Link of the Week (or Whenever): Rookie Career Development Program

February 18th, 2009

February 18, 2009 — Ever wonder what the learning curve is like going from amateur athlete to a professional ballplayer? I mean, beyond having to “step up your game” in a job market loaded with athletic talent. Ever think about all the additional responsibilities that come along with being a paid employee, company representative and public figure?

In the last couple of decades, organized baseball finally seems to be recognizing the need to provide job training that goes beyond PFPs, weight-lifting and BP. The result is the MLB-sponsored Rookie Career Development Program (RCDP), a weekend conference offered to a few top prospects from each of the 33 ballclubs. Every January, the new recruits get a crash course in company policies, community relations, financial planning and other career skills.

For those of us in the stands, the real reward comes from the archive of videotaped interviews with prospects from a whole slew of MLB organizations. Thanks to Lisa Winston, these clips offer endearingly personal glimpses of the young men behind the uniform numbers. Hey, don’t take my word for it. Check ‘em out for yourself. Bye for now!

The Angels’ interviewee for 2009 is Chris Pettit.

Past Angels’ prospects include:

Jared Weaver,

Sean Rodriguez,

and my personal fave clip, Terry Evans.

Entry Filed under: Major League Baseball,Minor Leagues