Don't plan on retiring on that minor-league pension.
Much has been made recently about low wages at the minor-league level. It seems like this issue is finally getting the attention it deserves.
If you're not a high-round draft pick who receives a significant bonus, life as a minor leaguer can be difficult. Just getting by can be a struggle. Some people think that it is worth it to chase the incredible dream. Though, the reality of the situation is so few actually make it to the major leagues and even fewer make life-changing money.
I got a surprise letter in the mail around Christmas. It was a note informing me of the options for receiving my minor-league pension. Either one lump sum or monthly checks. After looking it over I decided to cash in and take it all at once.
Over my 19-year career I've stepped foot on a minor-league field for at least one game in 14 seasons. Any guesses what the total of that lump-sum check was?
The other day I asked one of our editors at JABO that same question. "$100,000?" he answered.
I wish. $651.39 was the total. Not per month, per lifetime.
Baseball is a $9 billion industry. This seems a little off.
