Even at the minor league level, you got mad skills to get there. Be proud of your accomplishments, not a lot of guys can get there. I give lots of respect to guys that play at that level, its a tough road.
Man the MLB really fucks over the minor league players. That’s so tough man. That clubhouse clause is straight bs. At least youll get to say u played pro ball and hopefully the giants don’t take this down.
"Fucked over" seems like an understatement based on Eric's video. The team basically made him show up to all these camps and instructional leagues and didn't pay him a plug nickel for his time there. I understand that you really can't pay several dozen players in a system an upper-middle class wage or higher. But the least they could do is provide clubhouse meals, or at least a better per diem, and pay them for the actual work they're *requiring* them to put in as employees of the organization. The Player's Union is really dropping the ball by not focusing more on their fellow players in the minors to ensure they have at least a halfway decent QOL during the season and organized team activities. I don't have an issue with players needed to find jobs outside the season, but during it, including spring training and instructional leagues, they should at least be getting paid for their work.
This makes me wonder how many decent players never get developed and don’t make the cut due to outside stressors from a severe lack of financial stability.
@@cmc5394oparva Man. Talk about it. They’re paying them like fucking camp counselors. Money for Food and housing gotta be provided. ain’t too much to ask at all at that salary. Why do they want to make it so hard on their players? I just don’t get why they don’t give a shit, how can those coaches and management live with that? They’re on the same fucking team
@@Jackson-mi3dr simply because they can; just like most businesses in America, they will pay as little as they can get away with and screw everyone they can.
It does suck and if the teams were more ethical they may do it differently. But unfortunately these teams dont draw any fans or really revenues. So its just business. You make your money if you make the show
@@charlesandrews2360 you said it. A lot of these helicopter parents end up paying for any scholarship money a kid gets (almost no one gets a full ride) for baseball with all these showcases and bullshit aau teams.
@@curtmastor AAU? By the time they get to that level they are all in. And it is such a disservice to the young people whose parents do not have money and Incredibly exploitative. I've been a coach and administrator of Youth Sports my entire adult life and I believe that sports hero worship and desire for fantastic wealth have caused organized youth sports to have a extremely deleterious affect on the American family. Especially in the last 30 or 35 years when people started putting their kids into organized Sports at the age of 6 & 7 years old instead of 10 11 12. I've seen it. I sat on the board of an immensely popular youth tackle football program involving 300 families in my town of 20,000. The commitment that entire families make so that 6 and 7 year olds can play football is just unbelievable. I managed little league baseball teams for 10 Years starting when my oldest son turned 7 years old. After my first year when I was a little too gung-ho LOL I focused on teaching the kids the game so that they could enjoy it for their entire lives instead of focusing on technique and won loss records. But a lot of the coaches were sending their nine year old and ten year old players to the batting cages and private coaches. Especially the ones who played travel baseball. They were playing 60 games a year and driving hundreds of miles all over the place. It's ridiculous. By the time all those traveling baseball team players reached 7th and 8th grade they were burned out. One of the hundreds of kids that I coached in our little league was drafted into the Major Leagues right out of high school. Couple years later I was talking to his dad. He told me the kid got a girlfriend and nice new pickup truck and is going to end up being a construction worker just like he is. Maybe if that kid had seen this video when literally a nine-year-old specimen things may have worked out differently. Probably not though because when this kid was 10 years old he looked like a 15 year old high school athlete. So to generalize youth sports has ruined this country and it's time to start letting the kids go out and learn and play on their own. Seriously there should be an age limit for starting organized Sports in this country. You got 9 and 10 and 11 year old children lifting weights, throwing curve balls, dieting to make weight. It's not healthy and it needs to be addressed LOL laughing because we have a thousand other things that need to be addressed first but it's a serious issue.
Great Video Eric my son who’s name is also Erik and Korean is going through this right now. I’m proud of both of you for chasing your dream and hopefully my son can make it and make all baseball loving Koreans proud.
Wow your customers were tipping you great! I always tip like $4 when I order a pizza. An uncle of mine used to work for Dominos and I heard he was making like $20-25 an hour during busy times when doing deliveries.
You are miserable delivering pizzas, while the minor league baseball players are loving playing a game they love for a living. Most minor league players love every minute of the experience, even though the pay is low.
@@areguapiri I actually really enjoyed delivering pizzas. It was super easy and it paid the bills for the apartment I had at the time. I was also able to save up to pay for college and get a degree in a field that I love
@@thebigseal1 ... It's extremely rare for a pizza delivery guy to get more pleasure and fulfillment out of his job than a minor league baseball player. You are an extreme exception.
I have so many emotions running through my brain after watching this epic video. Guess people just look at the top MLB players and their contracts and think that they can make it too. The parents force their children to do the same and the kids learn this harsh reality later in their life. People like you are literally saving people from making decisions in a hurry and are also preparing for what to expect in the minors. This has been an eye opener. One of the most honest videos on YT.
Video was a real eye-opener. I’ve heard people talk about how making it in the show is the hardest sport to succeed in and requires the most pure talent. You basically have to be touched by god to make the majors and stay there. Even the worst player on the Orioles is still in the show and their talent level is unfathomable to a regular yutz like me.
Baseball is the most brutal journey by far. You can be a 1st round draft pick and not see the show for 4 5yrs shit there's plenty guys who didn't see it at all. It's all about timing and your situation. Just better hope you have it all clicking at the right time and when you get there hopefully you can stay. It's brutal and mentally draining. That's why I totally get when a player tries to get as much money as possible
This should be required viewing for all those parents dropping thousands a year for travel ball, “elite” teams, and personal coaching. Just enjoy the damn game and if your kid stands out enough to make it big, consider that a bonus.
