Professional Baseball Lifestyle Wasn't For Me 

I realized many of the same things about myself when I was playing baseball in college. Didn't want to hit the bars, didn't want to go to bro parties. Nothing necessarily wrong with it, just not my thing. I made it 2 years but I had less riding on it than you did. I was not at Wake Forest with a 1st round likelihood. I was at Framingham State playing because I loved baseball. Turned out I didn't love playing so much when I couldn't relate to my teammates. Oh well, it was fun throwing gas and proving to myself I could compete on the next level.

Very interesting perspective. My son was cleaning out his room today and came across a pack of 2008 Portland Beavers baseball cards and guess whose card was in there!

Kind of the same thing for musicians. There's lots of great players who don't go out touring, because the road is a hard life.

I can relate very much to what you said. I don't know who said it first, but “The name of this game is the road.” It is so true. I was a home body and a country mouse, plus my wife and I were married when we were 19 years old. And we lived half a continent away from any of our family. I had a manager at one stop that asked me, “You know the two things I like about you the most?” I thought about it along the lines of I had a pretty strong arm, I was disciplined at the plate, I was a solid line drive type hitter, I always hustled, etc. I was trying to figure it out and before I answered he said, “ The two things I like about you are you're married and you're broke. I know you're not going to be out chasing skirts after the game until the wee hours and I know you'll always show up because you need the money.” It kind of deflated my opinion of my baseball skills. After my playing days were over and I had some pretty good success coaching at the high school level including a state championship, an old friend offered me a job in the farm system of a MLB organization. My kids were young and my wife and I felt we were established in our community. I turned him down, much like you did college coaching. I'm happy to say my wife and I have been married over 50 years now and our kids are grown and successful with families of their own. I would have probably gotten fired anyway, just like getting released when the organization decides to go a different direction. 🤨 I hope decades from now you and your wife can look back and see you have made the best choices for you and your family.

An englishman who loves base all unlike most of the people here, great vids pal keep em coming

Hey Matt! I played 3 years in the Orioles organization ( 5th round out of H.S) and I couldn’t agree more. I had the same feeling leaving for spring training. I went home for 10 days after the season and was back on a plane to Florida for instructional league for another 2 months. Not what people think. I didn’t feel like going out either besides eating after the game. Really enjoy your channel. ✌🏼

Really appreciate your inciteful perspectives, Matt. I'm friends with someone who has been (and still is) in the majors for a long, long time. He's definitely more introverted, has expressed he "loves being on the road" but not without his feeling "wiped out" by the season's end. The season seems like a nonstop grind, though I would like to believe some of the more "luxurious" accommodations in the majors helps make the 9 month long grind a bit more digestible for guys now. Keep up the great work, Matt!

Interesting stuff Matt! I hear ya on the "road" thing. Spent 6+ years on the road with my job, home maybe 1 month of the year for 3 of those. It was fun initially, seeing new places, meeting new people, expense accounts, and business travel...which no doubt was a lot better than most minor league travel as I was riding business class mostly. The travel/being away takes a toll on you.

Great insight into the real game. Thanks for all the info. I'm playing Sandlot baseball at 43 now. two times a week in the same state is enough for me and I used to love baseball above everything else.

I don’t know if you’ve done this but can you make a video about how it is to get hit by a pitch in the majors/minors and tell us if you’ve ever been intentionally hit by a pitch. I always find it shocking how major leaguers can hit by fast balls in places like the elbow or legs and (most of the time) be able to just get back up and go to first after a quick breather!

Being away from family is rough. Used to see my family only 2 weeks per year so I understand.

Its kind of funny. Ever since I started watching Antonelli Baseball (right at the initial Covid lockdown) I've caught myself thinking "God, I'm glad I wasn't better at baseball"... he makes professional baseball sound like a very Faustian bargain, like the guy who had three wishes and said one of them slightly wrong and ended up with a golden head... I respect him for enduring the minor league lifestyle as long as he did

Matt I love your videos! You are truly inspiring and the NORMAL way you talk about your journey is refreshing man. Do you have any thoughts about submarine pitching as a 32 year old who has some baseball experience. Love your thoughts!

