By Jonathan Massey-
A question I get asked often is how did I know it was time to retire, or they ask me if they should continue playing or not. This is a highly personal question… a question that I cannot answer for anybody because truth be told, only you know the answer. As someone who has had to face this question a few times throughout my career, here are my insights for you.
In October of 2012, I was faced with the very same decision that many of you face right now… I had just been cut for the 3rd time in my college career. On one hand, I could walk away from the game, finish my degree, and move on with my life and nobody would have blamed me for doing so. Heck, 3 different experts told me I simply wasn’t good enough to play at the collegiate level. On the other hand, I had a dream of playing professional baseball that I just couldn’t shake.
I honestly had no idea what to do, so I took a step back. I knew if I was going to make the best decision, I had to get away from the game. Over the next 6 weeks I focused on being a college student. At first it was great, I was having a ton of fun and it felt like a burden had been lifted off of my shoulders! But then about 3 weeks in I began to miss it. Not just the game, I missed the workouts, I missed the mobility work… I missed training to be the best. I knew what I had to do.
I transferred to Sam Houston State and began training at the Ranch full time. It was one of the best decisions I made in my baseball career. Over the next 2 years I became a better pitcher than I ever was in college. I threw it harder (broke the 90mph barrier), threw more strikes, and overall was just a much better pitcher at 23 than I ever was at 19-22. Not to mention the lifelong friends I made during that time too.
But then in October of 2014 the training began to wear on me. Again, I knew what I needed to do. I took a step back and just focused on living life, but this time was different. While I missed the game, the passion for training never came back. I decided that pitching meant way too much to me not to pursue it with the passion to be the best, so I walked away.
And while I never achieved my goal of being a major leaguer, I walked away having zero regrets about my playing. I gave the game everything I had. So, for you high school seniors who don’t have a place to play next year or you college guys who go unsigned, take a look inside your hearts. If continuing your baseball career is a burning passion of yours, don’t let someone else tell you that it’s over. You are the captain of your own ship. Only you know when enough is enough.
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If you have a passion for baseball and a burning desire to improve your skills, we’d love to have you join us (and other like-minded players) this summer at The Texas Baseball Ranch®.
Come for 3 days or stay for several weeks…
Our 2018 Summer Elite Pitchers’ Boot Camp dates have been set.
Learn more about these exciting, information packed 3-Day events at
http://www.texasbaseballranch.com/events/elite-pitchers-boot-camps/
OR
If you’d like to spend more time with us this summer, check out our Extended Stay Summer Intensive Program.
http://www.texasbaseballranch.com/events/tbr-summer-program/
