I’m just a spectator, I never played past high school. But I would guess that one of the challenges between minors and majors at the pro level is the advanced scouting reports other teams have on you. i.e. If the opponent’s staff knows that you like the ball down and in, they can exploit that by throwing sliders a little out of the zone there and getting you to chase, while trying to paint the outside corner with high fastballs to catch you looking. I’d imagine the other teams don’t have the same hours of research on your strengths and weakness in the minors to exploit.
Thank you for taking the time to talk baseball to us. Your a 1st round Baseball player, you made it to the show, your like a celebrity. You could be doing anything else you want. Its even cooler to be called out live on your videos or you to respond. With that Thank you hope you snd your family have a safe and blessed New Year.
Completely agree! As a casual fan, even listening to every game (TV or radio) for a month is tiring. So I can't imagine what it feels like for 162 games in 6 months.
He's absolutely right. “The name of the game is the road.” The grind of the travel, the irregular hours, your body never quite being in sync. Anyone who has played minor league ball has bus stories. I could write a book. Some of them I can laugh about now but I sure didn't at the time.
These videos are awesome! I played mostly hockey growing up, but hearing pros talk about their experiences, regardless of the sport, is always cool. You ever consider being a color commentator?
@@t-squared6406 I wish I had made it to Las Vegas. I was in Single A and was released after my first year. Being great in high school is a big difference to professional.
@@LoydChampion I definitely got a reality check when I played college ball. Playing highschools in your local city is nothing compared to NCAA college teams.
@@kali6651 So true. I was a great hitter in High School, even had a homerun record for a while. But in Single A I basically stunk. When I was cut, I went and say my old HS Coach. He put together a matrix that showed my batting average against the other schools in our leagues best 5 pitchers, it was .238. Against the other pitchers it was .600 or something. Then he made the comment, "Keep I'm nondescripts that none of these 5 great pitchers were drafted." He then pointed out that I was not drafted for my pitching, it was my hitting and potential pitching. So in other words, I was seeing better pitchers than they were. I had a chance to take 25 pitches from a well known major league pitcher that is now in the Hall of Fame while he was still playing. I was able to foul one off; I had never seen a ball do what he made it do.
@@LoydChampion I can totally relate. In Highschool I was considered "above average" in my area here in the Dominican Republic but when I stepped a foot in to MLB academy for young prospects...it was just another level I wasn't even remotely close to making it lol
@Mike Simms You're right, I have not. However I did hear a professional MLB player being interviewed who said that he never got over the fear of being hit in the head by a baseball. Every time he went to the plate he was aware of the possibility.
same thing playing in a rock band, the constant travel, the low budget travel, i can imagine playing 162 games. or even 150... but try playing 300 nights or more a year, it's exhausting, and it'll grind you down to nothing, baseball and rock music have something else in common, drug abuse. and we know why. the pressure to perform every time you go out, the pressure to stay on top of the game.
A question I've always had is "what really is going on in the bullpen during a game"? I can imagine the players in the dugout being "into" the game, but, being out there in the bullpen, isolated from the action, are they "into" the game? Just my casual fan observation but it looks as though it's a more relaxed atmosphere and no one is paying much attention until the phone rings, and things get "stirring".
This is why I think postponing the Triple-A start date to May 4 is a good idea. It will still be hard enough on the players this year but the snow should at least be gone everywhere in the nation, except maybe remote towns in Montana and Wyoming. Long bus rides in snowstorms are not conducive to morale.
It’s not the playing everyday that was tough. It’s the practicing AND playing everyday. Warm up, stretch, throw, hit, infield/outfield, drills, etc... then back to the clubhouse for a PBJ, one hour rest/chill period, then back out to the field to warm up, stretch, throw, hit, infield/outfield then play 9 innings or more. The worst were lifting days in addition to all that, or a long bus ride before it all.
There was a time when baseball was our only professional sport, but not so today. I think the regular season should be May-August and wrapped up by the end of September. 120 games is plenty of baseball, with room for a few days off. There is too much overlap in sports today.
when you are at bat, do you commit to a certain pitch in your mind? fastball and a breaking ball? you gotta be ready for that pitch. do you just pick a pitch?