I do not only learn your baseball life experience but also improve my english listening skills with your very good and nice english pronounciation eventhough you speak very fast. However, it makes do my best effort to catch up with you message. I have improved a lot about that. Thanks for your time and keep going on!! Fernando from Venezuela

Holy crap! I'm an mlb player! I am a home body. Love having bbq's dorm my family. Love hanging with the grandkids. Love working with my 13 year old on ground balls, etc. The only thing missing is the speed, power, and skill! Love your videos, well done!

I can totally relate to this. I spent a couple seasons as a minor league clubby that traveled with the team too. First year was Indy ball and second year was the Midwest league with Oakland/Beloit. Being on the road and traveling was a lot of fun the first year but after it became more of a job and less fun it became a lot more frustrating. I didn’t do it for as many seasons but I can relate a little bit.

Thanks for this video, Matt. I had a similar crossroads happen to me toward the end of college. I entered college as a Naval Reservist and had plans on going active duty upon graduation. However, I had some nice job offers locally at graduation time and wanted to be near to support my parents, so I remained a reservist. Best move I could have made.

Thank you for the insight.

Matt, you have a great thing going. You have created an invaluable resource for players and coaches of all levels, as well as parents. You are open to modern coaching techniques without being too caught up in numbers. Whether you think of what you do in this way, or not, I don’t know, but I have to say that when it’s all said and done, you do a lot of good in this world. As a parent coach, I appreciate that you allow people into your world.

I really appreciate your honesty!

A lot of people don't think about the sacrifice it takes to become an elite athlete. It can be brutal & lonely on the way up.

Thank you Matt for opening up and sharing your personal feelings. Your views don’t diminished your love for the game. A professional baseball career doesn’t just involve the 2-1/2 to 3 hr game. It’s the behind the scenes and the rest of it. Boredom, loneliness, anxiety and who knows whatever else. A professional athlete is no different than anyone of us. They just have a different job or responsibility that takes them away from family, friends and love ones. Like the old saying… “Be careful what you wish for”. I personally disliked traveling and being separated from my family for work. I gave up several job advancements and promotions for it. To me it just wasn’t worth it. I enjoyed my profession but Personal Satisfaction and the Big Picture out weighed the other.

Overseas basketball player here who loves baseball. The part about not being home hit hard cause man it’s so difficult especially with the holidays goin on right now

As a touring musician with two little kids, I totally get it. Don't get me wrong, I'm blessed to do what I do, and in many ways, life is easier and simpler on the road. Nobody's waking me up at 6AM on tour. I don't have brother sister fights to break up. I don't have a honey do list. I get to ride around the country, goof off, with just enough down time to take in most cities I visit and really my only responsibilities are maybe an hour load in, a 20 minute sound check and an hour show. On the other hand, no kids are waking me up at 6AM. I miss out on opportunities to teach them not to fight with each other. For months at a time, I'm a dad via Facetime. Like you, fortunately on career day, my kids have the dad with the coolest job at school.

Up until now, I assumed that Antonelli Baseball was a travel ball league that involved, you know, travelling. Anyway, it's amazing what you can put up with when you're young!

Hopefully when you were down here in San Antonio you got to get a sized sample of our delicious Tex Mex food. I know the Missions are my hometown team, but I haven't rooted for them since they were the Dodgers in the early to mid 80s. Back then, I got to see Fernando Valenzuela, Steve Sax, Mike Marshall, and Mike Scoscia (spelling). Those were fun years. It was even cooler to see those guys beat the Bash Bros in the WS. I hate the LA Dodgers these days and have for years. In fact, I am not a fan of any MLB except my one favorite, the Houston Astros. BTW, I can relate with you. I am a homebody. I do not like to be away for a long time. I do not drink or party. I would rather be relaxing with my wife and family and my close friends. To me, it feels more fulfilling, grounded, and wholesome. It definitely brings great comfort, especially eating a home cooked meal that my wife made specifically for me.

