Why I never Got Called Back Up to MLB

Today we talk about why I never got called back up to the Major Leagues after making my debut in 2008.
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[@jamesaccount612]

Man, I could listen to this dude talk about baseball all day.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@el_jacal]

Yes sir

[@titanrik8411]

I agree, I knew some former MLB players , they had some great stories, so much more insight.

[@barrettjackson5307]

Same

[@m_sgaming5899]

Then do it

[@aydengrass3685]

Man I'm sorry about those injuries... seems like you got screwed out of an mlb career

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@bigmanballsassnuts3337]

Antonelli Baseball the fact that you were a first round draft pick means your better than a like 99% of people

[@aeschafer1]

It's really tough to get to the top and stay there. It isn't enough to just be good; you also have to have luck on your side at some point or another. Look at Jurickson Profar. Four, five years ago he was the number one prospect in baseball, beating out guys like Bogaerts, Oscar Taveras, Miguel Sano, Wil Myers, etc. And that wasn't unjustified hype; Profar had a combination of premium abilities at a premium position with amazingly advanced discipline at the plate that put him legitimately ahead of pretty much anyone else in the minors at that time. Then he suffers a major shoulder injury, misses basically two years of very important development time at like 21-22, and now can't stick pretty much anywhere. He's never had the same kind of pop since the injuries, and the time away seems to have really taken something out of his game. For Mr. Antonelli, missing all that time and only being able to play intermittently had to have had a deleterious affect on his actual baseball skills, if not his tools. If you can't practice, it's hard to maintain. And wrist and hand injuries are notoriously slow to come back to strength, as well. Poor luck with injuries -- or even just bad timing with when you play well and when you don't coming up -- have derailed plenty of careers over the years. It definitely sucks, but it just proves how narrow the gap you have to shoot is in order to get to the highest level of the game.

[@johndaniels9782]

Ill tell ya buddy I'm 54 I played ball for 10 years and of the 10 I picked for 6 played short 3rd left right lol I truly understand the way you fill sorry about your luck man but boy is like to have had that chance I also know that you went through a rough time with dealing with the public relation part of it. I would have like to have seen you play buddy but everyone's not cut out for the game of baseball u had a stretch thow To bad it wasn't longer and we may have seen ya in the hall .. Good luck to ya always and take care . ya even have that baseball name .....

[@johndaniels9782]

Todd Denino sometimes no matter how,much ya wanna,play or do anything the pain,is there and sometimes unbearable pain

[@hr1meg]

The fact that you were still on so many team's radar showed you had skills even when injured. More importantly you made it to the majors. So many fall through the cracks, or succumb to injuries waaay before then.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!

[@bea78tles]

What a nice guy. An ex pro ball player who is now a coach. What an authentic, and genuine, guy. It seems like this is exactly the type of people who should be coaching young college athletes.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!

[@DavidOatney]

"Stunk" is mighty relative... It takes real talent to even be drafted for a Major League team, let alone the experience of having been called up. I don't think you have anything to be ashamed of, and you probably didn't stink. You got hurt and you were never able to completely recover. I'm not familiar with your career to comment on it, but I have seen similar scenarios unfold for others, guys with serious talent who's full potential will never be known. I think it takes a real man to walk away from the thing you love in your own best interest. Baseball is still blessing you with a career today.

[@ugjhgjf]

Stunk relative to active MLB players.

[@JPerry-pn2mc]

You seem like a genuinely nice guy. Love your videos (played ball my whole life through HS) and I rarely see anyone on KZbin try and answer all their fan questions/comments. Keep doing what ya' do!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!

[@LaMostraVia]

First MLB hit was off of HOF pitcher Greg Maddux!!!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha I got lucky! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ReallyoutHereGrindin]

Your very humble and seem like a good guy! So little amount of people even make it to triple a so be proud!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks a bunch!!!

[@grantmccarty5640]

I like how you are able to talk about this stuff objectively. You weren't making excuses for your actions; you owned up to them but also recognized the difficulties you had along the way. I always tell people there is a difference between a reason and an excuse. You provided reasons for your baseball career coming to an end and I really appreciate the way you're able to put aside your pride (something many people can't do) and just be honest about what happened. I'm sorry it didn't work out but it seems to me like you're in a good spot now, and you're helping a lot of people in ways that maybe you wouldn't have had the opportunity to if things had worked out a bit differently. Keep up the great videos man! I wish you the best of luck.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Hey thanks a bunch!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@BIGJ1544]

Really cool to get this behind the scenes look. Doing us baseball lovers a service!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!!