Hey Matt. i love baseball and enjoy your insiders look into the game. i have a question... maybe its a stupid one... but i've wondered it for a while now. when a pitcher throws a ball in the dirt, that ball is tossed to the side and they get a new ball. what happens to that ball that hit the dirt? i cant believe that ball is out for the rest of the game... does it become a batting practice ball? one ball in the dirt and thats it? do they clean it up and get it back into the game? i'm just curious. hopefully you answer. thanks
that's cool,you made it as a professional,I saw local college players come back to games after a short pro career,but they took it as far as they could,no what ifs,just like you!!!
I can’t imagine how much MLB players play. There’s a reason players have taken “greenies,”amphetamines, cocaine, and now-adderall league-wide. The mental/physical attrition is crazy
@@gouda2177 Good point most people associate steriods with big time strength, and size while that is certainly true it does help your body recover a lot better.
I'm putting the video on pause and posting this first. My opinion, the hardest thing to do is compete at a professional level consistently. Every single day. That's to me what separates the professionals from the individuals who or just as talented and maybe even more talented on their best day yet lack the ability to consistently play at the professional level. I've seen it in college and afterwards. There were plenty of individuals in both the independent leagues and low minor leagues that had the talent to be Major Leaguers. The problem was it would happen every other start or every third game as a hitter. And in between playing at a high level the drop off is much more significant then a major Leaguer on a bad day.
Hey Matt I wanna know what you think about Latin players playing in winter leagues right now? For it? Against it? Do you wish there were more winter leagues here in the US for other MLB players to play in? How do the Latin players get around that where they get to play almost 10 months out of the year?
This gives me a LOT more respect for career minor-leaguers and for the guys who go up and down between MLB and the minors a lot, those guys have it rough! I hope their conditions can improve with things like better pay, food and accommodation cus those guys really deserve it.
The reason I hated it was just the fact that it was pro ball. I thought back to those sandlot days then took a hard look at what I was doing, I thought, I missed those days when I did this for the passion. If anybody ever told you they were in it for the love of the game, they're lying to you. I missed doing it for the love of it. Good video.
Given the amount of travel and exhaustion that pro baseball players face, how aware were you of winning and losing? Did you still care about how well the team was doing or were you only able to concentrate on how you were doing individually?
If you had to say, what is the most difficult to easiest positions in the line up? Specifically, what defensive position and spot in the batting order?
Can you please do one about signing autographs for fans/kids and what do you feel about fans selling autos online for extremely large amounts of money?
I used to collect autographs,some players personalized or thought I was selling for being at a hotel for one or two iteme,people with stacks ruin it for most collectors.Also,players don't want to be used.I got out of it,it kept accumulating and it took more time to acquire.You can get a ton,especially when you find old timers that don't care,some coaches who played or if you give them items,make a deal,man,you can get a ton of autigraphs!!
Who knew the rigors of the minors! I bet they were testing you a little, too. These coaches paid their dues and so shall you, maybe. What an incredible grind it sounds; exhausted mentally, physically and just tired all the time. Great answer as usual, Matt. You are so honest and believable.
And they do it for $12k a year...sure the hot prospects have big signing bonuses to tide them over but for most of those guys I don't know how they survive.
@@Veaseify 12k is plenty money if you don’t have a car, or rent or time to go blow money on stuff. They basically live on the road and play baseball every night, why do they need the money?
@@Artessnow Minor League players only get paid for the 6 months of a Minor League Season, they get nothing during Spring Training and the Off Season. They also have to pay rent because half of their games are at their home stadium.
Hey Matt, I was wondering how hard it is to not be a fan when playing guys you grew up watching? Did you ever go out of your way to meet someone or were you more concentrated on playing your game? Thanks
did you get in a few autographs before getting on the bus,I live in Vegas,I have seen it,heard it from the local announcer,I even thought,Wow!,my team was just playing and within 24 hours,they will be playing again in another city,how about having to got to Canada in the PCL or IL! WOW!!!
