Major League Tryout Tips

Tips for a Major League Tryout

Preparing yourself to kick butt at a Major League tryout starts months before the actual event, but here’s some advice to keep in mind as the day approaches to help you feel, look, and perform your very best.

First of all, make sure you’re in shape—baseball shape, that is. Firing 120 pitches to your dad or taking 500 hacks at the batting cage two days before the tryout isn’t going to cut it. If your body isn’t baseball ready, not only will your performance be subpar, there’s a good chance you’ll end up hurting yourself.

• If you’re on a lifting program, keep the weights very light in the week leading up to the tryout. Lifting heavy causes tightness in the muscles, which will slow you down during the 60, rob your swing of some extra juice, and inhibit you from generating your best fastball.

• You’ll be pumped up the night before, but try your hardest to get a good night’s sleep.

• Make sure your equipment bag is packed before you go to bed.

• Pack a light lunch or a couple of energy bars along with plenty of water to keep you sustained throughout the day. There may be a water cooler in the dugout, but supply your own to be on the safe side. 

• The morning of the tryout, get up extra early and fuel up your system. Try to eat three to four hours before (figure on starting at 10 AM).

• Dude, be on time. If you’re rolling in to a major league tryout at 9:30 you’d better throw 95 or have time in the big leagues. Period.