Since we talk so much about how great it would be to play professional baseball, I just heard how unceremoniously one minor leaguer was released after 3 years in professional baseball.
Was expecting a new contract in the mail for next season. He received a letter providing for his Unconditional Release.
He was stunned.
To those of you who have been released in the past few seasons or even this year: How did you find out about it; and, how did you react?
There is no doubt that BB is a tough sport. I know several guys who are outstanding that have been released. I also know a couple who quit out of frustration adter 3 years. One Korean guy who is one of the best infielders I have ever seen, just got tired of waiting. He actually stopped playing all together until a he was talked into playing senior BB at a very high level. He is now enjoying the game again. I often think it is smart to get your degree before going pro or at least get your JR year in so you only need 1 year if released.
Posts: 4167 | Location: Canada | Registered: October 13, 2005
BT, If the player understands that it is a job, then he understands what happens when you join the workforce. I worked for a HUGE corporation, very often very good performers called into their supervisors office that day and told to pack up their belongings and leave the building. Cutbacks even when there were no cutbacks. They were shocked too.
I think that for some reason, it isn't always about lack of talent that players get released. I also think that teams know, if the player is good but they have no need for them at that point in time, that another team will pick them up as quickly as they were let go.
Regardless of what one does, it's crummy when you lose your job, especially one that you have a passion for.
Posts: 10762 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
bhd posted: I often think it is smart to get your degree before going pro or at least get your JR year in so you only need 1 year if released.
Unless you are alergic to school books, thats probably a good idea for everyone except about a 15 or 20 guys a year. Which 15 or 20 is anybody's guess.
Posts: 4787 | Location: Florida | Registered: December 26, 2002
Some times it is very hard. A player get injured and the team wait until he heals, just to release him. (teams can not release a player if the player is injured)
Faith is to believe what you don't see; The reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
Originally posted by Racab: Some times it is very hard. A player get injured and the team wait until he heals, just to release him. (teams can not release a player if the player is injured)
I did not know this. Is this so the player has medical coverage while he is healing....
Posts: 1176 | Location: NJ | Registered: December 30, 2002
njbb, I don't think it is for the player but has to do with protecting the club from future liabilities. Remember this is business and the players are their assets and their liabilities. My son experienced this with his medical problems. During the recovery period there was nothing but positive support from the staff, with the excited anticipation of getting back to playing ball ---- only to be blind sided with a release when he indicated he was well. Within and hour after he had signed the medical release he was gone. This is ALL about winning at the MLB level and we have to realize that. If they think your MLB future is in doubt (for any reason) you can expect the club to replace you. The stark realities of MILB is off limits in baseball discussions. It has to be that way. That would be like an army officer explaing to his men about how they will die in battle. You approach it by ignoring the facts so you can work your butt off and give it your all ---- that alone makes the release a VERY tough pill to swallow. Fungo
Posts: 4800 | Location: Spring Creek (Jackson),Tennessee | Registered: December 26, 2002
I never thought about it before but are players entitled to workmens compensation for work related injuries? I believe with other types of employment,if an employee is injured on the job and can't return to his regular work the employer is required to find him other work with in the company
Posts: 1176 | Location: NJ | Registered: December 30, 2002
njbb - yes - but with many qualifications - that also vary by state.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. ~Jim Bouton, Ball Four, 1970
Posts: 5809 | Location: Huntersville,NC | Registered: December 27, 2002
Originally posted by Fungo: njbb, I don't think it is for the player but has to do with protecting the club from future liabilities. Remember this is business and the players are their assets and their liabilities. My son experienced this with his medical problems. During the recovery period there was nothing but positive support from the staff, with the excited anticipation of getting back to playing ball ---- only to be blind sided with a release when he indicated he was well. Within and hour after he had signed the medical release he was gone. This is ALL about winning at the MLB level and we have to realize that. If they think your MLB future is in doubt (for any reason) you can expect the club to replace you. The stark realities of MILB is off limits in baseball discussions. It has to be that way. That would be like an army officer explaing to his men about how they will die in battle. You approach it by ignoring the facts so you can work your butt off and give it your all ---- that alone makes the release a VERY tough pill to swallow. Fungo
Fungo good post. I know of a player (you know of him) who was hit by a ball and eventually recovered. He never played much after that and asked for a release. They refused several times, he finally got it. So what makes teams let some go unexpectedly and others have to beg for a release? Or is this just one of those thing that you just can never figure out?
Posts: 10762 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
TPM, Of course I don't know but will give you my opinion. I think it has to do with timing and who they have waiting in the "wings". There has to be X number of players to fill the slots. If they can get someone better --- I assume they will do that. I do know the player, and his injury but I don't know the circumstances surrounding his release.
20dad, Thanks. He was picked up by the Rockies within a week --- his thyroid medication has been regulated and he will have LASIK surgery on his eyes (for the second time) tomorrow at 2:00. He hopes thing will level out ---- we'll see. Fungo
Posts: 4800 | Location: Spring Creek (Jackson),Tennessee | Registered: December 26, 2002
Other times when a player ask for his release, the team put him on the restricted list( kind od punishment), that way the player can not sign with any other team. It is something like, " if you don't play with me, you don't play with nonbody else"
Faith is to believe what you don't see; The reward of this faith is to see what you believe.
Our best wishes to Josh for a successful procedure and his quick return to the baseball field.
You spend a good piece of your life gripping a baseball, and in the end it turns out that it was the other way around all the time. ~Jim Bouton, Ball Four, 1970
Posts: 5809 | Location: Huntersville,NC | Registered: December 27, 2002
-------------------------------------------------- I never threw an illegal pitch. The trouble is, once in a while I toss one that ain't never been seen by this generation
