| Do you plan on attending a pro baseball tryout | | | | instructors are in pro baseball for a reason. By |
| this year? If so, you should realize that the odds | | | | necessity, you have to assume that they can |
| of getting signed out of a tryout camp are | | | | pick up flaws in your game better than your |
| relatively low; and many times the reasons are | | | | previous coaches did. Showing that you run off |
| factors beyond your control. For example, many | | | | the field, run onto the field, hustle, and take |
| tryouts could be held early in the morning when | | | | charge at your position will go a long way toward |
| the grass is still wet; and this could affect your | | | | showing those running the tryout that you are |
| 60-yard dash times. You also may have a terrific | | | | serious. If you listen to any advice given and |
| arm as an outfielder, but the team running the | | | | make the necessary adjustments then you prove |
| tryout needs two infielders, a catcher, and some | | | | to those running any pro baseball tryout that you |
| pitching. | | | | are willing to learn and adapt quickly. This is |
| Nonetheless, there are three things you can do to | | | | something all pro baseball managers want in their |
| make yourself stand out at a minor league or | | | | players, especially in big games and other pressure |
| independent baseball league tryout which are | | | | situations. |
| within your control. These three things will help | | | | Finally, show respect to those running any pro |
| you differentiate yourself from the other players | | | | baseball tryout. If you send a thank you note to |
| at the tryout assuming you have the physical | | | | those running the open tryout camp then you will |
| skills needed to play at the professional level. | | | | be different than virtually every other tryout |
| First, make sure that you are prepared like a true | | | | attendee. In addition, you should keep the number |
| professional athlete. This means that you arrive | | | | they assign you and then ask for feedback at the |
| early, get loose, dress like you expect to play in a | | | | end of the tryout; and if they cannot give you |
| minor league game that evening, and you have all | | | | feedback at that time then call in a few business |
| of your necessary equipment. Know that | | | | days (with your tryout number) and ask for |
| professional baseball tryouts oftentimes run late | | | | feedback. Thank those running the tryouts, even |
| into the afternoon if many players attend, so | | | | if you do not get signed, and ask if they have |
| bring some food and a big (or two) of water. | | | | any colleagues in the league (or other leagues) |
| Also, have all of your information printed out | | | | who might be able to use your services. Be sure |
| which you can hand to those running the tryout. | | | | to follow up with any recommendations and |
| Just as your friends should bring multiple copies of | | | | always be respectful because you then represent |
| a resume to an interview, you should bring | | | | the person who referred you. |
| multiple copies of a baseball resume to hand out | | | | These three tips, assuming you have skills on par |
| to those running any minor league baseball tryout. | | | | with other professional baseball players, should go |
| Second, be sure to hustle and listen to the | | | | a long way to helping you with your career. The |
| coaches. Even if you think that your high school | | | | tips are especially important if the only time a |
| or college coach knows everything, remember | | | | team (or league) sees you is at one of their |
| that professional baseball managers, coaches, and | | | | professional baseball tryouts. |