Matt, some professional players, don’t come across as “great athletes”, but can throw 96 or Rake! Who stands out from your playing days as this kind of player?
I go further, imagine people playing in lower Independent minor leagues like Pacific Association or Pecos where the travel is hard on the body because they play 5-6 times per week with no plane rides or luxury buses. Sponsors, host families, and donations pay for their meals. Imagine driving from Martinez, CA (Bay Area) to Wasco, CA (Bakersfield area) and Spring Valley, CA (San Bernandino County) carpooling.
Matt, I'm sure you're aware of who Lou Merloni is. You talk about the come down back to Minors. For awhile, probably while you were in SD, Merloni was up & down, up & down between Boston & Pawtucket. Anything on that kinda thing? Mentally? What kinda living situation guys like this have, etc??
Yup I am! I have a few videos on it. It's not fun, but better to be in the MLB a little than not at all during that time. Usually just jump between hotels
Now I understand why players retire after 30 years old, travel is hard on the body and you're required to stay in top shape throughout the season. I'll imagine if a minor league meal was peach yogart, protein bar, and a cup of coffee, you burn more calories processing the travel on the road.
1:00 minute in and I am going to guess the management system for the MLB teams. From intel on plays, management tactics & stratagies, the ability to for and carry out those tactics, the "eye" for xyz, and the ability of the plays to understand/do the same.
Matt, I have a question about situational baseball: With a runner on first and no outs and a sac bunt being put on, should it be put to the third base side or first base side? The third baseman is free to charge, but the first baseman has to hold the runner. Does that influence things?
Wow! I imagine all that and being a poor kid from the Dominican Republic getting into the minors, didn't go to college, doesn't speak or understand the language and with his family in another country that he needs to send money to. We are talking major stress levels!
What are your thoughts of the 10 episode season of Playing For Peanuts? If you haven’t seen it, it is on TH-cam for free. Wally Backman is the manager. I would love to hear your thoughts.
You’ve gotta think about it from the perspective that so many others are in the same boat... spend your time trying to get better and ready for next year.
Don’t worry man your just a freshman. Also to me at least height doesn’t matter. There’s gonna be guys 5’7 working there asses off harder then dudes who are 6’5 everyone’s competing and wants it. Covids ruined a lot of things for a lot of people. Just keep your head high and play for the love of the game!
Are players warned about giving too many autographs which in turn lower its value? Is it more about signing in the minors and not majors? I always wondered why players can be so stingy about signing. San Jose Giants players are the worst, their first rounders seemed to be stingy on who they signed for. Joey Bart and Heliot Ramos were the culprits.
I have heard about it,also,some players signed so much,they are already tired of it by the time they turn pro,a college player told me he signed for 20 people at a visiting stadium and he wasn't the best,I can't imagine someone who is a 1st round pick,Olympian that get headlines before getting drafted,gets old for some,for otgers,they keep signing like Mike Trout at the stadium at least!
When they give a player a day off in MLB I think they should have him sit in the press box rather than have him dress for the game. Part of the rest should be mental rest.
Matt, I’ve been wondering this for a while, how aware do you think players are of the history of baseball? Like history of equipment, uniforms like your number on your back indicated where you would hit in the lineup. I would love to hear your thoughts on this! Thank you Matt!
I have witnessed it following my local AAA team,playing here one night,within 24 hours playing in another city and when they used to go to Canada going through customs,pain in the butt!!
How so? *EDIT* Wait no I see what you mean. In terms or improvement, I believe that it really helps the players because if they go straight to the big leagues from college or even a different league, they’re gonna struggle or they’re gonna need time to adjust. Although the conditions that minor leaguers have to live under is ridiculous.
WWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHH....Such a tough life while making millions....so much harder than a factory worker who works....wait for it.....EVERY SINGLE DAY By the way....Cal only played 162 games a year, 3 hours per day...not 8 to 12 or longer, many of them were 6 hors for double headers but never an 8 hour day......there are 365 days in a year.....so you get HALF the year off......ok, with spring training.....ONE THIRD of the year off......I live in AZ and they start in February after not working since September......4 1/2 months off......Cal Ripken played 3001 games in his career X 3 hours per game= 9000 hours.....9000 divided by an average Joe working 50 hrs per week 50 weeks a year(allowing 2 for vacation) is 182 weeks worked FOR HIS ENTIRE CAREER divided by 12 months is a measly 3.5 years worked without calling in sick.. Not impressed....there are guys who work 30 years without calling in once..These are factory, delivery. etc. jobs that are WAY MORE physically demanding than standing on grass and swinging a bat. Quit whinning......
With all due respect, it sounds like you were extremely talented. That said from my perspective you rode on your talent not so much hard work. I literally was in a hotel for 240 days last year for work. I NEVER expected something in return except money. Work your ass off my friend. That’s what makes it. You come across like a grown child wether it be your tone or perspective I still appreciate you and your videos. Thank you
![โอ้เธอช่าง... - บี้เดอะสกา ft. ต๋อง เทวัญ (Prod. by ป๋าเพชร) [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/zbWhiLFmVL0/mqdefault.jpg)
I was gonna guess the advanced scouting. If you have a weakness all the other teams will find it.
I’m just a spectator, I never played past high school. But I would guess that one of the challenges between minors and majors at the pro level is the advanced scouting reports other teams have on you. i.e. If the opponent’s staff knows that you like the ball down and in, they can exploit that by throwing sliders a little out of the zone there and getting you to chase, while trying to paint the outside corner with high fastballs to catch you looking. I’d imagine the other teams don’t have the same hours of research on your strengths and weakness in the minors to exploit.
Matt:” hardest part of pro ball is existing in it”
He's basically explaining why amphetamines used to be so popular in pro baseball
Addy, blue pill, etc definitely are still taken by guys
Thank you for taking the time to talk baseball to us. Your a 1st round Baseball player, you made it to the show, your like a celebrity. You could be doing anything else you want. Its even cooler to be called out live on your videos or you to respond. With that Thank you hope you snd your family have a safe and blessed New Year.
Completely agree! As a casual fan, even listening to every game (TV or radio) for a month is tiring. So I can't imagine what it feels like for 162 games in 6 months.
Pete Rose said it’s easier to hit in the majors bc 1) the pitchers are less wild & 2) you’re seeing the same pitchers year after year.
I’m sure anyone that could hit like Pete Rose would agree.
Yes but Randy Johnson
He's absolutely right. “The name of the game is the road.” The grind of the travel, the irregular hours, your body never quite being in sync. Anyone who has played minor league ball has bus stories. I could write a book. Some of them I can laugh about now but I sure didn't at the time.
These videos are awesome! I played mostly hockey growing up, but hearing pros talk about their experiences, regardless of the sport, is always cool. You ever consider being a color commentator?
Spot on... after playing 18 games in a row and hitting 4 cities we had a day off at "home". I went to bed, and slept for about 16 hours.
where did you play,I followed the Vegas minor league teams in the PCL
@@t-squared6406 I wish I had made it to Las Vegas. I was in Single A and was released after my first year. Being great in high school is a big difference to professional.
@@LoydChampion I definitely got a reality check when I played college ball. Playing highschools in your local city is nothing compared to NCAA college teams.
@@kali6651 So true. I was a great hitter in High School, even had a homerun record for a while. But in Single A I basically stunk. When I was cut, I went and say my old HS Coach. He put together a matrix that showed my batting average against the other schools in our leagues best 5 pitchers, it was .238. Against the other pitchers it was .600 or something. Then he made the comment, "Keep I'm nondescripts that none of these 5 great pitchers were drafted." He then pointed out that I was not drafted for my pitching, it was my hitting and potential pitching. So in other words, I was seeing better pitchers than they were. I had a chance to take 25 pitches from a well known major league pitcher that is now in the Hall of Fame while he was still playing. I was able to foul one off; I had never seen a ball do what he made it do.