My son played in HS with a Mr. Baseball of our state, played on Team America, HS All American, drafted out of HS, went and played D1 in the SEC, tons of accolades, sat at 95 in HS, ended up drafted in the 1st round out of college. Signed for millions. 28 now, can't break AAA. It's unreal the talent it takes to make it to the majors.
This is the video that introduced me to Eric Sim 4 years ago. Thought it was super informative then, and now, seeing how he’s blown up in baseball circles… so happy for my dude! Kept grinding and found his lane… still doing what he loves!
Watching this video really made me mad. MLB makes Billions of dollars and doesn’t even pay minor leaguers Minimum Wage. This is totally unacceptable. The minor leagues are supposed to be for player development, and this is a year around process for which players should be paid an ongoing salary. I suggest year around employment & pay for the minor leagues with a minimum salary of $36,000 per year plus healthcare benefits.
This is what needs to happen. Imagine you shaved $1 or $2M off every single superstar salary in MLB and doled it out to the SIX levels of minor leagues? That is another thing that needs to be addressed, how many levels there are. Two or three is more than enough, six is bullshit.
Yea but minor league game attendance is trash. That’s like saying WNBA players should make what nba players make. But no, if you don’t bring the money in, you can’t get paid what’s not there. Simple supply and demand my no 🐈 getting friend
Your better off playing college ball, at least you get a degree- then if you’re good you have a better shot at surviving the Minors - MLB should pay these guys a standard living wage - this sounds horrible
Minor league is good at the tip top. Guys that go in the first round. Other than that it's tough. Even for the top guys. You generally get a big Signing bonus and nothing else.
@@rasheedk219 not every sport. Baseball has a large minor league system. In basketball if you’re drafted you’re 9 times out of 10 playing in the NBA the very next season. In football you go to training camp and most likely make the roster in some capacity. In baseball, there’s top 10 draft picks that never make it to the big leagues. Hell, there’s number 1 overall picks in the MLB draft that never get to the show.
@@doesnotexist305 yeah but there's only 60 nba prospects drafted each year. Literally 2 rounds compared to 40 rounds for baseball. Baseball is a stats game. Large sample size so there is a greater possibility for more deviation in stats. That's why MLB teams take their chances on so many players. Most of the nba first rounders are atleast capable of playing at the top straight away. A baseball first rounder is way more likely to be out of the league in a certain period of time than a nba first rounder.
This is one of the big reasons why the MLB is one of if not the absolute hardest pro sports to make it to the show. It's not uncommon for high-round draft picks in the MLB to spend 4+ years before they see the majors, in the NFL/ NBA etc a high-round draft pick is a starter immediately.
There are laws on the books that exempt baseball owners from the minimum wage requirement, because these guys make way less than that. There was a push to get rid of that exemption, it received bipartisan opposition.
@@AP-jl2lv You're right about cfl players needing to find a job when they can't play anymore. But at least they are above the poverty line when they are playing, unlike minor league ball players
@@koivu11huet39 you can play baseball for a hell of a lot longer than you can play football before having to retire, only the QB's get old in football, 90% of them are done before 30
just the mental rollercoaster its gotta be as a young guy bouncing around and trying to make your dreams come true.. its understandable how some guys probably have all the talent in the world to play big league ball, but just never make it there.
It's impressive that you were good enough to play in college and get signed to a professional contract. I don't know what the percentages are but I'm sure you're way ahead of the curve. When you get older, it will be a cool accomplishment to look back on your life and say you did. So you definitely get big props in my book!
Great stuff I know how hard it is trying to survive in the minors, my son takes pitching lesson from SF giant minor league pitcher Evan Lumbert ,we are trying to help him out since he had no season this year
I played one season of pro hockey in NC back in '95. It was in a now defunct league called the Southern Hockey League. It was a step below the echl, so pretty far down the ladder. I was paid $350usd per week plus the team paid for all of the accommodations. It was a little more money then I'd be making slugging away in a factory back in 1995. A lot more than minor pro ball.
Only been to a couple baseball games (all MLB) and I honestly wasn’t too grasped with excitement but Eric you have ignited my love for baseball, I think your true calling is to be an ambassador for the sport! Extremely personable my friend 🤙🏻
Love the honesty of this guy. Super REAL! The MJ crying had me cracking up. Your situation wasn't funny but I understand you were chasing your dream and I give you the utmost respect. Great video.
The best advice he gives is at the end, where he says, “ get as much money out of them as you can as a signing bonus”. That really is what keeps you going, and keeps the organization pushing you. You really are just a piece of meat to them, so you might as well be the most expensive piece you can be. Its sorta like the record industry; if you get a big advance from the label, then they’re obligated to try to promote your records. There’s some many guys willing to play for next to nothing though, with a new crop coming up behind you every years. Being a minor leaguer is like being a punk rocker, taking on poverty to pursue your craft.
Glad this was recommended to me. Very few can really say they chased their dreams, nothing to be down my man. You have no regrets and you put all your effort forward. Mad respect to you wish you many blessings on your new career or profession.
Hey I know this doesn't help at all but I'm an old man and at least you had your dreams you follow them and when you're an old man and trust me one day the alarm will go off and you will be when you wake up. You'll have some memories and you'll know that you tried. None of that what if s***. I just hope the rest of your life shakes out well for you.
