The San Rafael Pacifics, an independent professional baseball team which is going to play in the new Pacific Association independent league, announced an upcoming tryout on their website here:
- http://www.pacificsbaseball.com/pressbox/?article_id=244
It will take place on January 26, 2013 in California.
Take a look at the how the tryout is structured, including the announcement of the spring training player contracts being given directly after the event. Not every tryout before the season is like this, so you need to know ahead of time – should you get an offer to play for the team – if you have time to pursue other pro baseball opportunities.
Remember that these tryouts are like job opportunities. You may be good enough to make the team, but you may believe that you have better opportunities elsewhere based on:
- the chance to make more money
- likelihood of better exposure to affiliated Minor League scouts
- a chance to play for a manager whom you may like better
Of course, this can backfire on you as well. If you are not 100% assured that you are good enough to be signed by multiple teams, and that you genuinely “fell through the cracks” – otherwise you wouldn’t be going to open pro baseball tryouts – then take the sure thing if it makes sense. Get signed and then work your tail off to get seen enough to go to higher level independent baseball leagues or get signed by an affiliated team.