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Every year in June, there will be thousands of players full of passion and love for the game of baseball who want to play Major League baseball. The big question for elite high school baseball players is: should I stay or should I go? Go pro, that is.
Players who decide to enter the MLB draft after spending three years in college–the minimum length of time required by the MLB for those who play baseball in college–are permitted to hire an advisor and move forward with trying to play for the league. The advisor may assist the student with the decision-making process, but cannot act as the student's agent. But even with help, the path to pro ball can still be challenging!
Thankfully, 2aDays had the opportunity to speak with Brenan Hanifee on this topic. Hanifee was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2016, and was a graduate of Turner Ashby High School in Bridgewater, Virginia. If you're wondering if pro ball is right for you, read on for his home run advice.
2aDays: What does life look like as a professional baseball player?
Brenan: It gets monotonous and challenges you physically and mentally as a player. There are plenty of late nights, along with extended bus trips, average meals, and many hotel rooms. For me, I love the challenges that the lifestyle brings and also the relationships you build along the way.
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2aDays: Was the transition hard for you in the first year coming from high school straight to the professional league?
Brenan: Being drafted out of high school was a relatively smooth transition, but it certainly brought some nerves. I had never lived on my own before, but I give all the credit to my parents for how I was raised and what I was exposed to as a kid. It helped me fit in more easily than most.
From a baseball standpoint, it was much more difficult. You're facing bigger, stronger, faster hitters on a nightly basis, and it really opens your eyes to how good these guys are but also motivates you to be better.
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2aDays: Was money one of the factors affecting your decision between playing professionally and going to college?
Brenan: Money had a significant impact on my decision coming out of high school even though playing professional baseball has always been a goal of mine. You hate to see monetary value put on players, but that is part of the game. I had a great opportunity at East Carolina University to play for one of the top 25 programs in the country, and it was going to take a certain amount to keep me from [going] there.
2aDays: What was the decision-making process like to discuss with your family? Were they supportive of your decision?
Brenan: The decision process was a long stressful one that involved many former players and guys with knowledge of pro ball. My parents were very supportive and left most of the decision making up to me.
2aDays: Are you thinking of going back to college later in the future?
Brenan: Hopefully, I don't need to go back to college in the future. Ideally, I'd like to make a living out of this game. However, college is paid for by the team if I ever want to go, and that is one great benefit provided.
2aDays: Looking back at the point when you were making the decision, would you have done it differently?
Brenan: Absolutely not, I don't regret my decision one bit. This life fits me very well, and I love being around the game every day.
2aDays: What's a good piece of advice for young athletes who want to become a professional player either after high school or college?
Brenan: My advice for young players is don't specialize in one sport. Play multiple sports and become the best athlete you can be. There is so much that can be learned and applied to baseball that comes from competing in different sports.
Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]
* Originally published on January 26, 2023, by Tsung-Ying Yeh