Great comment, I am a old man to and I couldn’t have said it any better. I know guys who went the same route signed for a lot more, but in the end because of injuries gave it up. But there is the exception, hence David Wells, he actually is a better athlete than people think. I used to play basketball at the rec in the town where he grew up and lived. My best friends brother was drafted also and was on his high school team, that’s where I got to know him. It’s a crazy grind but as an old man you have been through those grinds as well and that’s the story of life, unless you’re are super rich.
Very informative, Eric. So many young kids on any travel team (or better yet, their parents) think they're going to the big Show and be the next Jeter and make multi millions. Wasn't so easy was it, Eric. Huge props for you following your dreams, you accomplished more than most could ever.
I played baseball at a good D2 team, out of college I thought “I’d love a chance to play on the minors” after seeing this and I’m not saying I was even good enough but man I am happy I decided to get my MBA and focus on my job…. That is a brutal life and at $1200 a month that’s less than half my bi-weekly wage out of college… that is incredibly ridiculous on the MLBs part…. Terrible way to treat potential players who could make you millions
Man yup, let it be a lesson young fellas. JUCO ain’t no different, played football and grinded for that rent, working part time at Circuit City. But it doesn’t end there, joined the Marine Corps went to war, partied in between and after getting out, got on with the Adult life starting at basically $0. Be smart, be responsible with your money and have alternate streams of income.
I've always said minor leagues are like a lottery ticket, you might get a little signing bonus, but the day to day pay sucks, BUT 2 or 3 players per team will probably make life changing money.
Awesome video. Ex ball player here, never made it to the pros, semi pro for about 3 years and scouted by the Indians but this was 1991. I pitched, I remember the scout saying I'd make about $880 a month. Long story short, I'd still have loved to try but there's no dough for most. It was an eye opener.
Just found your video from a recommendation, I had a decent signing bonus, but I still felt the same struggle my brother. Started a family and had to look elsewhere for money opportunities.
Dude, u r awesome. Alot of respect for you. Im 57 years old, so its nice to see a good hardworking young man do what you did,and do now. Great content.
Entertaining as hell lol. When you’re in your 50’s, you’ll at least have some cool stories to relive with the bros on how life can suck but be a great experience at the same time.
Your a good dude,thanks for sharing that.Great info that a lot of kids certainly need to know who have the aspirations and ability to get drafted or signed.All those years of hard work and struggle gave you the opportunity you have now and just playing minor league ball,period,is a tremendous accomplishment...My very best on your future endeavors and God bless...
Kevin pillar was drafted in the 32nd round in 2011 and made it to the big show. Some people just catch the breaks or beat everyone out. Had no idea that’s what he made before he made it
Great story, thanks for sharing. I remember seeing you play in either Modesto or Stockton in 2013. Even though it wasn’t glamorous, at least you got to live out a dream for a while. Take care brother
Given the sink/swim model for lower round picks....If you have a college baseball scholarship, finish college & save up $$ with summer jobs then if you get drafted / you have some base money to start. And after 2 years in minor (you're 24-25 yrs old) & renegotiate for more $'s to avoid stress over basic living arrangements. If club is not willing, then take the hint & get out on your own terms.
Very insightful Eric, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I think the work ethic and determination will serve you well into the future. Good luck in your post baseball endeavors.
Mad respect for making this, Id recommend it to any kid with the dream. Not to disuade them , but to ground their expectations a bit. Its not easy and id imagine more times then not, it is a big shock to these kids. Be well dude
"Hopefully you all get drafted first round, but we know it doesn't work like that" bruh that shit made me emotional. Thanks for making this video my guy.
@@trecombs1813 yea it went up $500 lol!! a literal joke ... if every minor leaguer went on strike the majors would have to stop immediately and lose millions every single game ... the minor leaguers could double their yearly salaries within a week because the owners would cave quick ,, and fck the players union they could give 2 sh1ts about the minor league players i mean its so obvious with the absolute joke amount that they're all being paid
@@manofiske3318 🤡 sports are entertainment. If you dont think athletes should get paid a lot then you cant enjoy any entertainment without being a hypocrite.
If you develop a Knuckleball, you'll be back in baseball. There's only one knuckleball pitcher in MLB right now. It's in such high demand be a very difficult pitch to develop
Having you on ANY team IMMEDIATELY makes them better!!! Your attitude will being in ANY locker room together and everyone knows that a team that plays TOGETHER and for each other WINS!!!
This brought back horrible memories (that I too do not regret). I also got thumbed from a guy that couldn’t find the zone except by accident at 98 with wicked movement and tried to play through it… that injury sucks bad as it effects hitting too.
There has only been a couple of Asian position players in MLB. I'm assuming that may be why they wanted you to pitch. It is a marketing business and perhaps they felt you were more marketable as a pitcher. Great video, I was always curious of how the system works at the minor league level.
Awesome video. Thanks for the insight. My second cousin is Andrew Velazquez of the Angels and I know he had a long journey to get where he is today. Spent years in the minors and I know he probably had a lot of struggles even as a 1st round pick. I wish you the best of luck in life and thanks again
Salaries have gotten way worse - now it is between $400 and $700 per month ($700 for AAA and down to $400 for AZL)... crazy low. The only good news is that teams have to provide the housing now for the minor league teams which could range from hotels to condos to actual houses so the players save some money on not having to sign/break leases with every move and pay monthly rent.
The Clubby not being paid by the organization is absolutely absurd. Making players who are struggling with their game AND their wallet pay for the services of someone who should be a salaried employee of the club is offensive and counterintuitive. Welcome to MLB.
