Dear MLB Draft Class of 2013,

Congratulations!  The countless hours of hard work playing a game you love are about to pay off on draft day.  Less than 0.5% of high school baseball players ever get the opportunity to play professionally, so enjoy this moment!

Having worked with many professional ballplayers at many levels in leagues all across the country, I have compiled some tips to help you maximize your career in the pros.

1. Treat Your Body Well

   You are only given one body and your healthy body is your livelihood in this occupation.  You must be your own biggest advocate.Find the best network of strength coaches, position coaches, chiros, PTs, Ophthalmologist, Primary Care Physicians, and Orthopedists.  Problems will arise during your career, so have a team of advocates for you in multiple disciplines.

2. Don’t Eat Like Shit

   Long days and little sleep, coupled with the lack of funds and options for quality food can really wreak havoc on your body.  It is well known that the US is in the midst of an obesity epidemic; this was not caused by lack of food, but by a lack of nutritious food.Learn what healthy is and learn how to cook.  These changes alone can prolong your career and help you recover more efficiently.

   When it comes to alcohol consumption for my college and pro guys, I advise them to minimize intake and limit it to one day a week.  You are now a professional, you get paid to prepare well and perform like one.  Act the part.

3. Become a Student of the Game

   As in many other professions, you will be left behind if you don’t take the time to learn about your craft.Read about differences in how the game is played from different coaches.  Ask questions of people who are smarter than you or have more experience.  Watch video to help refine your mechanics.  Keep records of outings and see how you can make improvements.

   Many of you will be lucky to have very knowledgeable teammates and coaches — use them.  Find mentors who have experience and perspective, and apply what you learn to elevate your game.

4. Find Other Passions

   Immersing yourself in your career is a necessity if you want to reach the highest levels, but it can also lead to burn out very quickly.I have worked with athletes who have found alternative passions in art, investing, law, meditation, music, web design, and writing.

   Find a constructive way to decompress between the long hours that pro ball requires.

5. Someone is Always Watching

   Like it or not, someone is always watching.  Learn to embrace it.On the field, screaming at umpires on every questionable call or being rude to fans after you have a tough day is not needed. Off the field, people love to pick out athletes doing things they should not be doing.  You will make headlines and that is the last thing your organization wants.

   You could be Matt Kemp.

   Or you could be Arod.

   Go viral, but for positive reasons.

6. Monitor Your Finances

   I am no accountant, but I have seen many professional players drown in financial issues.Do yourself a favor:
   -Watch the ESPN 30 for 30 special “Broke”
   -Sign up for www.mint.com to monitor your spending

7. Must Reads

        

I hope this post reaches many of this year and future draft picks.  If you have a suggestion for new professional athletes please comment below.