Matt Doeden - Can You Become a Pro Athlete?: An Interactive Adventure

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YOU have big dreams. You want to get paid to play the sport you love. And youre willing to do whatever it takes to make your dream come true. But its never a straight shot to the top, especially in the world of competitive sports. Find out if you have what it takes to find fame and fortune as a pro athlete.

The first chapter sets the scene. Then you choose which path to read. Follow the links at the bottom of each page as you read the stories. The decisions you make will change your outcome. After you finish one path, go back and read the others for new perspectives and more adventures. Use your device's back buttons or page navigation to jump back to your last choice.

Its 6 a.m. The sun is just rising. A big part of you wants to crawl back into bed.

But you dont. Instead, you lace up your running shoes, throw on a hoodie, and head outside. The air is cool and damp. No one else is around. After a few quick stretches, you start your morning run. Within minutes, your heart is pumping. You feel energized. Thoughts of going back to bed fade away.

A quick check of your smart watch tells you that youre coming up on one mile. Youve got four to go. Thump, thump, thump. The sound of your shoes against the pavement settles into a smooth rhythm. Youre in the zone now.

For the next hour, its just you and the road. Youll still have time to get home, shower, and be ready for school. Then its off to practice, a little weight training, then home for homework and bed.

It doesnt leave you a lot of time for doing anything else. Your friends are out having a great time, while youre spending every free moment working on being in the best shape possible.

Youre missing out on some fun. But thats a price youre willing to pay. Becoming a pro athlete takes hard work and dedication. Lots of people want to become pro athletes. But only a select few are willing to do everything it takes. Its your dream, and youll do everything you can to make it a reality.

Back up, shouts Eduardo, your teams second baseman.

You move your feet back to the edge of the infield dirt. From your position at shortstop, you look on as the opposing teams best hitter steps to the plate. Its the last inning, and your high school teamGeorge Washington Carver Highis clinging to a one-run lead.

Your team has one out, and theres a runner on first. This is a pivotal moment.

With a conference championship on the line, the stakes are high. And you know the stakes are even higher for you, personally. As one of the states top players, youve caught the attention of college and pro scouts. You can see a few of them sitting in the bleachers behind home plate, taking notes.

The pitcher winds and delivers. The batter pounces on a low fastball, driving it on the ground to your right. Your instincts kick in. You dart toward the ball, diving to stop it before it reaches the outfield. In one swift move, you rise to your feet, pivot, and fire the ball to Eduardo just in time to get the runner at second. Eduardo turns and relays it to first base. Double play!

The crowd is on its feet as you and your teammates celebrate the biggest win so far.

Conference champs, yeah! Eduardo shouts as he wraps you up in a bear hug.

Its a clutch play! Not long after the game, you get a . They offer you a big signing bonus if youll sign on to their minor-league system.

Your coach calls you to his office. You have a decision to make, he says. What are you thinking?

Well, you answer, scratching your head, my mom really wants me to go to college. She says that an education is a sure thing, and that if Im good enough, Ill get another shot at the pros after college.

Coach nods. There are two ways to look at it. This shot is in front of you right now. What if you get hurt in college? You might never get another shot. On the other hand, your mom is right about an education. Its something no one can ever take away from you. Its really about what you want.

You shake your head. These same thoughts have been running through your mind all day. My dream is to be a . The Rangers are offering me a big signing bonus if I join one of their minor-league teams. Id be playing full time, making money, and its the fastest way to my dream of reaching the big leagues. Thats pretty hard to turn down. What should I do, Coach?

Coach drums his fingers on the desk. He smiles at you and shakes his head. I cant tell you that. Its your choice. Whats best for you?

That night, you take a run to clear your head. Thats when it clicks. Suddenly, you know exactly what youre going to do.

Your mom is right, and you dont want to let her down by not going to college. You learn pretty quickly that the level of competition there is a big step up from high school. The players are bigger, stronger, and faster. In your first game, you strike out three times and make an error in the field.

Its just the beginning of a rough season. Youre not hitting well. Your fielding improves, but you dont feel like youre helping the team. One day at practice, youre playing catch with some of the pitchers to help them stretch out their arms. Thats when you notice Steve, the teams pitching coach, staring at you.

Whats up? you ask.

How much pitching have you done? Steve asks. Im watching you throw. Youve got a really strong arm.

You shrug. I pitched a little in high school. But mostly I played shortstop.

Steve asks if he can work with you. The two of you go to the bullpen area, and you show him your stuff.

I think youre playing the wrong position here, he says. Youve got a big-league quality arm. Your control isnt there, but I could work with you on that. Whats your interest in switching positions and joining our pitching staff?

A switch to pitching? Youve never really thought about it. All your life, youve imagined being a big-league shortstop. Are you ready to abandon that plan so quickly?

College is great in theory, but youve always wanted to be a pro. Signing with the Rangers gives you a nice payday. Now its time to earn it.

You report to the minor leagues to start your career. Hey kid, booms a deep voice when you walk into the clubhouse. Its another playera big, strong first baseman named James. Welcome to the show.

This is Jamess second year in the minors. Hes a slugger and your roommate. He also quickly becomes your best friend. He shows you the ropes, helping you learn to study film on opposing pitchers so you can hit off of them better. He teaches you the ins and outs of being a minor leaguer.