Thanks for this video. Very eye-opening. This is a terrible indictment of MLB and MLBPA. How can a players' 'union' allow fellow ballplayers to struggle financially like this when the top end is swimming in more money than the dreams of avarice? Sheds new light for me on the hypocrisy of pro athletes. They'll take a knee (nothing wrong with that) but will standby as their brothers barely survive in deep poverty. The teams themselves that pay below-poverty wages are a DISGRACE while these guys chase their dreams with all their heart and effort. I love baseball, but the professional game doesn't deserve its place in America's heart. Immoral and greedy. Thanks again Eric, best of luck.
Well, the MLB players went through the same struggles that the minor league players were facing. They didn't get help back then from anybody either. When you play in the minor leagues, you pretty much betting on yourself to make it.
@@timbrown5576 the vast majority of big leaguers were selected in the first 5 rounds and got a 6 figure+ bonus. A ton of them also come from wealthy backgrounds
the MLB Grind is almost parallel to california juco football when it comes to inhumane practices in athletics hope you’re doing well financially my guy glad these videos get recommended months later
Thanks for sharing i always wondered how it worked. I guess people think everyplayer that gets drafted is an instant millionaire but i guess not. My respects to you and all the ones that follow. And congrats to the ones that make it Big⚾️🍺
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“I got sent down, because I was hitting like shit “
This is a real one here, boys.
facts God bless Jesus loves and God has a plan for all have a blessed day
@@user-zp5lt3kj7o 🙌🙌
At least he is accountable.
If it was me: “I mean I was hitting a solid .190. And I was fielding like a gold glover!”
Bro now I feel bad when I sign people for $10,000 in MLB the show
once in a while i bring one up to my bullpen to make their dreams come true so it balances out
@@carsonlau6935 lmao 😂
@@carsonlau6935 LMAO
Hahahahaha
@@carsonlau6935 😂
"so the coordinator says im pitching and I've never pitched in my life, but at this point im like whatever man I don't give a fuck..."😂😂😂
@J J I looked at him on baseball reference, he pitched a 2.53 ERA on 32 innings in A- ball. So he actually wasn’t bad 😂😂
HAHAHA this is FUNNY stuff....LOL
@@Chris-xt8io Wasn't bad?!? that's awesome!
Lmao 😂
Even at the minor league level, you got mad skills to get there. Be proud of your accomplishments, not a lot of guys can get there. I give lots of respect to guys that play at that level, its a tough road.
Fuck bro... That dont mean you should starve
@@michaelblackwell5344 well said.
100% accurate, my kid played 2 years in the Met organization and was constantly broke. Highlight was playing under Gary Carter.
Super unfortunate. I don't think these organizations are in the player developing business. They would rather find diamonds in the rough.
Gary Carter was one of my heroes as a child. How awesome would that have been!
What was his name
@@longislandsports2286 Mike Battista GCMets 2005/Kingsport Mets 2006
Playing under Gary Carter is a highlight.
I was a 16 year old batboy for my local A-ball team and was making more than the players
Carter Roane cap...
Nah
But will never do more than a major leaguer being a bat boy.
@@Soundsandcords-AC-Artes5448 Which is still better than most of the players going through the system will get
@@Soundsandcords-AC-Artes5448 he wasn’t trying to flex lil kid
Man the MLB really fucks over the minor league players. That’s so tough man. That clubhouse clause is straight bs. At least youll get to say u played pro ball and hopefully the giants don’t take this down.
"Fucked over" seems like an understatement based on Eric's video. The team basically made him show up to all these camps and instructional leagues and didn't pay him a plug nickel for his time there. I understand that you really can't pay several dozen players in a system an upper-middle class wage or higher. But the least they could do is provide clubhouse meals, or at least a better per diem, and pay them for the actual work they're *requiring* them to put in as employees of the organization.
The Player's Union is really dropping the ball by not focusing more on their fellow players in the minors to ensure they have at least a halfway decent QOL during the season and organized team activities. I don't have an issue with players needed to find jobs outside the season, but during it, including spring training and instructional leagues, they should at least be getting paid for their work.
This makes me wonder how many decent players never get developed and don’t make the cut due to outside stressors from a severe lack of financial stability.
@@cmc5394oparva Man. Talk about it. They’re paying them like fucking camp counselors. Money for Food and housing gotta be provided. ain’t too much to ask at all at that salary.
Why do they want to make it so hard on their players? I just don’t get why they don’t give a shit, how can those coaches and management live with that? They’re on the same fucking team
@@Jackson-mi3dr simply because they can; just like most businesses in America, they will pay as little as they can get away with and screw everyone they can.
It does suck and if the teams were more ethical they may do it differently. But unfortunately these teams dont draw any fans or really revenues. So its just business. You make your money if you make the show
No idea why this video was recommended to me but glad it was. Props my man. That’s one tough go, but at least you gave it a shot. Great story.
better to try and see where it goes than not try at all,being a minor leaguer is rough even though it is something you like to do!
yeah I'm not even a baseball fan. but this was interesting.
Made it way further than 99.9% of people have ever made it so not too shabby I’d say
more "prospects" need to see this
Every kid who plays youth baseball and their parents. Especially the parents.
Seeing this Now as a Junior in college smh
Hahah yeah 50 rounds of “prospects” get drafted every June.
@@charlesandrews2360 you said it. A lot of these helicopter parents end up paying for any scholarship money a kid gets (almost no one gets a full ride) for baseball with all these showcases and bullshit aau teams.
@@curtmastor AAU?