[@MrDude00000000]

What is dugout life like when you aren't starting a game?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Gonna make a video on that! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@walterm5298]

Sitting, chewing gum, or chewing sunflower seeds. LOL

[@Darkwell0071]

You forgot spitting. There is no game in the world that even comes close to the amount of spitting as in baseball. Grab crotch then spit.

[@jyee2217]

Dugout life might be learning from the coaches and paying attention to the game to get ready to be a coach after you get out of baseball whether you make it to the big leagues or not

[@icy_greanz5779]

Lame

[@carlosmatos9848]

Just staying in the major leagues and healthy through 162 games is a feat in and of itself. I think guys like Ripken must have been superhuman , lol

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I agree. No clue how anyone can do it! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@dubb9020]

baseball is a least physical sport....... this guy just has unlucky genes..... just like that basketball player for the celtics that keeps tearing his acl in both knees.... after getting hurt that much i would have just stopped and found a different route

[@waynelawson1235]

They catered to Ripen...

[@waynelawson1235]

@@dubb9020 go back to your video game.

[@rickkelley4618]

du Bb go swing a bat as hard as you can a few thousand times and get back to me about your hips and shoulders and knees and wrists. Its not impact as football, for example. But this sport can destroy your joints and fast.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

This is a total absence of ego. Love the honesty and self-awareness. Forget baseball-too bad there aren’t a ton more PEOPLE like this in the world. ✌️

[@bigmoe-specialtylandservic6106]

Hey, you're not my son, but I want you too know how much I think of you for being straight forward and honest about a dream coming true (Getting to the majors)...but then not having it play out as the rest of the dream goes. Very mature and comfortable with yourself. I'm proud of you. Great character. YOU got to where most folks NEVER have gotten. What an incredible live experience for those many years, learning how to deal with adversity. You have learned more than you would have, had it been easy and more dreamlike for you. Now you're better prepared for real life. Keep up your wonderful attitude. I'm rooting' for ya.

[@keithshowell6688]

Be proud of where you did go in your career, Matt. I was a .454 JUCO All-American hitter and 44th player picked and did not ever get the chance to make it to "The Show". Just remember all of the boys and men who have dreamed to just be on the field of dreams we have rounded the bases on!

[@mjkim1847]

If someone is not a well known MLB player, people might think that they are bad. But being in the MLB means that you are the best of the best. You taught me a lot of good tips. Love your videos Matt!

[@yuckyool]

Yep. Not just physically (5 tools), but healthy and fortunate as well. Many highly gifted, hard-working athletes do not have an MLB career ahead of them. So many ways to fail and wrists, knees, etc. don't always cooperate. I watch a lot of AA games, and realize all those players are the top of the top, and yet so very few rack up 10 WAR (3 decent seasons) in the SHOW.

[@djbeezy]

This is rapidly becoming my favorite channel lol. I do know the feeling about not being able to stay healthy though. It's very frustrating!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks! And I agree very frustrating!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@gundy1638]

Damn man, that’s terrible. Nothing is more frustrating than being that close to your dream and having your body break down. Nothing you can do about it. Thank you for sharing this; you’re a good man.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks Adam!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@PrettyPearlAllDay]

The more I hear stories from former professional athletes, the more I realize how much professional sports suck. People think it's so great and it probably is for the guys that can stay legitimately healthy but it just doesn't seem like a good trade off to me. These organizations are crap, well in baseball and football anyways. I don't have any friends who played in the NBA. Thanks for sharing because this really gives many casual fans the real story behind the scenes on what you guys go through chasing your dreams.

[@davidfox9947]

In the NBA most 2nd round picks are not in the league in three years and only about half 1st round picks have a decent career.

[@804_grocerystud7]

Wow. The fact that you can even say "I was on a Major League roster" is mind-blowing. Many people just fail to realize how amazingly hard it is to make it to the Majors. They only accept the absolute best of the best , of the best. Baseball is a skill sport, just like golf. You either have "it" or you don't. Not like basketball and football, where athleticism alone can get you on a roster. I can really appreciate your candor.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@good_teanice_house6789]

Hey Matt, I literally just subscribed. Love the honesty and your self-deprecating humour. It's funny how being in your 30s give you a sense of perspective where you can appreciated the good with the bad. Looking forward to watching some more videos. P.S. your K/BB ratios looked great in the minor's you don't see that in the game anymore.

