The good news is that you don’t need a fancy degree or academic qualifications to play baseball professionally. All you need is talent, zeal, and the ability to put in the work needed. A bit of luck will also come in handy because the competition is stiff. Who doesn’t want the luxury lifestyle that comes with being a professional athlete?
If you like betting on baseball games, it would be helpful to analyze stats before making those MLB predictions. Knowing the current form of teams, their head-to-head history against their opponents, and other information helps decide where to put your money.
Every baseball player dreams of becoming a star one day. However, the truth is that very few make it to the top. The progression to get into the major leagues in the sport is slow and tortuous.
And even when you get there, injuries or a drop in performance can put an abrupt end to your career. This is not to discourage you but to let you know what exactly you’re signing up for.
Step-by-step guide on playing baseball professionally
- Learn The Rules
There’s a difference between knowing the rules as a spectator of a sport and as a player. Gaining an in-depth understanding of the rules that govern baseball is the first step you have to take toward becoming a pro player. There are a lot of books and videos that provide a detailed explanation of the A-Z of playing baseball.
- Start Early
Once you’re acquainted with the game’s rules, the next step is to get started as soon as possible. The younger you are, the better. Most professional baseball players usually start when they’re kids. This shouldn’t discourage you if you’re older. You can still learn. You’ll only have to compensate for the time missed with more hard work.
- Buy The Necessary Equipment
You can’t play baseball without gear. Depending on the position you intend to play in, the gear you need will vary. For example, if you’re a catcher, you’ll need gloves. Other pieces of equipment you’ll need include a helmet, a bat, a ball, cleats, and appropriate clothing. It’s also a good idea to get a sports bag you’ll use to carry your equipment around.
- Practice Consistently
There’s a popular saying that practice makes perfect. To develop the right skills needed to play baseball, you need to practice several times a week, preferably with a team. The game involves a lot of physical activity; therefore, keeping fit is crucial. You can work out at home or sign up at a gym to stay in shape.
- Make Yourself Seen
The possibility of getting drafted to play in a league largely depends on your exposure. In high school, MLB franchises draft players into minor leagues where their skills are needed. From there, they can work their way up into the major leagues. If you’re not lucky to get drafted, you can attend tryout camps. It’s important to remember that the selection process and your career progression in the sport depend solely on how well you can play.
- Hire A Coach
If you have the money, hiring a coach can help fast-track your success as a player. Instead of struggling alone, a coach can help you figure out your strengths and weaknesses. Then they will help you polish your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
Also Read: Why Should You Play Sports Like Football in College?
Skills You’ll Need As A Baseball Player
Believe it or not, everyone isn’t cut out for professional baseball. There are essential skills needed to play the sports at a high level; without them, you’ll continue to struggle.
- Arm strength
Although usually underrated, good arm strength is required in baseball. Players who possess this skill can utilize it to impact games in favor of their teams.
- Speed
Decent speed is a requirement in many sports, and baseball is no exception.
- Hand-to-Eye Coordination
This is another vital skill that players need to possess. Good hand-to-eye coordination is necessary to hit balls accurately. Every good hitter is an asset to their team.
- Power
Home runs win games, and hitting a home run requires power. Home run hitters are popular among fans and may earn higher than other teammates.
Also Read: Sports are Incredibly Crucial for your Mental and Physical Health
Conclusion
With the right mindset and a great work attitude, you will definitely be offered a contract to play in the minor league. However, this is just half of the journey.
The main work lies in getting promoted to the major leagues. Suppose you have figured you are not up to the task of playing baseball competitively.
In that case, you may want to consider pursuing a career as an official. That way, you still get to participate in the game you love without directly being involved in the action.