By the time they get to that level they are all in. And it is such a disservice to the young people whose parents do not have money and Incredibly exploitative.
I've been a coach and administrator of Youth Sports my entire adult life and I believe that sports hero worship and desire for fantastic wealth have caused organized youth sports to have a extremely deleterious affect on the American family. Especially in the last 30 or 35 years when people started putting their kids into organized Sports at the age of 6 & 7 years old instead of 10 11 12. I've seen it.
I sat on the board of an immensely popular youth tackle football program involving 300 families in my town of 20,000.
The commitment that entire families make so that 6 and 7 year olds can play football is just unbelievable.
I managed little league baseball teams for 10 Years starting when my oldest son turned 7 years old.
After my first year when I was a little too gung-ho LOL I focused on teaching the kids the game so that they could enjoy it for their entire lives instead of focusing on technique and won loss records. But a lot of the coaches were sending their nine year old and ten year old players to the batting cages and private coaches. Especially the ones who played travel baseball. They were playing 60 games a year and driving hundreds of miles all over the place. It's ridiculous. By the time all those traveling baseball team players reached 7th and 8th grade they were burned out.
One of the hundreds of kids that I coached in our little league was drafted into the Major Leagues right out of high school. Couple years later I was talking to his dad. He told me the kid got a girlfriend and nice new pickup truck and is going to end up being a construction worker just like he is. Maybe if that kid had seen this video when literally a nine-year-old specimen things may have worked out differently. Probably not though because when this kid was 10 years old he looked like a 15 year old high school athlete.
So to generalize youth sports has ruined this country and it's time to start letting the kids go out and learn and play on their own. Seriously there should be an age limit for starting organized Sports in this country. You got 9 and 10 and 11 year old children lifting weights, throwing curve balls, dieting to make weight. It's not healthy and it needs to be addressed LOL
laughing because we have a thousand other things that need to be addressed first but it's a serious issue.
Great Video Eric my son who’s name is also Erik and Korean is going through this right now. I’m proud of both of you for chasing your dream and hopefully my son can make it and make all baseball loving Koreans proud.
This is insane. I made more money delivering pizzas in a week than MiLB players make in a month
Wow your customers were tipping you great! I always tip like $4 when I order a pizza. An uncle of mine used to work for Dominos and I heard he was making like $20-25 an hour during busy times when doing deliveries.
That's what he made but the higher the draft pick the more $$$
You are miserable delivering pizzas, while the minor league baseball players are loving playing a game they love for a living. Most minor league players love every minute of the experience, even though the pay is low.
@@areguapiri I actually really enjoyed delivering pizzas. It was super easy and it paid the bills for the apartment I had at the time. I was also able to save up to pay for college and get a degree in a field that I love
@@thebigseal1 ... It's extremely rare for a pizza delivery guy to get more pleasure and fulfillment out of his job than a minor league baseball player. You are an extreme exception.
Someone needs to make a movie/documentary about this guy's career. This is valuable stuff for young kids coming up.
Ikr
I have so many emotions running through my brain after watching this epic video. Guess people just look at the top MLB players and their contracts and think that they can make it too. The parents force their children to do the same and the kids learn this harsh reality later in their life. People like you are literally saving people from making decisions in a hurry and are also preparing for what to expect in the minors. This has been an eye opener. One of the most honest videos on YT.
Video was a real eye-opener. I’ve heard people talk about how making it in the show is the hardest sport to succeed in and requires the most pure talent. You basically have to be touched by god to make the majors and stay there. Even the worst player on the Orioles is still in the show and their talent level is unfathomable to a regular yutz like me.
@@mst3k54 the worst player on the worst team is 10 times closer in talent to Barry Bonds than a viewer is to him.
Baseball is the most brutal journey by far. You can be a 1st round draft pick and not see the show for 4 5yrs shit there's plenty guys who didn't see it at all. It's all about timing and your situation. Just better hope you have it all clicking at the right time and when you get there hopefully you can stay. It's brutal and mentally draining. That's why I totally get when a player tries to get as much money as possible
This should be required viewing for all those parents dropping thousands a year for travel ball, “elite” teams, and personal coaching. Just enjoy the damn game and if your kid stands out enough to make it big, consider that a bonus.
I have an employee who's like this. I'm like dude.....
My son played in HS with a Mr. Baseball of our state, played on Team America, HS All American, drafted out of HS, went and played D1 in the SEC, tons of accolades, sat at 95 in HS, ended up drafted in the 1st round out of college. Signed for millions. 28 now, can't break AAA. It's unreal the talent it takes to make it to the majors.
This is the video that introduced me to Eric Sim 4 years ago. Thought it was super informative then, and now, seeing how he’s blown up in baseball circles… so happy for my dude!
Kept grinding and found his lane… still doing what he loves!
Respect to this man right here. A lesson to the young men out there, pursue it with all you have and there's nothing to regret no matter the outcome.
So it would seem that I chose the right path after 4 years of college ball. Didn't throw 90 as a lefty, so used my degree. Thanks for the insight.
god i can't imagine those rates in San Jose. you're broke making $100k there, let alone $5500 jesus christ
San Jose Giants house their players with host families, no rent.
It’s a tough ass league! You did you bro! At least you were in the .003% of people that had a shot🖤
I'm a hardcore Giants fan and I've never heard of you. You had a really good year as pitcher in 2015. Once a Giant, always a Giant.
Love how real Eric is, felt like i was just talking to a friend watching this, good man
Watching this video really made me mad.