[@TheJVO2.]

Really appreciate you sharing your story, what some may view as failure are just the doors to future successes opening!!!

[@ComedianOmarTarango]

These videos are great. This was a dream gone by for me, so watching these videos and listening to your insight about the different levels of pro-ball has been incredibly satisfying. Thank you for putting these up!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! I appreciate you watching!!

[@InformalGreeting]

Knew the story. You were set to do great things. But life happens, and there's always a reason. You're in a position to help shape kids on and off the field and will do great things for so many people.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@steve7703]

Hey Matt, Greetings from Boston, Sorry it didn't work out for you with the majors. You are one of the good guys! Wish you well.

[@ohheychris]

Love it. Dude, your candidness should be taken note from EVERY major publication. You are building the guideline to MLB for thousands of hopefuls. This is a niche in KZbin that hasn't been filled and you are doing it. Keep it coming.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much I appreciate it!!

[@craigscott3133]

Everybody has "what ifs" in life, but I'm sorry yours kept you from reaching that MLB pinnacle. Best of luck in baseball and life, Matt. You lived a dream many of us have only dreamed.

[@Trickynico55]

Dude I can’t remember the last time I saw such a honest and heartfelt video. My dad played in AAA for years and never got called up so I realize baseball can be a bitch. It was really refreshing to see you be so candid and open about your experience. I just discovered your videos today and really enjoy watching them.

[@Max_Mannis]

Noticed on your bookshelf that you're reading Brian Kenny's book Ahead Of The Curve! I'm a blogger for SABR and have met Brian multiple times, always very friendly to me, I first met him a few years ago when I was 11 at my 1st SABR conference I was attending (I'm 15 now). It's truly a must read for all baseball fans and anyone involved in the game, so many people are against the sabermetric movement because they prefer "old-school" style baseball without truly realizing how revolutionary these stats are. Great to see a former player starting to come around to the new tendencies of the game!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks for sharing!!! I definitely thought it was a great book. Thanks for watching!!

[@IAmJoeJericho]

Do most minor league players have a backup plan for work in case baseball never works out?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Most do not! They try to figure it all out once things don't work out lol

[@drizztdourden5291]

You Sir answered even question I wanted to know about baseball thanks.

[@iTip28]

Love how honest you are. Thanks Matt. My son watches your videos and takes to heart what you talk about.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much!!!

[@gabrieladams2104]

Alex is a clown

[@bellioverjudge36]

Alex 180SX dude idk why but this had me dead was it supposed to be a joke

[@bellioverjudge36]

Alex 180SX get him alex

[@JesseLuke]

Thanks for sharing your story! It's really interesting to hear how something as uncontrollable as injuries can determine who plays and who doesn't. I'm loving learning from the videos and looking forward to more. Would love to see one about why you started Antonelli Baseball as opposed to continuing coaching in educational/professional baseball environment. Thanks!

[@LongListOfErrors]

I enjoyed your honesty and insight on being a pro player.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!!! Thanks for watching our videos and for commenting!!!

[@russellmuscle7434]

God bless you Matt, I got hope for you playing in the majors again!

[@trevornelson3231]

When did you start to notice your skills were higher than others your age?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I never really thought my skills were better than others. Others did certain things better than me. I always knew I was a pretty good player, but never really realized I stood out much from others. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@benrobinsontv5418]

Trevor Nelson b

[@joem3343]

BenRobinson TV c

[@JimBobe]

@@joem3343 e

[@sjpinto77]

Love the videos, honest and unpretentious. Also informative into a world most people will never know.

[@mgratk]

How many of us would LOVE to say we got a hit off Greg Maddox. Holy cow. You're so lucky, Matt, while at the same time being so unlucky with that dang persistent injury. At least all those years of hard work got you in the majors, which most guys dream about from age 4 through 104! Love your channel.

[@glennkrzeminski7539]

I know it’s not easy to admit what you have laid bare here. Thanks for the insight.

[@Quillons1]

By the way, I'm not even a real baseball fan. I'm a hockey fan my whole life but your story is fascinating. Good luck Matt. Can't be easy coming on KZbin and pouring this kind of personal info out.

[@50CJAZZ]

Very impressive video. Kudos to you Matt. That's what it's all about. You paid your dues obviously. I think you are great baseball coach. Thanks for posting.