@@LoydChampion I can totally relate. In Highschool I was considered "above average" in my area here in the Dominican Republic but when I stepped a foot in to MLB academy for young prospects...it was just another level I wasn't even remotely close to making it lol
Love the videos! Goin up to walla walla cc in Washington to play ball this spring! Your videos have helped me a lot, so thank you for what you do!
Played at clackamas back in 2012 goodluck man
i been pro n played community college ball also if u need advice let me know kid
I figured it would be the fear of 95 mph fastballs coming straight at your head.
For some reason that just doesn't scare ya bc you know if someone is wild. I was more scared of striking out when I saw 90+
yeah, but for a player of Antonelli's caliber, he's been groomed to that pitching speed from his HS days on.
@Mike Simms You're right, I have not. However I did hear a professional MLB player being interviewed who said that he never got over the fear of being hit in the head by a baseball. Every time he went to the plate he was aware of the possibility.
@Mike Simms where did you play?
same thing playing in a rock band, the constant travel, the low budget travel, i can imagine playing 162 games. or even 150... but try playing 300 nights or more a year, it's exhausting, and it'll grind you down to nothing, baseball and rock music have something else in common, drug abuse. and we know why. the pressure to perform every time you go out, the pressure to stay on top of the game.
A question I've always had is "what really is going on in the bullpen during a game"? I can imagine the players in the dugout being "into" the game, but, being out there in the bullpen, isolated from the action, are they "into" the game? Just my casual fan observation but it looks as though it's a more relaxed atmosphere and no one is paying much attention until the phone rings, and things get "stirring".
This is why I think postponing the Triple-A start date to May 4 is a good idea. It will still be hard enough on the players this year but the snow should at least be gone everywhere in the nation, except maybe remote towns in Montana and Wyoming. Long bus rides in snowstorms are not conducive to morale.
It’s not the playing everyday that was tough. It’s the practicing AND playing everyday. Warm up, stretch, throw, hit, infield/outfield, drills, etc... then back to the clubhouse for a PBJ, one hour rest/chill period, then back out to the field to warm up, stretch, throw, hit, infield/outfield then play 9 innings or more. The worst were lifting days in addition to all that, or a long bus ride before it all.
What was the coolest part about being a pro baseball player, specifically when you hit the major league?
@Ryan not true, but also not wrong
Chicks and money
Panda Express
Per diem
I know one thing players enjoy is interaction with fans,not just signing autographs,I talked to many players and had them hit me up other days!!
There was a time when baseball was our only professional sport, but not so today. I think the regular season should be May-August and wrapped up by the end of September. 120 games is plenty of baseball, with room for a few days off. There is too much overlap in sports today.
Thanks Matt for these explanation videos!
I'd say the #1 is sliding into home holding an american express card -WMH
Don't steal home without it!
@@Ascending11 we're contenders now
when you are at bat, do you commit to a certain pitch in your mind? fastball and a breaking ball? you gotta be ready for that pitch. do you just pick a pitch?
Too much of a good thing! There was talk of everyone in MLB getting Monday off branding it as a focus for "minor league Monday".
Hey Matt. i love baseball and enjoy your insiders look into the game. i have a question... maybe its a stupid one... but i've wondered it for a while now. when a pitcher throws a ball in the dirt, that ball is tossed to the side and they get a new ball. what happens to that ball that hit the dirt? i cant believe that ball is out for the rest of the game... does it become a batting practice ball? one ball in the dirt and thats it? do they clean it up and get it back into the game? i'm just curious. hopefully you answer. thanks
100% agree. I played in the short A Northwest league right after my college season and it kicked me in the butt
“Time in the Minors” documentary
that's cool,you made it as a professional,I saw local college players come back to games after a short pro career,but they took it as far as they could,no what ifs,just like you!!!
I can’t imagine how much MLB players play. There’s a reason players have taken “greenies,”amphetamines, cocaine, and now-adderall league-wide. The mental/physical attrition is crazy
RIODS
@@gouda2177 Good point most people associate steriods with big time strength, and size while that is certainly true it does help your body recover a lot better.