MLB makes Billions of dollars and doesn’t even pay minor leaguers Minimum Wage.
This is totally unacceptable.
The minor leagues are supposed to be for player development, and this is a year around process for which players should be paid an ongoing salary. I suggest year around employment & pay for the minor leagues with a minimum salary of $36,000 per year plus healthcare benefits.
@Tyler ikr
@Tyler shit I think nfl practice squad still makes over 100k a year
@@StrideX21 yeah but the nflpa lets the owners walk all over them
This is what needs to happen. Imagine you shaved $1 or $2M off every single superstar salary in MLB and doled it out to the SIX levels of minor leagues? That is another thing that needs to be addressed, how many levels there are. Two or three is more than enough, six is bullshit.
Yea but minor league game attendance is trash. That’s like saying WNBA players should make what nba players make. But no, if you don’t bring the money in, you can’t get paid what’s not there. Simple supply and demand my no 🐈 getting friend
I don't know whether I should laugh or cry...but thanks for sharing!
Damn thanks for sharing bro
I agree, rough AF
Your better off playing college ball, at least you get a degree- then if you’re good you have a better shot at surviving the Minors - MLB should pay these guys a standard living wage - this sounds horrible
Facts
Minor league is good at the tip top. Guys that go in the first round. Other than that it's tough. Even for the top guys. You generally get a big Signing bonus and nothing else.
@@brotherLee340 half of first rounders don't even make it to the majors, not for one game. Chances are not good.
Horrible? Give me a break!......Most minor league players love every minute of the experience, even though the pay is low.
Pay a standard living wage even though these guys only work for a few months out of the year?
I guess pro baseball ain't what it's made out to be unless you make it to the show...
Literally
Thats the point boy's
Yea no shit that’s how it is with every sport
@@rasheedk219 not every sport. Baseball has a large minor league system. In basketball if you’re drafted you’re 9 times out of 10 playing in the NBA the very next season. In football you go to training camp and most likely make the roster in some capacity. In baseball, there’s top 10 draft picks that never make it to the big leagues. Hell, there’s number 1 overall picks in the MLB draft that never get to the show.
@@doesnotexist305 yeah but there's only 60 nba prospects drafted each year. Literally 2 rounds compared to 40 rounds for baseball. Baseball is a stats game. Large sample size so there is a greater possibility for more deviation in stats. That's why MLB teams take their chances on so many players. Most of the nba first rounders are atleast capable of playing at the top straight away. A baseball first rounder is way more likely to be out of the league in a certain period of time than a nba first rounder.
I have no talent in baseball but I’m flattered RUclips recommended this to me
MAD respect. Your honesty and ability to reflect on why things happen is amazing.
You really sound like a down to earth dude. Keeping it real all the time. I hope you’re doing well man, we need more people like you
This is one of the big reasons why the MLB is one of if not the absolute hardest pro sports to make it to the show. It's not uncommon for high-round draft picks in the MLB to spend 4+ years before they see the majors, in the NFL/ NBA etc a high-round draft pick is a starter immediately.
straight up
I would have never guessed that Minor League players made literal fast food wages.
Especially with all the effort required. Absolutely brutal
its comparable to the CFL in canada, after you cant play anymore you immediately get a job as a university or highschool coach
There are laws on the books that exempt baseball owners from the minimum wage requirement, because these guys make way less than that. There was a push to get rid of that exemption, it received bipartisan opposition.
@@AP-jl2lv minimum salary in the CFL is like 55k this doesn't compare at all.
@@AP-jl2lv You're right about cfl players needing to find a job when they can't play anymore. But at least they are above the poverty line when they are playing, unlike minor league ball players
@@koivu11huet39 you can play baseball for a hell of a lot longer than you can play football before having to retire, only the QB's get old in football, 90% of them are done before 30
just the mental rollercoaster its gotta be as a young guy bouncing around and trying to make your dreams come true.. its understandable how some guys probably have all the talent in the world to play big league ball, but just never make it there.
Love the way you explained it. Sad but Funny at the same time.
It's impressive that you were good enough to play in college and get signed to a professional contract. I don't know what the percentages are but I'm sure you're way ahead of the curve. When you get older, it will be a cool accomplishment to look back on your life and say you did. So you definitely get big props in my book!
Great stuff I know how hard it is trying to survive in the minors, my son takes pitching lesson from SF giant minor league pitcher Evan Lumbert ,we are trying to help him out since he had no season this year
The way you sucked it up and got it done, as far as you were concerned, is really a fantastic example for anyone. Kudos to you, man.
I played one season of pro hockey in NC back in '95. It was in a now defunct league called the Southern Hockey League. It was a step below the echl, so pretty far down the ladder. I was paid $350usd per week plus the team paid for all of the accommodations. It was a little more money then I'd be making slugging away in a factory back in 1995. A lot more than minor pro ball.
Only been to a couple baseball games (all MLB) and I honestly wasn’t too grasped with excitement but Eric you have ignited my love for baseball, I think your true calling is to be an ambassador for the sport! Extremely personable my friend 🤙🏻
Love the honesty of this guy. Super REAL! The MJ crying had me cracking up. Your situation wasn't funny but I understand you were chasing your dream and I give you the utmost respect. Great video.
The best advice he gives is at the end, where he says, “ get as much money out of them as you can as a signing bonus”. That really is what keeps you going, and keeps the organization pushing you. You really are just a piece of meat to them, so you might as well be the most expensive piece you can be. Its sorta like the record industry; if you get a big advance from the label, then they’re obligated to try to promote your records.