This is exactly what my interview would be like. I swear I’m your long lost, older Mexican twin.

Musicians say the same thing about touring. It's a lonely grind.

I think in the beginning it might be great to see all the new places but can get old.It is part of chasing the dream,that by itself has to motivate players,hoping to reach the Big Leagues and get a big payday!

Idk antonelli having my life surrounded by baseball sounds like a DREAM

Mr. Antonelli - You've read Mark Harris' novel, "The Southpaw?" I think it's the greatest baseball book ever written. He deals brilliantly with this issue.

great! ... seems like you are getting more and more comfortable just talking (and remembering) honestly ... only gets more interesting

Seriously one of the greatest RU-vid channels in existence.

I turned down a corporate promotion and opted for a private practice because I knew I wouldn't want to live that lifestyle. You could fly me first class and put me up at the best hotels and I'm still not interested if it is going to be a regular thing. Thanks for sharing, I'm enjoying your videos.

what would you look at when you watch a MLB game? pitchers? grips? hitters?

Got a question that maybe a topic for a future video. Were you hoping to get drafted by the Red Sox since they were your hometown team? I imagine a lot of kids want to grow up and play for their hometown or favorite team no matter the sport. Or in your case, at least to a team in the AL to have more of a chance to play in Boston? Great videos!!!!

Nothing wrong with thinking you are a dork man. I’d rather be the dork with family prospects than Jake Taylor getting served with a paternity suit at a party or being reminded of Ms. Fuel Injection. Have a great New Year brother.

Matt, great content!! I got a question.. in some of your instructional videos you use a flat bat... what is that bat and where can I purchase one. thank you sir

Yes, video makes sense.

I am exactly the same way as you. I happiest at home with wife and kids. I feel better not regretting things since the on the road life would have probably made me quit anyway. Thanks.

Do you have time to sightsee when you’re on the road weather it’s minor or major league ?

This resonates strangely. I've been having existential thoughts on how I'm not "cool" enough. I don't travel as much as others or have as many friends but maybe it's about accepting who you are

Thank for sharing those experiences with us Matt. I know is a dream come true but also can be a lonely place

Hey Matt love the video do you by chance no who terry Tripp he is a retired scout

5:32 🤣🤣

To quite the great “Everlast” in his collaborative work “Rock Superstar” with cypress hill…it’s a fun job but it’s still a job

Does the batknob HAVE to be pointed back to get the best hitting mechanics or can you have it pointed almost straight back.

Its crazy how there are guys who are in the minors for 10 years and sometimes they never even make it to the league. Like u practically wasted all the years. This is why baseball is always going to be the hardest sport to play because not only the competition is insane and the game itself requires elite skill, but the grind to get to the MLB is nowhere near what it is like for other sports.

I know throwing underhand doesn’t put the same pressure on your shoulder. What do you think? I’m thinking about competing in a men’s league in 2022.

Coming up on my third year of independent ball and I definitly feel the same away about the lifestyle. I prefer the lifestyle of a coach and being with my wife and daughter all the time. The dream keeps me in the game but I do wish I didn’t have to be away from my family so much

Very insightful, Matt. I can certainly understand how life can be lonely and repetitive in the minor leagues and how it certainly is nothing like being at home.

You had to sacrifice all those years on the road but I'm sure it has certainly built up the foundation for Antonelli Baseball.

Matt your like an older me LOL. Except I don't have the incredible baseball mind or talent you do!

Had you been drafted by Boston, NY, Philly, DC, etc. it is possible that your baseball experience would be a lot different because of the location of their minor league infrastructure. I have this discussion with co-workers a lot but in a different context. People in my office complain all the time because of the weather here. Looking back now and understanding his overall experience Matt likely would have made a different choice than signing with the Padres even taking less money.

