Baseball Advice

Question
Hello,
I am very interested in playing professional baseball. I need some advice on the best method of networking and getting noticed. I am thinking of making a tape showcasing what I can do. Would that be a good idea? Who should I send it to? What should be in it? What are the most important things a scout would be looking for on that tape? If you have any other information it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Answer
Albert,

I don't have answers to all your questions, but here's some advice:

1)  A tape is a good idea - make sure that it shows your running speed, arm strength, hitting for contact, hitting for power, and hands.  Those are the five tools that professional scouts use to rate players.
2)  Play organized baseball.  Scouts go to games.  Get on the Legion Team, the High School Team, or go play for the local community college.
3)  If you can, try out for a nearby independent league team (like the Frontier League).  This is if you are past high school eligibility.
4)  Teams have bird dog scouts in all areas.  Try and find out who those bird dogs are in your area and send them your tape.  Get them to come see you play in person.  Go to local coaches and ask them who the scouts are - they may know them.

Getting into professional sports is beyond difficult.  You have to be able to play at a high level.  So practice practice practice and play play play.

Hope this helps!

Brian