There’s some many guys willing to play for next to nothing though, with a new crop coming up behind you every years. Being a minor leaguer is like being a punk rocker, taking on poverty to pursue your craft.
Glad this was recommended to me. Very few can really say they chased their dreams, nothing to be down my man. You have no regrets and you put all your effort forward. Mad respect to you wish you many blessings on your new career or profession.
Hey I know this doesn't help at all but I'm an old man and at least you had your dreams you follow them and when you're an old man and trust me one day the alarm will go off and you will be when you wake up. You'll have some memories and you'll know that you tried. None of that what if s***. I just hope the rest of your life shakes out well for you.
Great comment, I am a old man to and I couldn’t have said it any better. I know guys who went the same route signed for a lot more, but in the end because of injuries gave it up. But there is the exception, hence David Wells, he actually is a better athlete than people think. I used to play basketball at the rec in the town where he grew up and lived. My best friends brother was drafted also and was on his high school team, that’s where I got to know him. It’s a crazy grind but as an old man you have been through those grinds as well and that’s the story of life, unless you’re are super rich.
Very informative, Eric. So many young kids on any travel team (or better yet, their parents) think they're going to the big Show and be the next Jeter and make multi millions. Wasn't so easy was it, Eric. Huge props for you following your dreams, you accomplished more than most could ever.
Super fun guy to hang out with. Shows how hard it is to go Pro in any sports.
I played baseball at a good D2 team, out of college I thought “I’d love a chance to play on the minors” after seeing this and I’m not saying I was even good enough but man I am happy I decided to get my MBA and focus on my job…. That is a brutal life and at $1200 a month that’s less than half my bi-weekly wage out of college… that is incredibly ridiculous on the MLBs part…. Terrible way to treat potential players who could make you millions
Man yup, let it be a lesson young fellas. JUCO ain’t no different, played football and grinded for that rent, working part time at Circuit City. But it doesn’t end there, joined the Marine Corps went to war, partied in between and after getting out, got on with the Adult life starting at basically $0. Be smart, be responsible with your money and have alternate streams of income.
I've always said minor leagues are like a lottery ticket, you might get a little signing bonus, but the day to day pay sucks, BUT 2 or 3 players per team will probably make life changing money.
Awesome video. Ex ball player here, never made it to the pros, semi pro for about 3 years and scouted by the Indians but this was 1991. I pitched, I remember the scout saying I'd make about $880 a month. Long story short, I'd still have loved to try but there's no dough for most. It was an eye opener.
Just found your video from a recommendation, I had a decent signing bonus, but I still felt the same struggle my brother. Started a family and had to look elsewhere for money opportunities.
Dude, u r awesome. Alot of respect for you. Im 57 years old, so its nice to see a good hardworking young man do what you did,and do now. Great content.
MLB doesn't share the grind that players go through, thanks for sharing this side.
Entertaining as hell lol. When you’re in your 50’s, you’ll at least have some cool stories to relive with the bros on how life can suck but be a great experience at the same time.
Your a good dude,thanks for sharing that.Great info that a lot of kids certainly need to know who have the aspirations and ability to get drafted or signed.All those years of hard work and struggle gave you the opportunity you have now and just playing minor league ball,period,is a tremendous accomplishment...My very best on your future endeavors and God bless...
Kevin pillar was drafted in the 32nd round in 2011 and made it to the big show. Some people just catch the breaks or beat everyone out. Had no idea that’s what he made before he made it
So Minor league sucks in conclusion
Ask 100 kids that played the game, my guess is all 100 would still want to do it.
long bus rides,rooming with people you don't know,not eating a ton,being in a strange small town,early wake-up calls,etc.!!!
All minor leagues across different sports suck
@@gunkanjima3408 I enjoy watching them
Beats an office 9-5 job any day twice on Sundays if you’re a relief pitcher 😂
At least you can say you gave it a shot, you'll never be that 50 y/o guy wondering what could've been. Props for the honesty.
That's insane. As a graduate student getting my PhD in made $1300 a month which was JUST enough to make ends meet. I know the feeling.
Pretty cool that even though Eric didn't get to where he wanted to as a player, that he became a success in baseball in another way.
Great story, thanks for sharing. I remember seeing you play in either Modesto or Stockton in 2013. Even though it wasn’t glamorous, at least you got to live out a dream for a while. Take care brother
Given the sink/swim model for lower round picks....If you have a college baseball scholarship, finish college & save up $$ with summer jobs then if you get drafted / you have some base money to start. And after 2 years in minor (you're 24-25 yrs old) & renegotiate for more $'s to avoid stress over basic living arrangements. If club is not willing, then take the hint & get out on your own terms.
Very insightful Eric, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I think the work ethic and determination will serve you well into the future. Good luck in your post baseball endeavors.
This was the most real and honest videos I’ve ever seen. Much respect
Love this video, this is one of the exact reasons why I decided I wasn’t going to keep pursuing baseball after D1 ball. Great video man.
Wasn't cause you didn't have it?
Or maybe u just didn't get drafted
@@emilegriffith1473 yeah he was a dog shit baseball player...
Mad respect for making this, Id recommend it to any kid with the dream. Not to disuade them , but to ground their expectations a bit. Its not easy and id imagine more times then not, it is a big shock to these kids. Be well dude
Awesome video. I had no idea of the minor league system. Thank you for your brutal honesty! Mad props for chasing your dream! 🥂
"Hopefully you all get drafted first round, but we know it doesn't work like that" bruh that shit made me emotional. Thanks for making this video my guy.
