Free Advice Will Get You Signed

I had nothing to do with this but somehow I'm going to take all the credit.  A young fella named Garrett Maines reached out to me last week on Facebook with this message:

"Hi there my name is Garrett Maines and I am the catcher at The University of Tampa. I am multiple questions I would like to ask you pertaining to the possibility of participating in one of the independent leagues. After seeing your wesite I drew some questions up that I couldnt seem to get an asnwer to. Could a player such as myself, a senior in college that was heavily scouted for the Major League Draft this past year have any chance of getting into one of the leagues? I have a complete palyer bio on hand. Could you please call me or email me when you get this. I would really appreciate a few minutes of your time, thank you."

I responded, told him I had some contacts.  Then I called him and learned more about the boy who is really a man.  He's been a catcher for the University of Tampa who's gone through a number of injuries.  He's come back and kept working at his craft.  In this link, you can read about some of his stats, but I have the impression it's an old link.  He's done with college ball now, his eligibility used up.  He's ready for the next step.

We had a nice chat. He has an agent who was working with him, former Yankee pitcher Rich Monteleone (this could be wrong and I'll come back and edit with the right former Yankee when Garrett corrects me).  But he needed, or wanted, more advice.  For no charge at all - mainly because I'm so wealthy and don't use Paypal - I told Garrett the following:

1.  Learn the Independent League - If you're an unsigned player, you need to know your options.  Garrett knew that Independent baseball was his best chance.  I told him to learn the different leagues and see where he could possibly fit.

2.  Have no fear - This is Garrett's dream.  I honestly don't know how good Garrett is, but if his dream is stronger than the back of his baseball card, that makes him a potentially better teammate and can shield him from all of the disappointment that wants to attack him at his earliest convenience.  I told him we're in the middle of a baseball season.  It's going to be very hard to get a job now.  Be prepared for a challenge.

I think I told him more but I was driving and at a bad intersection.  My memory of our conversation was that I'd get him some names but I have to go because there's a very large truck barrelling my way and I feel like I'm suddenly living Final Destination VI: The Death of Jimmy.

I reached out to the NJ Jackals, got some info for him, and sent it his way a few days later.  Here was Garrett's response:

"Hey how you doing? I meant to tell you but it wasnt official until today but it looks like im going to sign with the midwest sliders in the frontier league! i appreciate the help and the efforts you have made. thanks again and ill talk to you soon"

In other words, because of my advice and my advice alone, he's now a professional athlete.  See, I told you I'd take all the credit.

So what's Garrett in for?  Read THIS about the Sliders.  This team history tells you everything you need to know about Independent League baseball.  These leagues, all around the country, are built on hope, dreams and failure - all because of a complete love of baseball.  Go to an Indie league game and do nothing but have fun.  That's what they're there for.

In other words, this is the perfect place for young Garrett Maines.  Good luck, Garrett.  Keep in touch and let us know how your story unfolds.