An answer would be, ''live year around where you work.'' You play for the Padres, live in San Diego

Nobody: Me: Throwing outside in the middle of winter All the neighbors know now... When you hear a THUD it means i put another hole in your fence. (Or just nailed the fence)

I'd like to think the pro ball life style would be for me but idk

That stadium in Fort Wayne isn't that bad

stupid question- do teams give christmas present to players?

What about the major league life? How is it different?

W0W!

i notice a lot of generalizations when he describes certain aspects of the life. Major League players do have home stands. And about the sleep deprivation , its once every 4 nights. No offense but if you like to sit home all the time, not sure baseball was a smart play.

yea it pays better that’s the difference , not that difficult to understand

Were you excited to go to Baltimore with the potential of being called up, and were you heartbroken when you moved to the Yankees knowing you had to play behind Cano and Jeter?

You know what’d be cool? Maybe you and a few other former players can start a whole new league that’s better then the minor and indie ball system and has better pay. You can easily reach out to former plays who made millions and get the funding. Maybe ask them if they’d want to coach or maybe even play again! Or maybe just make a retired leauge and get a whole bunch of players that are retired to play against each other. I’m sure a lot of retired players miss it and would be down if you get enough

Oh wow. I’m like you! Homebody. I rather just stay at home and not really hang out. I’ll go out to play handball and that’s really it. I like to spend time with family and play videogames.

9 months a long road trip

You and me are very much alike.

Matt, do you think it may have been more tolerable in the MLB if you played for the Red Sox? A least then you would be HOME when you came back from a road trip.

So imagine what Ohtani is feeling

Waggle.

So one of the biggest reward in making it is having the luxury to move your family and buy a house in a major league city!

This 'was' part of the minor league grind, I think its changing now out of respect for basic living standards, but they wanted to see if players could do it under the worst of circumstances, if you could hit after a 12 hour bus ride, you were probably really good

Matt, I have been enjoying your videos now for years, there is nothing "wrong" with you. You are just exhibiting classic Sigma male traits. More power to you. Be well my friend

So you’re not a Kenny Powers?

Neither is joining the armed forces people, way worse. I did it, after first year it became fabric, discipline, and realizing a college type lifestyle. The MiLB became my career, and my path to MLB. I will say it can be tough on introverts, abstinent in all ways for most ball players are extroverts, want attention. So, hmmm? It did suck to be away from home, but every year I moved up with the Giants, I got closer to home. So young men, the Armed Forces are worse. Period.

Mike was the #1 pick ! Come on his experience as a minor leaguer was different than the avg. player. No? Mike’s experience was different.. the underachieving #1 pick is not going to stay out late drinking while in the minor leagues. Etc etc..

With the poverty level salaries minor leaguers are paid, where did the players get the money to go out to bars, restaurants and clubs?

What % of your fellow ballplayers were loyal to their partners?

Jazz wants me to ask you how did you and your girlfriend (future wife) stay and connected and close while you were away so much?

I could have told you this a couple of years ago. To my reckoning, aside from wanting be with your wife, you see baseball more in a clinical way than a competitive way.

Clearly Matt was whooped by Laura very early on in their relationship.

Not too different from the military lifestyle that I'm living right now. Gone quite a bit and having a family doesn't mix well for marriage longevity. If you value your wife, then you dodged a bullet Matt!

Don't know if anyone has pointed it out yet. Your girlfriend (now wife) didn't pick up the phone when you called way past midnight (her time) because she's "a psycho" she probably picked up because she LOVED YOU. Hopefully your not enough of a schmuck that you've not realized that by now... 🤣😎😄

How did your wife adjust to you being around all the time?

Hey Matt, You do a good job of leaving things like politics and religion out of your videos. I am interested, however, if they offer a team chapel, church service in the minors and big leagues, and how many of your teammates used to get into heated political debates, or talk stocks... things like that. Yes I'm boring Thanks