I can't believe how puny the minor league salaries are! $1,100 a month is less than minimum wage.
It’s more than that now
@@trecombs1813 yea it went up $500 lol!! a literal joke ... if every minor leaguer went on strike the majors would have to stop immediately and lose millions every single game ... the minor leaguers could double their yearly salaries within a week because the owners would cave quick ,, and fck the players union they could give 2 sh1ts about the minor league players i mean its so obvious with the absolute joke amount that they're all being paid
@@trecombs1813 It didn't go up that much. Jose Canseco makes more money signing autographs for 1 hour than what minor leaguers make in one season.
@@mansgottaeat2932 The "joke" is that anyone is getting paid _anything_ to spend a portion of their adulthood playing a child's game.
@@manofiske3318 🤡 sports are entertainment. If you dont think athletes should get paid a lot then you cant enjoy any entertainment without being a hypocrite.
If you develop a Knuckleball, you'll be back in baseball. There's only one knuckleball pitcher in MLB right now. It's in such high demand be a very difficult pitch to develop
The amount of trouble you go through... like damn was it really worth it.
Love the transparency here. Very illuminating video. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience in baseball.
Gotta respect Choo shin soo donated 190k for TX 190 minor leaguers during pandemic in spring 2020
And now he makes a living hopefully from this channel. Congrats for getting here and you deserve all your future success.
Thanks for the insight. You had a very good 2011 rookie league season.
Having you on ANY team IMMEDIATELY makes them better!!! Your attitude will being in ANY locker room together and everyone knows that a team that plays TOGETHER and for each other WINS!!!
Got drafted by the San Francisco Giants then yeah, i shit the bed and that was basically my pro career😂
What your name?
Been there, tough road, it ain't no joke 🍿
Mad respect to you I wouldn’t have lasted a year in your shoes
That's cool you did the coaching in-between stints.. The baseball coach that taught me the most played in the Minors similar to you.
Great video, super informative.
This is the first one of your videos I've seen. I hit subscribe before the one minute mark.
Yo I love this video. Thx u. Played 2 years independent frontier league
These stories are why Chris Sabo of the Cincy Reds kept his fast food job into the Majors …I believe?
This was hilarious... love the beer pauses... 😆
I'd need a few belts of whiskey to explain this after the fact.....
So much respect for the brutal honesty. Thank you for speaking out.
You should have tried out for KBO. You would had a great life there. You can still go there if you are in shape. I hope you try it.
KBO meaning Korean baseball?
@@rickfrank7934 yes
This brought back horrible memories (that I too do not regret). I also got thumbed from a guy that couldn’t find the zone except by accident at 98 with wicked movement and tried to play through it… that injury sucks bad as it effects hitting too.
There has only been a couple of Asian position players in MLB. I'm assuming that may be why they wanted you to pitch. It is a marketing business and perhaps they felt you were more marketable as a pitcher. Great video, I was always curious of how the system works at the minor league level.
way more than a couple, there's been close to 50 at this point.
Awesome video. Thanks for the insight. My second cousin is Andrew Velazquez of the Angels and I know he had a long journey to get where he is today. Spent years in the minors and I know he probably had a lot of struggles even as a 1st round pick. I wish you the best of luck in life and thanks again
Seven twenty-something baseball players in one three-bedroom apartment--that place must have smelled absolutely RANK after a couple of months.
Respect to him for being open about everything
This was amazing insight and real. much respect.
Salaries have gotten way worse - now it is between $400 and $700 per month ($700 for AAA and down to $400 for AZL)... crazy low. The only good news is that teams have to provide the housing now for the minor league teams which could range from hotels to condos to actual houses so the players save some money on not having to sign/break leases with every move and pay monthly rent.
The Clubby not being paid by the organization is absolutely absurd. Making players who are struggling with their game AND their wallet pay for the services of someone who should be a salaried employee of the club is offensive and counterintuitive. Welcome to MLB.
Very open, very likable guy. Thanks for sharing and all the best for the future. I am rooting for you ✌️🏻
Thanks for this video. Very eye-opening. This is a terrible indictment of MLB and MLBPA. How can a players' 'union' allow fellow ballplayers to struggle financially like this when the top end is swimming in more money than the dreams of avarice? Sheds new light for me on the hypocrisy of pro athletes. They'll take a knee (nothing wrong with that) but will standby as their brothers barely survive in deep poverty. The teams themselves that pay below-poverty wages are a DISGRACE while these guys chase their dreams with all their heart and effort. I love baseball, but the professional game doesn't deserve its place in America's heart. Immoral and greedy. Thanks again Eric, best of luck.
Well, the MLB players went through the same struggles that the minor league players were facing. They didn't get help back then from anybody either. When you play in the minor leagues, you pretty much betting on yourself to make it.
@@timbrown5576 the vast majority of big leaguers were selected in the first 5 rounds and got a 6 figure+ bonus. A ton of them also come from wealthy backgrounds
Great respect for putting it all out there. It’s very tough, you bring reality to people’s dreams. Thanks.
the MLB Grind is almost parallel to california juco football when it comes to inhumane practices in athletics
hope you’re doing well financially my guy glad these videos get recommended months later
Very insightful story. Respect for chasing the dream with no regrets. Thanks for sharing. Best of luck to you.
“Soon as I got done playing ball, I was broke as f*** “ 😂
Thanks for sharing i always wondered how it worked. I guess people think everyplayer that gets drafted is an instant millionaire but i guess not. My respects to you and all the ones that follow. And congrats to the ones that make it Big⚾️🍺