Dario Pizzano is a professional baseball player, currently playing for the Winnipeg Goldeyes in the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball. Prior to joining the Goldeyes, he spent time in the New York Mets and Seattle Mariners organizations. In this interview, Dario shares the realities that minor league players face in the pursuit of their dreams, as well as the obstacles he has overcome in his journey to the big leagues, and lots more. (Find Part 1 of his story here.)
On being a minor league free agent during COVID-19:
- It’s always crazy being a minor league free agent, but COVID has amplified the craziness
- When everything was shut down in the beginning, he was just working out in his apartment trying to stay in shape
- Eventually linked up with a trainer who was training NFL players remotely in New Jersey
- In a time when the Minor League season was canceled and about 1,000 minor league players were cut, it wasn’t a great time to be a minor league free agent
- He understands that it’s completely out of everyone’s control and feels fortunate to be on a team in the American Association, which is one of the only professional baseball leagues playing right now
- The talent pool in the American Association has skyrocketed because the minor league season was canceled and many players don’t have the luxury of just taking a season off
On coming back from an injury in the COVID chaos:
- Tried to play through a sports hernia in 2019, but was released mid-season
- Ended up in the Atlantic League, but the sports hernia really started to affect his play
- He was an outfielder that couldn’t sprint
- In mid-July 2019, he decided to address it and had surgery
- In August, while trying to recover from the surgery, he started to question whether he should continue playing
- Eventually came to the conclusion that he wasn’t going to go out with an injury – he’s spent his whole life working for this goal and isn’t going to give up because of an injury
- Spent the offseason rehabbing and trying to get his strength back up for the 2020 season.
- Trying to be present and grateful this season
On the minor league baseball grind:
- People think minor league baseball players make tons of money, but after the signing bonus (if there is a signing bonus) the money is minimal
- His first non-signing bonus check was for $205
- They were packing 4 people into a 2 bed Travelodge room to keep the cost down, because nightly rent was deducted from their paychecks
- You don’t get to become a free agent and negotiate your salary for 6.5 years after you’re drafted
- You get $2200/month at the highest level of minor leagues, but that’s only during the season.
- They don’t get paid after the last game of the season
- Lived on an air mattress every spring & summer until he was 25 years old
- Hasn’t made money any season of his career, is only able to cover his expenses
- Minor league players are seasonal workers, so they can’t file for unemployment during the offseasons
Following and supporting Dario:
- Friend him on Facebook
- Follow him on Twitter: @DarioPizzano25
- Follow him on Instagram: @DarioPizzano25
