-By Linda E. Sweeney, MT Editor-

There is nothing like working at that which is your passion; it is very rewarding. Be it designing a building or preparing an exquisite culinary dish, if it's something you are highly motivated by and take pleasure in doing, then many are going to benefit from what you enjoy. It takes skill, hard work, and commitment to accomplish a career goal. Even if you have a natural talent for your profession, a lot of time and energy must go into developing and growing. You must never be completely still or you cease to learn.

A career as a baseball player can take several years of preparation. Baseball season is soon approaching and opening day for the Detroit Tigers is Monday, April 10. How does someone become a professional baseball player? Well an interest may start way back to when a child is around 6 or 7 years old and their first exposure to playing is T-ball. This is typically for those 8 years and younger and provides a safe way of learning to bat and run bases that are in close proximity. T-ball may be offered through summer programs, at recreation centers, churches, or the YMCA. If you are interested in getting more information for your young one visit www.teeballusa.org

After T-ball comes the Little Leagues. According to Joe Morgan, author of Baseball for Dummies, "Little League Baseball is played in every state in the U.S. and in over 100 countries. With more than two and a half million participants (including over 300,000 female players), 100,000 volunteers, and 7,000 leagues, Little League is the world's largest organized youth sports program." If you're wondering if participating can lead to the big leagues, it sure does help. "An estimated 80 percent of all major league players participated in Little League baseball." The Babe Ruth League is another large organization that operates throughout the United States and provides play for ages five through 18. "This league stresses player participation over winning and is famous for teaching the proper way to play the game." For more information about these two organizations visit www.littleleague.org and www.baberuthleague.org

While playing in high school and college chances are increased to display your skills before talent scouts. During this time it is important to get good grades as it can affect how you are seen by a coach, and low grades can result in your being turned down. Bo Durkac, author of How to Become a Professional Baseball Player, says "Suppose you were capable of doing better academically than what your grades have shown. How would you feel if that school's recruiter had seen you play but decided not to pursue due to your shoddy classroom performance? Every single thing counts." The author also shares some information on showcasing in his chapter titled "Being Seen" but he emphasizes the importance of playing over and over again to improve.

Major league scouts look closely at college baseball players; however, you can get picked in the annual draft from high school or college. Don't get discouraged though if you are not picked in the first few rounds as some selected after many rounds have gone on to successful careers. Just to name a few:

• Mike Piazza (Dodgers, 1988, 62nd round)
• Marvin Bernard (Giants, 1992, 50th round)
• Robb Nen (Rangers, 1987, 32nd round)
• Mark Grace (Cubs, 1985, 24th round)
• John Smoltz (Tigers, 1985, 22nd round)

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