Rallings with the University of Washington Huskies in 2016.
Troy Rallings was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 22nd round of the 2016 MLB Draft from the University of Washington. Rallings had Tommy John surgery after his final collegiate season with the Huskies. He worked tremendously hard in rehabilitation and the Angels eventually signed him. With his injury, Troy endured an entirely different type of hardship that many Minor Leaguers do. He shared a very interesting perspective with us, one that we often consider when trying to justify the owners paying Minor Leaguers more money. We hope that the owners realize the ethical dilemma in front of them, but Troy points out that it doesn't necessarily make financial sense.
"The issue isn’t money to live on in season. You’re fine in season. We are given room & board and 2 meals per day. It’s not ideal, but it’s an opportunity. From a business perspective, Minor League teams don’t actually generate revenue so it’s hard to justify paying them more.
The Latin players sent half of their $1200 per month checks home to their families and survive on rice outside of provided meals. The hardest thing we ever went through was hearing a grown man weep uncontrollably when he found out his wife died in childbirth because they had third world medical treatment. I had never heard anything like that in my life. There’s a different level of financial hardship and struggle that those boys understand and it contributes to a hunger that breeds excellence. Pressure makes diamonds."
- Troy Rallings