AgLA06 said:
lurker76 said:
Lonestar_Ag09 said:
Tried posting this last night. Great to see these guys get a more reasonable salary
How does someone playing for the Space Cowboys in Sugar Land survive on $35.5k, much less $17.5k per year? Is there some other source of income for the players at that level? I'm sure several room together, but that has to be very difficult.
It used to be understood you had to have another job. Either part time during the season or full time during the off season. That obviously makes it difficult to continue development when your trading film sessions, bullpen sessions, BP, etc. for hours at Home Depot. Never made any sense to me and definitely caused guys to wash out when they have to make a choice between love of a game they believe they can play or providing for a family.
Not trying to start the normal debate on this. I'm sure the usual guys saying you had to really want it and essentially be an indefinitely unpaid intern to make it to the show somehow makes sense.
We actually have a good family friend in AAA, needless to say he and his new fiance are quite thrilled about this development.
But to address some of the topics posed above.
-They were paid even less before last season
-Players only began being given free housing last season (some had already started doing it before, astros for instance)
-Players live 3-4 per apartment/house
-There is no way theyd be able to work during the season
-You can work some during off season but only a low paying part time job because youre only available Oct-Feb.
-Many teams also expect these guys to play winter leagues etc which takes away the ability to work
-Before this new CBA players were only paid during their season, so while they may be required to stay with a team during spring training and playoffs they are only paid a stipend not a salary even comparable to the season
For the statement comparing to a teacher, most starting teachers are closer to 60k than they are 35k