[@tonyford7726]

This post is almost 2 years old but I want to commend you on making this video. It probably wasn't easy to make a video explaining your deficiencies on social media or to anyone for that matter. It takes some serious stones to do that. Although one door has probably closed for you, others have opened not only for you, but for thousands around the world. My son who is 9 has gotten tons of useful advice from your videos and has even passed that knowledge down to his teammates. For that I thank you. Keep up the good work. ⚾️

[@paramounttechnicalconsulti5219]

Good man and brave man to answer this! I personally couldn't hit the floor if I fell out of bed and couldn't make high school J.V. (even if the school on had 10 guys!). However, as a fan at games, I never booed anyone (except Tomy LaSorda -SOB- Tore the heart out of Brooklyn and having a good time!!!!! Anyway, I digress on tribal matters). Never booed a player, but certainly knew how to give them "the business" if they were on the other team! Great that you are answering this; no matter what your lifetime average was; you can say something that precious few can - you were in the major leagues!

[@rickkelley4618]

Pretty much what happens to about 90% of ppl who ever play at that level. Appreciate your honesty. Just found your channel and really enjoy it. Its amazing as you work up the tiers how the levels of separation occur. You’re a better ball player even now than about 99% of all people who are out there trying to catch a big break. I just think its awesome that you were grinding all those years and kept popping your head in the door. Always giving maximum effort. You may not have accomplished all you would have liked, but you were still very successful because you gave it all you had. 👏🏼

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much I appreciate it!!! Thanks for watching!!

[@Jake-hy8kd]

Thanks for being honest and sharing a story which might not be very great to talk about. Keep up the good work

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@sadmetsfan7660]

Matt: like, this is not a joke Also Matt: starts giggling

[@CT99999]

I appreciate the humility! Must have been so tough to go through the surgeries, batting difficulties, and all!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@hurigoTV]

thanks for ur honest videos

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks for watching!!

[@mikerotonda6264]

You made it to the highest level of baseball! You were good enough to play in the majors!.......not many people could say that...

[@thegreatcalvinio]

I remember you from back in the Portland Beavers days up here, I still think that I have your rookie card from '08 Bowman somewhere, good times.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha that's awesome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@DaSixtyNiner]

This video was worth sitting through every single ad. Thanks for sharing!

[@ajrichards1190]

Were you ever star struck in any of the MLB organizations you played being around the superstar players and do you have any interesting nightlife stories as a player or any cities that have any interesting attributes outside of baseball? Former MLB player Eric Chavez said that Toronto had one of the best nightlife environments

[@AntonelliBaseball]

At first maybe a little bit but you get used to it after a while. I'd say most of the major cities in the league have good nightlife. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Weidneriffic]

I really appreciate your honesty.

[@masonterry8823]

Ahh, padres lost a good one. Injuries suck. Especially tommy John 😅

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@rhelob]

@@AntonelliBaseball I REMEMBER YOU WHEN YOU PLAYED FOR MY HOME CITY OF EUGENE IN NWL.

[@michaelwilber774]

Respect. It must be hard to know you can't play the game, but all those experiences you have Will live with you forever.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching!

[@sethboooooi23245]

+Antonelli Baseball Wrist/any hand injury injuries seem to be the worst possible thing to happen to a hitter. Aaron Hill's and many others careers were never the same after their hand injuries.

[@Samuel-dc2mq]

Takes a lot of courage to put ur life out on display … very interesting channel and videos … thanks for the insights

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching our stuff and commenting!

[@saf_narwhal8385]

Do you still get paid a major league salary while on the 40 man roster?

[@andrewpestotnik5495]

That's what I'm thinking

[@davidg1612]

You made it a hell of a lot farther than the jackasses online that love to talk shit and bring people down. Be proud of that despite not quite doing everything you set out to do.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha thanks so much!!! Thanks for watching our vids and commenting!

[@coachaenriquez]

It is amazing how everyone has a “story of my life” and the twists & turns that life takes. We make the choices which account for a majority of our consequences however; “circumstances” that are out of our control like health play their role as well. Love the channel and the content.

[@4everDodgerfan]

You made it to the "Show" That's pretty awesome! I always hear players saying the hardest part is staying in the "Show". Man I wish I could spend one day as a Major Leaguer!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thank you!!!! Thanks for commenting and watching our videos!

