thing is i'm home schooled and i'm only playing for local area teams that wouldn't get me noticed by scouts.
2007-11-29 17:14:21 · update #1
Since baseball has like five hundred rounds in their draft, if you didn't get interest from scouts already I'm not sure that you have a good chance. Baseball scouting is extensive although with the recent emphasis on Latin American players, I could see a talented American kid fly under the radar if conditions were right (or wrong, in this case).
The good side of that is baseball teams always take chances on guys and send them to rookie or A ball. Since the Orioles are having an open tryout, it seems like they'd be willing to take a shot on a player.
Look, give it your best shot. If you don't make it, ask for an evaluation and what you should improve on. Make contacts. Even if they don't sign you, if they see talent they'll keep an eye on you and scouts from one team often talk to other scouts. Work on what they say, you'll have to improve your weaknesses.
You should also look to play in college. More and more MLB players are coming from college these days. If a big four-year school isn't right for you yet, find a good community college to go to and play for (look online for the rankings of the CC teams) and then you can transfer to a bigger school once you are academically comfortable to do so. This happens in football and basketball all the time so it must happen in college baseball also.
Oh yeah, it's also a great way for you to get a college degree as a backup plan, a strategy that I'd highly suggest for you.
Good luck!
2007-11-29 17:10:56 · answer #1 · answered by lupin_1375 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I played Division 2 college baseball.. I was a pitcher, fortunately, didnt make it to the next level.. however I've played with people who have... My old roommate played independently in the Frontier League, and I used to play with someone who played with the Indians single A affiliate in Burlington, SC... With that said, both went to numerous tryouts before finally being signed... The one who played in the Frontier League went to tryouts with the Tigers and Pirates, and out of 450 people, 2 were signed.. the one who played with Burlington, went to a tryout with the Indians, and was 1 of the 3 out of roughly 400 who was signed.. chances are VERY slim you will be signed at an open tryout. Just my opinion. I've done internships at the pro level and worked with numerous college programs since my playing days, so thats where my credentials land.. Hope I could help. Good luck!
2007-11-29 19:56:54 · answer #2 · answered by mperry1408 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slim and none. They don't usually sign people at tryout camps unless they are superstars. They usually follow you if you catch their eye. Not to discourage you but they just don't usually do it. They'll give you the opportunity to get drafted along the way. Trust me, I went to a Royals tryout, they knew me by name when I got there, I ran a 6.5 60, had the best throw scores as an outfielder and a catcher, threw 3 guys out in the game, got talked to during the game and still not signed at the tryout. I'm not trying to be arrogant just trying to tell you how realistic you have to be going in. Do your best, get their attention with work ethic and skill level.
2007-11-29 23:04:57 · answer #3 · answered by Andy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Starting out in a Junior College is a great way to get into the door. I have a buddy who played ball at a JC, pitched great, they went to the Junior College World Championships, he pitched great their as well. As a Sophomore he was drafed in I think the 30th round by the Royals. He didn't sign with them and moved on up to a University where he can play a few more games, go to school, and hope to get drafted again next year and then sign. Going to a JC is always a great idea.
2007-11-29 17:19:20 · answer #4 · answered by Richard F 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The chances of you getting a contract will be directly proportionate to your ability, that is why a team like the Orioles would hold a tryout. You should know better than any of us what your chances might be.
2007-11-30 01:40:21 · answer #5 · answered by Frizzer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were trying out for most any other team I would say no. But at this point I think anyone can make the Orioles. no offense to you. they have been weak for a while.
2007-11-29 16:59:59 · answer #6 · answered by Chris W 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you go in there with mad defensive skills and more hustle than pete rose and show off some decent hitting skills you may have a chance,, but since its the orioles your probably better off trying out to be a pitcher
2007-11-29 19:12:47 · answer #7 · answered by Ian B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