So many dreams are only possible to achieve with guidance. If your goal is to become a bat boy for the MLB, consider this the essential handbook to help you get there.
The Role of a Bat Boy in the MLB
The term “bat boy” is somewhat of a misnomer: this jack-of-all-trades is often busy with multiple essential tasks before and during a game. Baseball games would drag on and on without a bat boy to assist the team. Their efforts help keep the game on pace and the players ready to perform at their best.
Duties and Responsibilities
The bat boy plays an integral support role in ensuring that every game goes smoothly by starting preparations hours before a game even starts. The pre-game tasks include doing laundry, setting up the bullpen, and supplying the dugout with whatever the players need.
The bat boy also collects balls during batting practice. And once the game starts, they focus on going after foul balls, retrieving or replacing broken bats, supplying baseballs to the umpire, and doing other supplementary work for the players.
Requirements and Qualifications
If you want to know how to become a bat boy for MLB, you’ll first need to determine whether you’re eligible. You must meet specific qualifications and criteria before being considered for the position.
Age Requirements
A bat boy needs to be at least 14 years old and in relatively good physical condition. Although teenagers can become bat boys, it’s not uncommon to find working bat boys who are in their late 20s. Specific teams may have unique rules regarding age, so it’s wise to double-check the age requirement before you apply.
Physical Abilities and Stamina
The bat boy’s position requires them to be on their feet a lot and have good stamina. It’s also a physically demanding job requiring considerable movement or lifting of heavy objects. The shifts can be long, so endurance is the name of the game if you want to succeed at a role like this.
Baseball Knowledge and Passion
It’s hard to do a bat boy’s job without a good understanding of the game. They must pay special attention to what’s happening during the game and react accordingly. You’ll want to have a fundamental knowledge of rules, terminology, and game dynamics. And it always helps if you’re deeply passionate about the sport.
How to Become a Bat Boy for MLB: The Application Process
The application process is critical for understanding whether you want to know how to become a bat boy. For MLB bat boy positions, you may be able to find an opening on a team’s official website, but it doesn’t hurt to check your local job postings, either. If you want to contact the MLB directly, waiting for the off-season is better since most hirings will happen before the season begins.
Prepare for your interview by ensuring you have an updated, legible, and impressive resume. Emphasize your passion for the sport and try to weave in some knowledge as well. Teams are looking for dedicated candidates but are also interested in those who are flexible, responsible, and can handle a lot being thrown at them.Jobs in Sports is an excellent way to start your search; we can help you find open positions easily so you can start applying immediately.
How Much Do MLB Bat Boys Make? Understanding the Pay Structure
Now that you have the details behind the application and interview process, you probably have another question on your mind: how much do MLB bat boys make? Salary and perks will vary depending on the team that hires you. But regardless of pay, there’s a lot that a new baseball fan turned bat boy has to look forward to.
Average Salaries and Pay Structure
The typical bat boy salary is either paid hourly or by game. But the pay isn’t going to attract someone looking for full-time work: the average bat boy in 2023 makes around $10 to $15 per hour, with the exact pay depending on which team hires you.
With one working day being around eight to ten hours and a typical schedule being 81 games, you’re looking at around $20,000 to $30,000 a year. It’s not necessarily going to pay for everything, but it could be a decent gig and fun experience for those who love the sport.
Additional Perks and Benefits
The perks tend to be much more exciting to the baseball enthusiast; bat boys will often get free or discounted team apparel, free meals during the game, and a chance to make connections within the industry or even with some of their favorite players.
Many of you likely have a burning question regarding a position like this: “Do bat boys travel with the team?” No. Bat boys only work home games, so there’s no travel required.
Comparing MLB Bat Boy Salaries to Other Leagues
How does the MLB’s pay stack up to other baseball leagues? As you’d imagine, college and minor league bat boy salaries are usually lower than the MLB offers. These leagues, however, will usually offer similar perks and benefits, so it’s still a valid option if you’re more interested in getting your foot in the door of the baseball industry.
Some minor league positions can offer similar pay to MLB; a seasonal bat boy for the Hickory Crawdads says they pay $9 per hour. Thus, much like the MLB’s salaries, your mileage may vary.
Turning the Dream into Reality
There’s no chance a baseball game would function without finishing the tasks on a bat boy’s to-do list. It’s a position of pride that can be fun for baseball enthusiasts who want to turn their passion for America’s pastime into a career.
If you’re ready to make a change in your life and follow your dream of working in professional baseball, start your job search with Jobs in Sports. We focus on one thing only: getting qualified individuals the sports jobs of their dreams!
