Jesse Chavez pitching for the Oakland Athletics in 2014.
Jesse Chavez was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 42nd round of the 2002 MLB Draft from Riverside Community College (Riverside, CA). Chavez played six seasons in the Minor Leagues before making his MLB debut in 2008. Chavez is still in the Big Leagues, entering his 14th season in the MLB this year. Chavez has a different opinion on the MiLB grind than we do an MLM. However, it would be unjust to hold onto this story when it is an authentic opinion of a player who has tons of experience in professional baseball, and thus, credibility.
"It ends plain and simple, how bad do you want to make it?
It's part of the grind and it's worth it at the end. It's a bad subject for guys like me who grinded, to hear guys quit after two years because pay wasn't enough. That means you're in it for the money, not the dream. I get it, it's tough. I had my first kids during my first spring training. I was only able to afford to see them at the All-Star break or I had to pay for two places. When I couldn't, I went to the people who helped me get there to help out: parents, grandparents, Godparents, aunts, and uncles. If they help and want nothing in return that's family. But if it's money you go home because of, nah that ain't it homie.
I see the other side of it. Sometimes people aren't there to help. I get it. But players need to understand, now more than ever pay is going up for Minor Leagues compared to $408 a month my first few years. That's tough I get it. We had to get jobs in the offseason like give lessons, etc. Now, there are more outlets than ever for lower level players to get work at facilities or academies that are going up around the country. It's like everything else, if you want it bad enough you will find a way. "
- Jesse Chavez