I'm putting the video on pause and posting this first. My opinion, the hardest thing to do is compete at a professional level consistently. Every single day. That's to me what separates the professionals from the individuals who or just as talented and maybe even more talented on their best day yet lack the ability to consistently play at the professional level. I've seen it in college and afterwards. There were plenty of individuals in both the independent leagues and low minor leagues that had the talent to be Major Leaguers. The problem was it would happen every other start or every third game as a hitter. And in between playing at a high level the drop off is much more significant then a major Leaguer on a bad day.
Like being in a touring band! Well blues bands!
Hey Matt I wanna know what you think about Latin players playing in winter leagues right now? For it? Against it? Do you wish there were more winter leagues here in the US for other MLB players to play in? How do the Latin players get around that where they get to play almost 10 months out of the year?
This gives me a LOT more respect for career minor-leaguers and for the guys who go up and down between MLB and the minors a lot, those guys have it rough! I hope their conditions can improve with things like better pay, food and accommodation cus those guys really deserve it.
The reason I hated it was just the fact that it was pro ball. I thought back to those sandlot days then took a hard look at what I was doing, I thought, I missed those days when I did this for the passion. If anybody ever told you they were in it for the love of the game, they're lying to you. I missed doing it for the love of it. Good video.
Given the amount of travel and exhaustion that pro baseball players face, how aware were you of winning and losing? Did you still care about how well the team was doing or were you only able to concentrate on how you were doing individually?
The Grind.
Love the answer
If you had to say, what is the most difficult to easiest positions in the line up? Specifically, what defensive position and spot in the batting order?
Can you please do one about signing autographs for fans/kids and what do you feel about fans selling autos online for extremely large amounts of money?
I used to collect autographs,some players personalized or thought I was selling for being at a hotel for one or two iteme,people with stacks ruin it for most collectors.Also,players don't want to be used.I got out of it,it kept accumulating and it took more time to acquire.You can get a ton,especially when you find old timers that don't care,some coaches who played or if you give them items,make a deal,man,you can get a ton of autigraphs!!
I thought 4 games a week was rough in college lol.
Who knew the rigors of the minors! I bet they were testing you a little, too. These coaches paid their dues and so shall you, maybe. What an incredible grind it sounds; exhausted mentally, physically and just tired all the time.
Great answer as usual, Matt. You are so honest and believable.
And they do it for $12k a year...sure the hot prospects have big signing bonuses to tide them over but for most of those guys I don't know how they survive.
@@Veaseify 12k is plenty money if you don’t have a car, or rent or time to go blow money on stuff. They basically live on the road and play baseball every night, why do they need the money?
@@Artessnow Minor League players only get paid for the 6 months of a Minor League Season, they get nothing during Spring Training and the Off Season. They also have to pay rent because half of their games are at their home stadium.
Hey Matt, I was wondering how hard it is to not be a fan when playing guys you grew up watching? Did you ever go out of your way to meet someone or were you more concentrated on playing your game? Thanks
good question
did you get in a few autographs before getting on the bus,I live in Vegas,I have seen it,heard it from the local announcer,I even thought,Wow!,my team was just playing and within 24 hours,they will be playing again in another city,how about having to got to Canada in the PCL or IL! WOW!!!
Love the Vids Matt !!
Matt, some professional players, don’t come across as “great athletes”, but can throw 96 or Rake! Who stands out from your playing days as this kind of player?
I go further, imagine people playing in lower Independent minor leagues like Pacific Association or Pecos where the travel is hard on the body because they play 5-6 times per week with no plane rides or luxury buses. Sponsors, host families, and donations pay for their meals. Imagine driving from Martinez, CA (Bay Area) to Wasco, CA (Bakersfield area) and Spring Valley, CA (San Bernandino County) carpooling.
The daily grind.
What he said makes sense to me, especially the traveling and the poor eating habits in the minors
What's the hardest part about keeping your spot in the majors vs going back down to minors?
