The Major League Draft

By Steve Ellis, former Chicago Cubs Pitcher

I hope your season is going well and that
the work you put in during the off-season
is paying dividends for you on the mound.

For some of you, the Major League Draft is
right around the corner (June), and if things
go well, you will get the opportunity to play
professional baseball this summer.

As many of you know, I was drafted by
the Oakland A's in the 12th round in 2000,
and by the Chicago Cubs the next year in
the 18th round.

The one thing that impressed me most upon
arriving at the Chicago Cubs' spring training
facility in Mesa, Ariz., after I signed
was how hard everyone worked.

Sure, SOME OF US busted our tails in high school
and college ball. That's how we got to pro
ball, right? That's how you develop a 90+ mph
fastball or a strong, flexible lower body.

But in pro ball, EVERYONE works their tail off
year round to give themselves the very best
opportunities to succeed.

Even if you think you're working hard, trust me
someone's working harder that you. And
come this June (or next June, or any June after
that), you're going to have to compete against
that guy for a Major League Draft slot. Or for
a spot on the pitching staff of a minor league
team. Or, if you're in high school, for a college
scholarship or a spot in a college pitching
rotation.

And all those days you miss now at working
hard and getting better mechanically, or getting
stronger physically, or getting mentally tougher
will catch up with you.

There are no shortcuts in baseball. If you want to
open up opportunities for yourself, you have to
MAKE the opportunities happen by working
harder and SMARTER than the next guy.