240 Zeke’s Tryout 5 (1/2)
Mrs. Atkins lips thinned before speaking. ”Yes, we'll be waiting for him here. What did you want to talk to him about?”
”Just about the draft process and what he can expect from me for the next few months leading up to the draft. You all probably know that I'm not the only scout here.” Willie looked around to emphasize the fact that others were still here even though the practice was already over. ”A lot of us would like to know which way he's leaning to. I, for one, was very surprised when I heard about him making an official college visit. Definitely made some GMs a little nervous. No one wants to waste a pick on a player not even playing.”
”GM?” I repeated the two letters.
”General Manager.” Noah told me. ”They basically pick the players from the draft with help from their scouting team and other executives.”
”Like we said, we want Zeke to use up all five visits.” Mr. Atkins stated, firm on that decision.
Willie nodded. ”I understand. I would want my kid to know the difference and his options. In fact, I would suggest you have him read up on what happens after you get drafted. I don't like kids thinking that'll they'll make the big leagues right away. They have to start in the minor league system, receive crappy pay, and fight for a position just like college.”
”You don't get paid to play for college though.” Dave pointed out.
”They pay you with scholarships. Some better players get more like 80%-100%. Players in the middle will receive half as much. Then the lower rung players won't receive much besides help with admission. Then we have walk-ons who get in the school on their own merit and don't receive any financial aid from the team.” He shrugged. ”Every school has a budget for scholarships just like how the minor leagues has a budget for their players.”
”But if you get picked in the first round, you get guaranteed money, right?” Kyle asked.
Willie nodded. ”If you get drafted there's guaranteed money in contracts for bonuses and the such. I personally think Zeke is first round material, so no doubt he'll get a nice lump sum.”
”But you don't get to make the decisions.” Mrs. Atkins frowned. ”Zeke could slip to one of the later rounds and receive the bare minimum. I've heard some things about the minor leaguers making less than minimum wage.”
Willie rubbed his nose, a little embarrassed. ”Very unlikely. But if he does drop to an unsavory position, he could alway just go to college and rejoin the draft after two seasons.”
”That's why we're having him look at some schools.” She nodded her head, feeling good about giving Zeke a fallback option.
”Why do you think you're having me look at schools?” A familiar voice said from behind. We turned and found Zeke looking down at us. ”Are you sure it's not because you prefer I get an education?”
Mrs. Atkins gave a sheepish smile and shrugged. ”A good education isn't something to look down upon.”
Zeke sighed. ”I never said I was against it. I just said I didn't see any reason to need to do these visits during the season.”
”Are you saying you didn't like practicing with a collegiate-level team?” Mr. Atkins asked.
Zeke perked up. ”I found it enlightening. They play at a higher level. I'm exhausted even though it was just a practice before a game day. I actually wish I came during winter break so they could show me how hard they go.”
”What a masochist.” Kyle muttered to Dave.
”And a sadist. A dangerous combination.” Dave agreed. ”He's definitely not gonna get a girlfriend anytime soon.”
”It would have to be a freaky one.” Kyle wiggled his eyebrows. They both laughed.
”Boys.” Mr. Atkins said in a warning tone before turning back to Zeke. He gestured to Willie. ”Zeke, do you remember Willie Ramsey? He stuck around to ask you some questions.”
Zeke moved closer and sat down in one of the seats with his dirty uniform. ”I remember. Mr. Ramsey is with the Cubs organization.” He looked at him calmly, not even fazed that he was a scout for a pro team. ”What can I help you with?”