Mike Just - Just Baseball: A Practical, Down-to-Earth Guide to the World of Baseball

Copyright 2017 by Mike Just

Foreword copyright 2017 by Scott Brosius

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Tom Lau

Cover photo credits: iStock

ISBN: 978-1-68358-084-3

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-68358-085-0

Printed in the United States of America

This book is dedicated to my parents, Dr. Anthony and JoAnn Just, who raised me in the game, dealt with the ups and downs, and traveled the country to support me; my sister Danielle Just, who has ALWAYS been there for me; my extended family members who made trips or listened at home to the radio broadcasts; friends and teammates who were there to mentor and advise me along the way; my loving wife, Brittany, who encouraged me to follow my dreams; our boys at homeDylan and Jack, you can do all things through Him who gives you strength; and the players I train and form lifelong bonds with. I hope it inspires and helps the new generation of ballplayers and leads them on their own unique paths to success.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD

Scott Brosius

F rom the time I was four or five years old, all I ever wanted to be was a baseball player. I was Johnny Bench in my backyard. I spent hour after hour playing, imagining I was hitting a home run in the World Series, or robbing a home run at the fence. Sound familiar? How many of you thought you might play in the majors, or have kids who dream of a pro career? But all of us hear the numbers and know the odds are against us. Less than one-half of 1 percent of all high schoolers will ever get the opportunity to play professionally. Once a professional, only 10 percent will ever see even one day in the big leagues. But I never wanted to hear those numbers. I watched games on TV and remembered every one of those players was once a kid just like me. They had the same dreams I did. And even though the odds were against me, I realized that someone had to make it, so why couldnt it be me?

I was one of the fortunate few who was able to fulfill my dream of being a major-league player. I was undrafted out of high school, and a low 20th-round pick out of college. I had to work my way through every level of the minor leagues, and spend three seasons on the shuttle between Triple A and the big leagues before I got there to stay. But each players path is unique. There are so many variables in baseball. Some kids physically mature sooner than others; kids develop at different rates. Most need college baseball, but the gifted few end up in the big leagues just a couple years out of high school. Unfortunately, for every success story we read about, there are a thousand other guys whose careers did not play out like they hoped. So the question becomes: What do we do? How do we put ourselves or our kids on the right path to succeed?

As I told all the other major leaguers I played with, somewhere along the line I made a decision that put me in the best place to have success. I chose to go to a small college out of high school because I felt it was a better fit for me socially and academically, and Id have a better chance to be on the field and developing earlier in my college career. I look back and realize this was the most important decision I ever made. It paved the way for me to have that professional opportunity and to succeed once I had the chance.

Mikes baseball experience was different than mine, and that is what is so important to understand. There are many different paths, and even more important decisions to make along the way. Often players or parents make the wrong decision simply because they do not have the right information or do not understand their options. What should I do with my 10-year-old who cant get enough baseball? Where should high schoolers play in the summer? What are all the posthigh school options? This book can help answer questions you may have, and make you aware of some questions you didnt even know to ask. So I highly recommend you read Just Baseball , look at your own situation honestly, and let this book help you make a great decision about your or your childs future career.

PREFACE

T he dream it is inescapable We have all had it, at least anyone who has stared down the pitcher, raised the bat, and run the bases, whether they were rubber, corners of cars, grassy patches in the yard, or the neighbors trees. You approach the plate, tap your shoes with the bat, and then for a moment it happensthe dream. During a game of catch your mind wonders and it happensthe dream. It is not the same for everyone, because sometimes it is just about the hit. Sometimes it is about a home run. Sometimes it is about making the varsity team. But then there are the times when it is about making it to the pros.

Millions of young people run headlong down a path that can be arduous, expensive, and filled with disappointments, especially given that fewer than 1 percent of high school players ever wear a professional uniform. My goal with this book is to spare parents and kids the pain, financial drain, and frustrations I have experienced and have watched others endure throughout my professional coaching days. This book provides an insiders perspective of the baseball industry, including its secrets, politics, and strategies. This practical guide will equip parents and players to make the best decisions for their situations, while encouraging and inspiring all to a greater love for the game.

The game is not what it used to be. It is no longer just baseball.

CHAPTER 1

WHY THIS BOOK?

I took the road less traveled by and that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost

A t all levels of baseball there are obstacles along the way that may steer a young ballplayer off his path, while he spends a large amount of money in the process. Its sort of like a game of Chutes and Ladders when you are gaining ground on the board, but you still may fall down the chute. There is so much involved, and some of it is not at all how you think it would be. From the tryouts to the recruiting process for high schools, colleges, and the pros, its a dream for you or your child, but can be a business for others involved.

People want to believe that the most talented players will rise to the top of the baseball world and stay there. There are a plethora of reasons why this may or may not be the case. There will always be a few phenoms who are destined to make it to the majors. But for others, its more of a crapshoot, and extenuating circumstances can prevent high-caliber players from climbing up the ladder.

College coaches, high school coaches, injuries, competition, politics, and more (including talent, hard work, and perseverance) all play a role in the process.

So what does it take to make it?

Are you willing to take a hard look at your current situation and view your chances honestly?

I believe its fair for you to know a little about me to put the advice I give in this book in context. This way, you can understand that I have been through it all, every step of the way, and can use my life experiences for your gain.