One of the biggest problems facing prospective professional baseball players is the lack of knowledge of how to transition from the college game to the pro game, especially in the independent minor leagues. There is a lot of confusion, so a new product was created to help players learn:
how to find out about independent minor league tryouts
how to stand out at an open minor league tryout
what independent minor league managers seek in players
how to make an independent minor league baseball team
how to remain on an independent league team
how to be the type of player who can get signed from an independent league team to a team with a Major League organization
Here is a video explaining everything in greater detail:
In addition, the last remaining tryout for 2009 will take place on December 30 in El Paso. It is being run by the Continental Baseball League’s Big Bend Cowboys. Be sure to contact them at www.BigBendCowboys.com for directions, tryout fees, and other relevant information.
There is a new website which covers everything to do with independent baseball. It has information for fans, links to all independent baseball leagues and teams, lists the social media (Twitter, Facebook) sites for the teams, and much more.
Here is a story of how one player got some advice and ended up going to an independent baseball league when his college career was finished: http://www.jimmyscottshighandtight.com/node/791
Note, however, that for the independent leagues you do not need an agent. While an agent may help, you also can do well for yourself by contacting the individual independent baseball teams and finding out tryout dates.
Also, be sure to have all of your paperwork in order including references, stats, video footage (preferably on a video-sharing site so that you can send a link directly to the manager or director of player operations), and any other documentation such as any evaluations you may have had from a Major League scout.
If you want more information on becoming an independent baseball player then leave a comment on this blog, and I will respond to the questions as they are asked.
If you are a prospective professional baseball player, or if you have previous independent (or international) professional playing experience, then you may be considering getting instruction and increasing your exposure to professional teams through a fall league or winter league. In the previous post you found out about a Winter league which plays in Arizona. If it is better for you to play in a Fall League then here is information about the Fall league sponsored by the Alexandria Aces of the Continental Baseball League:
The league will play its first season starting in September, and it will be called the Louisiana Fall League. If you do not have time to read the information on the link provided then call the Aces at (318) 473-ACES (2237).
If you want to increase your exposure and be notified of other independent baseball tryouts then be sure to join the database which gets your name out to general managers, managers, and league executives across all of the independent baseball leagues. Be sure to click the “I want to play professional baseball link” at:
If you are the former coach or parent of a college baseball player who has finished his eligibility then be sure to click this link for more information: College Baseball Parents And Coaches
If you are a prospective professional baseball player, and you want to improve your chances of getting better (and possibly signed) over the next few months then you may wish to consider participating in one of the for-pay independent baseball fall leagues or winter leagues. Over the next few days, blog posts will appear on how to get involved with these leagues and the benefits of considering each specific one.
To start, I spoke with a representative of the Golden League the other day. He is going to help oversee the Arizona Winter League which is one of the longest-running “Winter Leagues” in independent professional baseball. If you want to play in the Arizona Winter League, or if you want to become an intern and/or join the front office of these teams, then be sure to visit either website to get more information:
If you want information about many aspects of independent baseball, including useful information ONCE you become a player, be sure to join the appropriate database at http://www.IndependentMinorLeagueBaseball.com and choose the “I want to play professional baseball” link. If you are a parent of a prospective player then choose the option a few lines down, as there is information for you.
Thank you, and more information on other Fall Leagues will be posted soon.
If you are a prospective player who has never played professional baseball then get your contact information sent to general managers, managers, and league executives across all of the independent baseball leagues including the developmental ones. Go to Prospective Independent Baseball Players to find out more.
If, instead, you already have experience working or playing for an independent baseball team then sign up for a free report at Independent Baseball Alumni.
