Zaun catching for the Blue Jays in 2006.
Gregg Zaun was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 17th round of the 1989 MLB Draft from St. Francis High School in La Canada, CA. Zaun played five and a half seasons in the MiLB before making his MLB debut with the Orioles in 1995. Zaun played 16 years in the MLB with the Orioles, Blue Jays, Marlins, Rangers, Royals, Astros, Rockies, Rays, and Brewers. With tons of experience in the MLB, Zaun recalls his time in the Minor Leagues as a grind, but necessary in order to achieve his goal. He had to work harder than the next guy to reach the MLB and did not concern himself with much else.
"I don't think Minor Leaguers should be paid that well. I think they should make minimum wage during the season but not during Spring Training where their housing and meals are usually covered by the teams. Players should get a part time job in the off season. There are plenty of hours during the day. Where's the incentive to "make it" if you are earning a good living in the Minor Leagues? Players today are a little lazy and entitled. They shouldn't be getting paid for offseason workouts. Players should know how competitive it is out there and workout on their own to get better. You have to want it more than the next guy. I agree they need to be paid a little better, but not that much. I endured it for 5.5 years when there were actually talented players at every level. Now you might see 1 really good player on a AAA roster. The rest are just there so that one talented guy has a team to play with. It's hard, kid. It used to be harder. Don't get it twisted. The hard is what makes it great. It builds character."
- Gregg Zaun