The season is well underway and our team has struggled to win games. We have won a few more games as of late but our record is still far below .500. This is the first time in recent memory that I have been on a team that has struggled so bad. In the beginning we just could not score runs. But lately we have swung the bats much better which is a sign that we might be coming out of it.

It is very tough to not let the losing get you down. But every athlete must learn how to lose because at some point you will do it and you need to know how to do it correctly. You have to be able to stay positive because otherwise the negetivity bleeds into everything you do. So if everyone on the team is able to stay positive the negativity does not bring everyone down. Although easy said this is very hard to do. But judging by the way we have been winning hopefully we are becoming more positive.
Your baseball pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Steve is one of the most positive players we’ve known….
Team Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Brian wrote:
Hi There,
I am currently entering my 4th year of college baseball. I spent 2 years at the division I level and recently transferred down to division III for academic reasons. My question is this: how do I get myself looked at or increase my exposure to get seen for the next level. Like any ballplayer, I would love to say that I did everything I could to get my shot at the next level, I just don’t know where to start. Attending a small college now, I believe it will be a little tougher to get seen. I would love any input you might have.

From the Baseball Pro:
I believe your best bet would be to look to see if there are any tryout camps. Sometimes teams hold tryout camps where players such as yourself can show up and take batting practice or throw off the mound. I am not sure when or where they are held but your coach might be able to find more out for you.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Explore as many avenues as you can….
Team Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Ryan wrote:
How old can you start playing minor league baseball?

From the Baseball Pro:
If you are from outside the US you can sign at the age of 16. If you are in the US you must have a high school diploma. To my knowledge that is the earliest you can sign.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. As a parent, I wouldn’t want a high school player travelling with a professional baseball team. There are too many long days on the road, and an underage player shouldn’t be hanging out in bars. It’s best to get experience in high schools and colleges, particularly community colleges.
Team Mom, Jean

From Ask the Baseball Pro:
Jon wrote:
Is it difficult to find girlfriends or maintain relationships while away for so long?

From the Baseball Pro:
It is very difficult to maintain relationships while you are playing. Not only is it tough to have a
girlfriend but it is even more difficult to keep in touch with friends. Your girlfriend is easier because you can talk to her on your cell phone as well as she can come to see you. But it is your friends and family back home that do not spend money to come to see you during the season. You end up talking to them a few times throughout the season, then when you get
home, you have to start all over again.
Your Baseball Pro, Steve Holm

P.S. Baseball players get 1 or 2 days a month off during a six month season, plus they spend half of their time on the road. So they can’t travel anywhere…. Last year, Steve was within driving distance of his parents home in California, so he could go home on a day off. This year he is in Connecticut, with a 3 hour time change, and a long,long plane ride away from home. It’s not an easy life! Players really do have to love the game……..
Team Mom, Jean