[@nicknite10]

Don't be so hard on yourself,and you are a great instructor and keep up your videos! You made the big leagues bro that's so awesome to experience,and you get tell stories that over 97% of us cannot in the World. Your MLB career was short live,but you did live your dream!⚾️

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much!!! Thanks so much for commenting and watching our videos!

[@dustinwroten353]

Shawn Wooten!! I remember him from the Angels!

[@jimduggan8962]

Hey Rookie...you were good.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Haha thanks! Thanks for watching our stuff and commenting!

[@Almarigold]

Loving this perspective on the baseball life... Thanks for your honesty and inside info.

[@Yourworldwithin]

Love your videos Matt. Thanks for sharing 🤘

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks a ton! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@matthewhessler3257]

I’m so sad to hear about your injuries. I’m also so happy that you have a great calling to help others play better with your training videos.

[@joerhodes213]

Man, I really have to get to bed. I got to be up early tomorrow. I will just knock a few episodes of Antonelli baseball before I fall asleep. 4 hrs later...DAMMIT!!!!!

[@garydahn6728]

This entire Q & A series is incredibly fascinating, thank you for doing it.

[@bremms1]

Good video. Shows that even if you have it, injuries and other factors can be such a factor.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much and very true!! Thanks for watching our stuff and commenting!

[@bucksdiaryfan]

Your level of humility is what raises this channel to the next level, and incredibly admirable.

[@JamesMaccarone]

Thanks for sharing and being so honest! I believe things happen for a reason. Nice to see you doing good things with youth ball!

[@elChe3]

The Cleveland situation is interesting. Makes me wonder why they signed you to begin with, if they never intended on playing you even in the minors.

[@collinstv1531]

Didn't know about your injuries when looking at your career. That's tough man but you made a dream come true that a lot of guys never get to do. No shame in that

[@VitalityMassage]

You probably needed deep leg massage to release knee tendons.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

That sounds good!!! Thanks for watching our stuff!!!

[@markdouglas481]

Happy ending included?

[@LoydChampion]

Well I never made it out of Rookie League. I was a great high school hitter, but average against the other schools best pitchers; and none of those good pitchers were drafted, or even went on to play in college for whatever reasons. Well, they guys pitching rookie league were just a little better than them. I had a great fastball and change-up however, but they kept playing me at 1st base and then having me come over to pitch here and there. Messed up my shoulder, didn't say anything, and was released. Good for you... thanks for putting a lot of good factual information on here for all to see.

[@micahvarriale4925]

I love your videos Mr.Antonelli! Thanks so much for informing us on MLB life and interacting with all of the viewers :) It's awesome to have an MLB player personally answering our questions!

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@mattm7213]

I admire your honesty very courageous and I truly appreciate your videos

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks Matt!!! Thanks for watching our stuff and commenting!!

[@moe761]

I feel like Greg Bird from the yanks is going through something like this.

[@Memorex996]

Dude looked like he was going to be a solid 1B

[@gitowski]

Really unfortunate circumstances so don't even consider it a failure. I'm a really big yankees fan so I would have loved to see you play ball. You seem like a class act on and off the field, so God has better and brighter plans for you. God bless

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks so much I appreciate it!!!

[@BrianSemmann]

Hey Matt love your videos. You should make a video showing your jerseys and gear that you were given

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks! And will do!

[@123awtg]

Brian Semmann pleaseee!!!

[@Brandon-jw5cv]

Sorry to hear about all those injuries!

[@killyourtelevision999]

I've never played even high school baseball, but I know what it's like to have a life long dream taken from you because of circumstances that are out of your control. It is devastating.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Sorry to hear that! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jonaslasater4784]

has anyone ever noticed that his logo is the old astros logo tilted to the side?

[@yxxdagod]

Jonas Lasater yes lol

[@scottmitchell358]

I gotta give you credit for all that you had to do in order to play in the majors. I hope you hook up with a team where you could be a positive influence, something along the lines as a coach in the Major Leagues. I hope and pray you hook up with a good team, and a positive influence with the game. Even in a coaching position. God Bless!

[@theshadowmanplays5822]

Just a follow up to another question if you didn't see already what's the process of getting a milestone ball from a fan like a 1st HR ball?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

That video is coming tomorrow! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@bobhasbrouck1197]

Judging by the time you were injured, you must be 104 years old! Seriously, you never got a shot for bursitis? As a former baseball player, now a golf Teaching Pro/PGA member, about every 4 months I can't pick up a pencil. Its either in the olecranon process, or either wrist. I get a steroid shot, then good as gold. Love your videos!

