If I could break the flow of postings from The New England Journal of Medicine for a moment....
I've put down a deposit for the Evans 5-week pro school in January. My question is a little different than what others have asked here and another forum, though.
I'm 43 in July, so I harbor no illusions I would get tapped for The Show, or even the first step of many that lead there. And having said THAT, I also wouldn't be presumptuous enough to say I'd have the skill to be selected if my age WEREN'T a factor. I'm going so I can a) get better, b) immerse myself in training, c) enjoy myself (in non-baseball stuff, too), and d) stay out of winter for 5 weeks. (Look, Hampton Roads doesn't have real winter - I get that - but after 6 1/2 years in the Outback, ANY cold weather feels miserable.)
So my question is: are there guys like me there? Not the ones that are definitely pro-ball material, or ones that could be pro-ball material with some more seasoning, or those that THINK they're pro-ball material, but just aren't. I mean, guys that know they're not heading for Yankee Stadium without a ticket, who want get better at the level they're at, and may aspire to college/summer league ball at some point (or whatever my association here takes on)? More importantly, are there enough of that type so that I won't feel isolated?
I want to learn from the best out there, since the opportunity is presenting itself, and am willing to pay for that teaching. But I also don't want to be the one AV nerd amongst all the stud athletes, either.
If there's anyone that's been to the pro schools, from any perspective, that would like to address what I wrote, please feel free to chime in.
Thanks!