Globe iconLogin iconRecap iconSearch iconTickets icon

Ask MiLB.com: On tryouts and more

Minor League fans have questions; we've got answers
July 22, 2010
Minor League Baseball fans have a lot of questions about the game and its players. We at MiLB.com attempt to answer some of those curiosities.

Have a question? Shoot us an email at [email protected]

What is the status of Andrew Miller, LHP in the Marlins organization? — Jack G.

Andrew Miller is a former first-round pick who, despite seeing time in the Majors the last few years, was sent to Triple-A New Orleans in Spring Training. He sprained his right ankle in April, went on the 7-day DL, and was sent to Class A Advanced Jupiter to correct his delivery and mechanics. He's since continued to struggle at Double-A Jacksonville, with 45 walks and one win in 60 1/3 innings. The Marlins are unlikely to call him up until he can prove himself in the Minors. You can find more info about him and others by using the player search box at the top-right of the site.

My grandfather was an umpire for the Texas League during the 1930s. He also was a baseball scout who scouted Mickey Mantle while he was still in high school. I'm trying to find info about him from then. His name is Louie Raymond Smith. Where is my best place to start? Thanks. — Patty S.

The Texas League has a lengthy list of research materials and books you might want to look into. Texas League president Tom Kayser has a wealth of knowledge about the league; he would be a great person to ask. (Contact the Texas League)

I am trying to compile a list of all the player agents and their respective MiLB clients. I'm having a difficult time completing this. Do you have a list that could help me? — Ross K.

We don't have any listings of agents, sorry. Cot's Baseball Contracts website has information for players on MLB teams' 40-man rosters.

Watching the broadcast tonight of Boise and Spokane, something is not right with the video. My picture is like trying to watch postage stamp size video. — Sharon K.

It may just be a setting with your Windows Media Player, or perhaps the feed from the ballpark wasn't correct. Stamp-size is no good. For MiLB.TV or account-related questions, you should email [email protected] or call 1-866-644-2687.

I am researching my husband's grandfather who is said to have umpired in the Minor Leagues in the late 20s and 30s. I believe it was in Maryland (possibly the Easton area), but he lived in Philadelphia, so I wouldn't rule that out either. Is there somewhere I can go to get specific information on him? His name was Charles Rivel. — Joanne R.

Unfortunately, we don't have any records of umpires from that era, but if you can find out which league he worked in, the specific league's front office may have some historical documents.

Just inquiring on any tryouts in the Michigan area anytime soon. — Mark F.

Hi, my name is Joe. I have just reached the end of my last season in senior Babe Ruth. I am 19 and want to further my baseball experience and someday play professionally. I was wondering if you could help me. Are there any tryouts or leagues open to the public for the Minor Leagues? If you could write me back with any information, that would be great. — Joe F.

Hi, my husband used to be a baseball player for the San Diego Padres, and he was released a while ago. He would really like to go back to playing baseball, and he is very good. My question is how do we find out when and where they are scouting (giving tryouts)? Thanks. — Diane M.

The Major League Scouting Bureau's 2010 tryout camp schedule has already ended, but some Minor League teams may host tryouts on behalf of their parent affiliates. You may want to check the websites of/contact Minor League teams in your area for those schedules. For example, the Milwaukee Brewers held an open tryout camp on July 22 at its Triple-A affiliate in Nashville. The Twins held a tryout on June 12 at their Spring Training complex in Fort Myers, Fla.

It should be noted that Minor League teams do not directly sign or scout players -- players are signed and assigned to affiliates by Major League organizations. Good luck!

I wanted to know how can someone go about getting into the pros? Are there any fees? How old would that person have to be? How would they go about being selected on which Major League team to be on? — "Stacyrn"

Most players are either drafted in the annual First-Year Player Draft or sign with a Major League organization as a non-drafted free agent. There are no fees to become draft-eligible. Major League tryout camp rules stipulate that all players must be at least 16 years of age to try out. A player has no say as to what team he is drafted by, although he can opt to not sign with the team.

I am looking for season attendance figures for the Rochester Red Wings since Frontier Field opened. Can you help? — Judy D.

Sure. The combined attendance from 1997-2009 was 6,105,002 for Rochester. As of July 21, 2010, the number is 6,407,489. Updated 2010 attendance records can be found here. Rochester's media guide has attendance figures going back several decades. You may want to contact the club if you're interested.

Have a question? Shoot us an email at [email protected]