2. So you want to be a… Professional Baseball Player

3. Professional Baseball Player Compete in athletic events Salary: $17,905 for entry level workers (minor league), and $110,843 for experienced workers (beginning major league). You don’t start off making $12.2 million a year. Education needed: Requires a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job- related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.

4. So what does a professional baseball player do exactly? Represent teams or professional sports clubs, performing such activities as meeting with members of the media, making speeches, or participating in charity events. Assess performance following athletic competition, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and making adjustments to improve future performance. Maintain optimum physical fitness levels by training regularly, following nutrition plans, and consulting with health professionals. Participate in athletic events and competitive sports, according to established rules and regulations.

5. Outlook for the Future Do you have what it takes? Are you really one in a million? Will you really be the next Mark McGuire? The next Babe Ruth? During 2009, there were approximately 1,690 people employed in this field in CA. It is estimated that in 2016 there will be 1,900 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 30 new positions each year. Will you be one of the 30?

6. Similar Occupations: Other jobs that require the same skills as a professional athlete Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Commercial Divers Fallers Hunters and Trappers

7. What will I need to know? Classes you will need to take for this career: Physical Education Teaching and Coaching Knowledge you will need to gain for this career: English Classes Administration and Management Communications and Media

9. So…how do I get there? Let’s work backward: 1. Baseball player for a professional team (Angels). 2. Player for the minor leagues (Rancho Cucamonga Quakes) and be drafted to a major league team. 3. Player for a well-known school that has a great baseball team (Arizona State). 4. Player on your high school baseball team and earn a scholarship to a great college. (That means getting excellent grades so that you can go to a great school.) 5. Making it out of middle school (also requiring effort and good grades). 6. Good luck!

10. Questions? Talk to your counselor Mrs. Scribner Students whose last names begin with A-L Mrs. Jantz Students whose last names begin with M-Z