Baseball Player Job Description
A professional baseball player has the potential to earn millions of dollars over a short period of time. While his career may last a few years, he may make more money than most people earn in their lifetimes. But while his work on the field draws all the attention, game time is just a small part of his job.
Other People Are Reading
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Between the Lines
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A major league baseball player participates in his team's regularly-scheduled games, and fills whatever role his manager asks of him. Work may include hitting pitches thrown at nearly 100 mph, catching balls hit his way or running the bases. If he is a pitcher, he is expected to know the batters enough to fool them with a mix of pitches.
Staying Sharp
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While a player's time on the field may not amount to more than 15 hours a week and a pitcher may work only one game in that week, much time is spent staying sharp. A player may take daily batting practice and analyze hours of video to improve his skills. All players are expected to stay in top physical condition, even during winter vacation. A team may restrict a player's off-field activities due to injury risk.
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Working Conditions
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A professional baseball player is well fed and he receives top-flight medical care--which is important considering the investment a team has in his body. Although his is a physical job, he is closely monitored so he is not overworked. He spends most of his work time away from home, staying in hotels and flying to different cities for games. All work is done in front of thousands of people attending the game, and perhaps millions watching on television. A major league baseball season has 162 games over six months, not counting postseason play and two months of spring training.
A Public Face
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Whether he asks for it or not, a professional baseball player becomes a role model to his community. Young people try to emulate him, and he is a celebrity wherever he goes. Media scrutiny is every bit as sharp as that for an entertainer or politician, and all his hits, runs and errors become a topic of conversation. His behavior is expected to be above reproach, and even private gaffes become public.
Big Payday
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Once a baseball player reaches the major leagues, his income potential becomes nearly limitless. Minimum wage in the major leagues was $400,000 in 2009, the average salary is nearly $3 million, and some top players earn more than $25 million a year.
Getting There
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But the odds of reaching the big leagues are remote, and minor league players earn significantly smaller paychecks. A minor-league player in triple-A ball--one step below the major leagues--may earn $23,000 to $70,000 per year. In the lower minor league levels, the salary is considerably less and players may ride buses from town to town for their games. Even making it to minor league ball takes a great deal of skill and luck.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit black hand holding a baseball image by steven hendricks from Fotolia.com