[@ericshellhouse2834]

Great video I love watching all of them this is a great channel I'm really happy I found it

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@CyaHate2bya]

Just saw some of your videos and they are pretty damn cool videos. As recreational players we always had questions about what it would be like to be a MLB player and have dreams of playing MLB, but was never that good to get to that level. I had a scout come to one of my college games in NYC in the early 90's to see a pitcher named Edgar Martinez who signed with the NY Mets after college and I had a pretty damn good game and year (MVP season) and he asked me if I knew why I would be one of the most dangerous hitters in the big leagues if i had made it there and I had no clue why being that I didn't' really know the art of the game. Growing up in East Harlem and playing in Central Park wasn't instructional league baseball. I just saw the ball good from the pitcher's hand and hit the ball hard with my bat, so when I responded "NO" he then told me that I hit the ball to the right side like a lefty, but I didn't know how to pull the ball, so any pitcher would throw me inside hard, so i don't extend my arms and they would do the shift on me. It all made sense to me after he told me that. Anyway, I have a 7yr old and I made it a point to learn the game after all these years, so he can learn the art of the game and watching your videos have helped me in the past to give my son the instruction he needs to improve his game and I want to thank you for the time you put in your KZbin channel to help others. I also have you to thank for my son learning the game and for the last couple of years other parents already started complimenting his swing off a tee and the sound of the ball leaving his bat, which I started him at 3yrs old. God has a path for us and he gave you a path many of us dream about, but now he has another path for you and you have embraced it to help others. Mr. Antonelli, Thank you for that.

[@jacksonmartinez2639]

Hey Matt how does health insurance work in professional ball?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

If you are an active player you are covered with very good insurance. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@nowellclay1283]

if you play or in the mlb roster 25 man roster you will be given a insurance and retierment fund

[@jeremyraglin8170]

You accomplished something that every young kid who plays baseball dreams about and the fact that you’re sharing your knowledge plus teaching is awesome.

[@beetlebailey3034]

I would have traded places with you. Closest I got to MLB was two open tryouts with the Reds. Thanks for sharing. BTW - if you haven’t read the book Ball Four by Jim Bouton, you should, it’s about MLB in the early 60’s. See how things have changed, or not.😄

[@Menmyboy1230]

My buddy rob Sandora played with the nationals around the same time as you tough break man .... you get to tell your family a lot of cool story's not maybe people can !!!hope your in a good place now god bless!!

[@yKarmaPolice]

wow first time I've heard of the phantom DL

[@jaytouvelle2359]

You are a very cool modest guy. I can't imagine the competitiveness in pro baseball.

[@thecurtist.harpershow5515]

At least your getting paid for being injured right?

[@ripkobe248]

Captain C yea but if minor leaguers were in it for the money then they wouldn’t be playing in there minors

[@harpoon_bakery162]

@@ripkobe248 yea, that's why many minor leaguers have two jobs (or three)

[@easysnake205]

Baseball money is amazing on the back end. Upfront it’s worse than the nba and nfl. Basically the first big payday is the signing bonus after being drafted if you are a high draft pick. Then you make peanuts in the minors until you get called up to the majors. Then you make what the team wants to pay you for the first 3 years after you start accruing service time in the majors. Then you reach the arbitration years where the players representatives and the teams present argument in front of an arbitrator who sets the salary for the arbitration years, and then after 3 arbitration years, the player reaches free agency and can negotiate with any team and get paid their fair market value. For any year after the arbitration years a player is not under contract they are a free agent and can sign with any team. If a player and a team can agree to a contract they can avoid the arbitration process, but because teams have all the power at this point usually the contracts are team friendly. Getting the big money requires a player making it to the majors, getting to his arbitration years, getting past those years to free agency and being good enough at that point to make teams want to give them a massive contract.

[@boborson5536]

Props to you for keeping hopes even with that ton of injuries.

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks a bunch!! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@abrahamalejandro8849]

Hamate broke in my hand also.. sad but god is good and it healed 🙏🏽

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Good! Yes it is a pain but nice when it heals up properly! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kc10er39]

Very honest. Hope to see you coach the pros

[@evanjones7069]

What clothes come in your locker room and what free stuff do you get?

[@AntonelliBaseball]

I made a little video on that a few weeks ago if you can find it. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@CLS63AMGS]

Refreshing to hear honesty

[@AntonelliBaseball]

Thanks!!! Thanks for watching and commenting!