Excellent video
What are your thoughts on showboating/bat flipping/etc... also, I just found the channel so apologies if you've answered this. Thanks.
Matt,
I'm sure you're aware of who Lou Merloni is. You talk about the come down back to Minors. For awhile, probably while you were in SD, Merloni was up & down, up & down between Boston & Pawtucket.
Anything on that kinda thing? Mentally? What kinda living situation guys like this have, etc??
Yup I am! I have a few videos on it. It's not fun, but better to be in the MLB a little than not at all during that time. Usually just jump between hotels
wow you have a really good radio voice
Could you do a video about the Cape Cod League?
Now I understand why players retire after 30 years old, travel is hard on the body and you're required to stay in top shape throughout the season. I'll imagine if a minor league meal was peach yogart, protein bar, and a cup of coffee, you burn more calories processing the travel on the road.
1:00 minute in and I am going to guess the management system for the MLB teams. From intel on plays, management tactics & stratagies, the ability to for and carry out those tactics, the "eye" for xyz, and the ability of the plays to understand/do the same.
I was wrong, but I understand why.
I think there are too many games in their schedule but the amount wont ever go down, too much in each game like all the other leagues
Matt, I have a question about situational baseball: With a runner on first and no outs and a sac bunt being put on, should it be put to the third base side or first base side? The third baseman is free to charge, but the first baseman has to hold the runner. Does that influence things?
Yes bunt to 1B for the reasons you stated 👍
Are you still friends or keep in contact with any big Leaguers when you played pro ball?
Wow! My body is sore just from hearing this!
Have you been one time in Europe and what do you think about Euro baseball ?
I feel that if you didn't get a 'free ride' into university you start the grind from NCAA training camp.
3:11
👍
The moment he started puberty
I heard once from Albert Pujols that baseball needed to be you life existence if you wanted to make it to the pros.
You look good in Cubbie blue 😉
Fun fact: cubbie blue is the exact same color as dodger blue. Pantone 294
I thought the same thing
Wow! I imagine all that and being a poor kid from the Dominican Republic getting into the minors, didn't go to college, doesn't speak or understand the language and with his family in another country that he needs to send money to. We are talking major stress levels!
How long does the season last?
Are you constantly sore or battling injuries?
Thanks for giving us the REAL
What are your thoughts of the 10 episode season of Playing For Peanuts? If you haven’t seen it, it is on TH-cam for free. Wally Backman is the manager. I would love to hear your thoughts.
I saw some of it,he managed where I live,he got the most out of his teams,he really works umps or does what he can to fire his team up!!
Matt I’m 6’2 and a freshman in highschool I think I could’ve made varsity but COVID ruined everything
You’ve gotta think about it from the perspective that so many others are in the same boat... spend your time trying to get better and ready for next year.
@@masondushney6410 wise words...
Don’t worry man your just a freshman. Also to me at least height doesn’t matter. There’s gonna be guys 5’7 working there asses off harder then dudes who are 6’5 everyone’s competing and wants it. Covids ruined a lot of things for a lot of people. Just keep your head high and play for the love of the game!
The biggest difference between the Minors and The Show:
The hotels all have room service and the women all have long legs and brains.”
Are players warned about giving too many autographs which in turn lower its value? Is it more about signing in the minors and not majors? I always wondered why players can be so stingy about signing. San Jose Giants players are the worst, their first rounders seemed to be stingy on who they signed for. Joey Bart and Heliot Ramos were the culprits.
I have heard about it,also,some players signed so much,they are already tired of it by the time they turn pro,a college player told me he signed for 20 people at a visiting stadium and he wasn't the best,I can't imagine someone who is a 1st round pick,Olympian that get headlines before getting drafted,gets old for some,for otgers,they keep signing like Mike Trout at the stadium at least!
Great video
Ima guess before he starts taking and my guess is the hitting of a mlb pitcher would be the hardest
Would you have played in the Mexican League or Japan if you thought it could lead to the MLB?
