Garcia with the Clinton LumberKings (Mariners A ball affiliate) in 2017.
Danny Garcia was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 15th round of the 2016 MLB Draft from the University of Miami (FL) and signed for $100,000. Danny has played for four Minor League seasons in the Mariners organization. Danny touched on one of the key elements of MiLB life: the food. We believe that wages, food, and living conditions are the three elements that make up this constant dilemma for MiLB players. Danny illustrated for us how significant these issues are and the mental toughness needed to endure the grind.
"We had 4 guys living in one apartment and we had to go to the nearest Walmart to get certain things and budget ourselves since we didn’t get paid a lot. Mind you I don’t regret it one bit. I love what I am doing. You need to have a strong mentality seeing that paycheck every 2 weeks and pretty much need to live paycheck to paycheck so you don’t starve. Sometimes our teammates would have to take post game meals home. Also, getting meal money on the road and paying the clubbie you’ll have enough for a fast food meal. They expect us to be “eating right” and get stronger but when you get paid what we got paid it’s tough. It's an amazing experience and you make lifetime friends! The grind is real. It pays off in the end when you make it but it is extremely difficult to do so."
- Danny Garcia