MLBPAA hosts annual Career Development Summit

AUSTIN, Texas — Itâ€s not uncommon for former players to experience a loss of purpose and identity when their career comes to an end.

To fill this void, the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association invites former and current players nearing the end of their career to its annual Career Development Summit each year, to network and attend panels on a wide variety of topics that demonstrate that there is life after they hang up the cleats.

This yearâ€s summit was held Nov. 21-23 in the Lone Star State.

“Itâ€s such a great thing, especially for guys that are leaving the game or had recently left the game, or planning to leave the game, because itâ€s something I never thought about,†former Major Leaguer Scott Spiezio said on Saturday. “I thought about, ‘Iâ€m going to play, keep playing for 20 years,†and then all of a sudden, itâ€s over.â€

The event included such panels as “The Mental Aspect of Transition,†during which Spiezio and former big leaguers JP Arencibia and Travis Snider spoke openly about their struggles after their playing careers concluded, and “Entrepreneurial Plays Post-Baseball,†a panel on how former ballplayers used their desire for competition for post-career business opportunities.

Spiezio, who has been sober since 2018, was open about his struggles with addiction. His message to the attendees was profound and bigger than the game.

“My purpose is more about helping others and making an impact on others in a positive way than playing,†he said.

The majority of the panelists were former players, adding another layer of connection to attendees. Throughout the event, many panelists shared their personal phone numbers, encouraging all attendees to reach out.

“Itâ€s a brotherhood, it doesnâ€t matter where you are. If someone says, ‘I played Major League Baseball,†then we immediately have a connection,†said “Entrepreneurial Plays Post-Baseball†panelist Daniel McCutchen.

One of the most popular panels was “Broadcasting 101,†an hour-long session that featured Al Leiter, Bob Scanlan, Bengie Molina and Peter Moylan. Each shared how he got into broadcasting and how to navigate the media business. Leiter even challenged interested attendees, “Donâ€t be afraid to fail.â€

“[We have] the opportunity to be able to come here and share our stories with guys who are going through this and say, ‘Hey, youâ€re going to be fine, there is a second life after baseball,â€â€ Scanlan said.

The “MLB Network Radio Hits†event, led by MLB Network Radio broadcaster Mike Ferrin, gave attendees a taste of life behind the microphone as an analyst. During the exercise, participants shared their thoughts on the ABS system in a conversational tone, then received feedback on their performances. Each received a demo reel for their portfolio.

The summit also offered professional headshots and mock interviewing practice.

Although the summit is tailored to players, there were opportunities for spouses to participate in the “Women in Business†event and “Navigating Marriage & Transition from the Game.â€

“Theyâ€ve made more of an effort to incorporate families as well, which I think is crucial,†Scanlan said.

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