To make it, you have to be mental.
This is more for Laura, but whats the worst part about being married to a former MLB player?
am i the only person who doesn’t care how there body feels? because there is pretty much nothing i’d rather be doing than playing baseball.
When they give a player a day off in MLB I think they should have him sit in the press box rather than have him dress for the game. Part of the rest should be mental rest.
Sounds like a being a sports version of a navy seal.
did you get to keep the baseball that you got with your first hit when you were in the MLB
I'm sure he did, if you watch the vid where he talks about it you can see em tossing it back in to the dugout when he reaches first.
Right now they have days off. Probably a lot more to come.
This is why I don't miss minor league baseball...
Matt, I’ve been wondering this for a while, how aware do you think players are of the history of baseball? Like history of equipment, uniforms like your number on your back indicated where you would hit in the lineup. I would love to hear your thoughts on this! Thank you Matt!
It was tiring just listening to the amount of travel one has to do as a minor league player, along with so few off days.
I have witnessed it following my local AAA team,playing here one night,within 24 hours playing in another city and when they used to go to Canada going through customs,pain in the butt!!
Mmmmm Taco Bell....So goooood.
The Minor Leagues = Boot Camp, got it
MLB games should be reduced to, maybe, 80 to 100 games in the regular season.
thanks for sharing this part of minor league baseball players
Matt must know, considering he had a 21 game major league "career".
Which is an incredible accomplishment in itself.
HOW LONG WAS YOUR MLB CAREER
better than yours or probably anyone else in the comments here. Let me guess, you're an all star on your American Legion team so you know what's up?
Not only that but the title says nothing about MLB, it says professional. That includes minor leagues and he played there quite a bit.
@@joeg5414 Hey whacko....the thumbnail for the video states toughest part of MLB.
In terms of performance and improvement, the minor league sounds pretty dumb.
How so?
*EDIT*
Wait no I see what you mean. In terms or improvement, I believe that it really helps the players because if they go straight to the big leagues from college or even a different league, they’re gonna struggle or they’re gonna need time to adjust. Although the conditions that minor leaguers have to live under is ridiculous.
Does money buy happiness?
Staying healthy, amiright? 😉
Mmmmm yum Taco Bell, KFC and McDonald’s 🤤
What was the furthest ball you have ever hit?
He had a vid on his one and only mlb hr and thats obviously it
Striking out
getting chewed out by the manager
Difference between the minors and the majors is the dolllarrrrr. Big step.
AAA is so close,yet so far!
Sounds miserable!!
Just don’t walk him
If you wanna be a coach, why don't you get off YT and go coach?
Jesus Christ is Lord and Saviour
WWWWWAAAAAAAHHHHH....Such a tough life while making millions....so much harder than a factory worker who works....wait for it.....EVERY SINGLE DAY
By the way....Cal only played 162 games a year, 3 hours per day...not 8 to 12 or longer, many of them were 6 hors for double headers but never an 8 hour day......there are 365 days in a year.....so you get HALF the year off......ok, with spring training.....ONE THIRD of the year off......I live in AZ and they start in February after not working since September......4 1/2 months off......Cal Ripken played 3001 games in his career X 3 hours per game= 9000 hours.....9000 divided by an average Joe working 50 hrs per week 50 weeks a year(allowing 2 for vacation) is 182 weeks worked FOR HIS ENTIRE CAREER divided by 12 months is a measly 3.5 years worked without calling in sick.. Not impressed....there are guys who work 30 years without calling in once..These are factory, delivery. etc. jobs that are WAY MORE physically demanding than standing on grass and swinging a bat. Quit whinning......
You clearly weren't paying attention. Minor league players don't make millions, and he said that was much harder.
With all due respect, it sounds like you were extremely talented. That said from my perspective you rode on your talent not so much hard work. I literally was in a hotel for 240 days last year for work. I NEVER expected something in return except money. Work your ass off my friend. That’s what makes it. You come across like a grown child wether it be your tone or perspective I still appreciate you and your videos. Thank you