How much do ball boys and girls make in MLB (2024)

Ball boys and girls are a familiar sight at Major League Baseball games, serving the important role of retrieving foul balls and ensuring an efficient pace of play.

They are well-respected across MLB for their hard work and dedication, but how much do these essential team members earn for their efforts? While their salaries may not compare to those of the players, it’s interesting to examine the financial compensation they receive for their time on the field. How much do ball boys and girls make in MLB?

In Major League Baseball, ball boys and girls earn between $9 and $10 per hour, which translates to an annual salary of around $20,000 for a full-time position. However, it’s important to note that this role is not usually considered a full-time job, as they only work during home games.

Despite the modest compensation, it’s a rewarding position that offers a unique opportunity to be directly involved in MLB.

If we break it down further, considering that MLB ball boys and girls work only during home games, their annual income will significantly vary from the projected full-time earnings. In fact, for some, the salary range can fall between $4,000 to over $50,000. Individual pay rates may depend on the specific organization they work for and their experience in the role.

Overall, the financial rewards received by ball boys and girls are generally modest, but the position remains highly sought after due to the distinct privileges and experiences it offers within Major League Baseball.

Contents

Ball boys and girls in Major League Baseball

Roles and Responsibilities

Ball boys and girls play an essential role during Major League Baseball (MLB) games. They are responsible for collecting and returning foul balls to their respective dugouts, ensuring a proper supply of baseballs during the game. They also assist with keeping the outfield areas clean and clear of debris, and in some cases, tend to the bullpen and visiting team spaces during both home and away games. Overall, their job is to keep the game running smoothly and efficiently.

Application and Recruitment

Entering this profession usually requires individuals to apply directly with the MLB team they wish to work for. Each team has its own recruitment process, often including application forms, interviews, and sometimes on-field assessments. It is an entry-level position suitable for those passionate about baseball and interested in behind-the-scenes work at MLB games.

Age Requirement and Physical Condition

Ball boys and girls are typically required to be at least 18 years old to work in the MLB. Physical fitness is also essential, as they must be quick, agile, and able to work long hours during baseball games. Since baseball is a physically demanding sport, those working close to the action must be prepared to face the weather conditions and the need for quick reactions during gameplay.

Compensation

In terms of compensation, ball boys and girls in MLB earn hourly rates ranging from $9 to $10 per hour.Their work is primarily based around home games, and their hours vary depending on the teams’ schedules. It is estimated that they can make an annual salary between $19,000 and $20,000 per season. However, wages may differ according to the teams they are associated with and their years of experience.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary and Hourly Rate

Ball boys and girls in Major League Baseball (MLB) earn a minimum wage of $10 per hour, and can make up to $50 per night working games. Based on the number of hours worked during the baseball season, their annual salary may vary. However, it should be noted that their schedules mainly depend on home games, which means that they do not work full-time throughout the year.

Bonuses and Commissions

While there might not be a specific bonus or commission structure for ball boys and girls in the MLB, they could potentially earn additional income through various opportunities. For instance, they might receive tips or extra pay during special events or playoff games. It’s worth mentioning that any additional income is likely based on team policies, performance, or external factors.

Perks and Opportunities

Working as a ball boy or girl in the MLB comes with several non-monetary benefits. One main perk is the unparalleled experience of being intimately involved in the game and interacting with players and coaches. Ball boys and girls gain valuable insights into the inner workings of a professional sports organization, which could potentially lead to opportunities for growth within the industry.

Job Specifications and Challenges

Equipment and Uniforms

At the beginning of their tenure as an MLB ball boy or girl, they receive standard equipment including a helmet and a team uniform. They are responsible for managing and stocking this equipment before each game to ensure both the home and visiting team are provided with the necessary items. In addition to distributing towels, seeds, and other essentials to players, bat boys must also maintain their uniforms to uphold quality appearance standards throughout the season.

Travel and Road Trips

Although ball boys and girls primarily work with their home team, there are instances where they may travel with the team for road trips, postseason games or spring training sessions. MLB ball boys and girls are occasionally brought along on significant games, such as the World Series or championship events where their knowledge of equipment and team requirements is invaluable. This travel schedule can be demanding, especially during the postseason when games occur more frequently.

Physical Demands

Ball boys and girls play an essential role during MLB games, whether they are attending to the home team, visiting team or both. They fill various ball boy and girl positions and contribute in different ways. One notable responsibility involves fielding foul balls and ensuring that they are properly managed during the game.

During spring training, some MLB ball boys and girls may work with minor league players in Class A, Double-A or Triple-A programs, assisting players not yet called up to the main MLB roster. This experience can prove beneficial, as it provides the bat boys with insight into the demands of the job at varying levels of play.

To excel at their role, ball boys and girls must be in good physical shape, as the job requires considerable strength, agility and stamina. A strong work ethic is essential to succeed in this physically demanding position. Furthermore, bat boys are often tipped for their services, especially when they work for a home team during a successful postseason run or at charity events that showcase their unique skill set.

Notable MLB Teams and Ball boys/girls

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees, one of the most well-known MLB teams, also employ ball boys and girls as part of their game-day staff. While specific salary information for the Yankees’ ball boys/girls is not readily available, we can look at the information available for other MLB teams as a point of comparison to understand their potential earnings.

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants also employ ball boys and girls who assist the team during games. Like the Yankees, their specific salary information is not publicly available. However, we can assume that their compensation is likely similar to other MLB teams, which tend to pay around minimum wage.

Atlanta Braves

For Atlanta Braves, we have more specific information about their ball boys and girls earnings. Their ball boys and girls receive an hourly rate ranging from $9 to $10 per hour. This equates to an average annual salary of $19,000 to $20,000. It’s worth noting that this would be for a full-time job, and batboys typically only work home games, resulting in their actual earnings being less than that. These numbers can aid us in making an educated guess about the salaries of ball boys and girls in other MLB teams.

The Path to Professional Baseball

From Ball boy or girl to MLB Player

Working as a ball boy or ball girl in the MLB is often seen as a stepping stone towards a future career in professional baseball. Ball boys and girls typically make around $9 to $10 per hour. Although this is not a high-paying job, it provides valuable exposure to the workings of the MLB and networking opportunities with players, coaches, and other team staff members.

Some MLB players have started their careers as ball boys, including former player Mark Ellis and current player Kevin Kiermaier. Their journey from ball boy to MLB player involved hard work, dedication, and continuous improvement of their skills both on and off the field.

College Students and Minor League Players

Many college students aim to play in the MLB and are often selected during the MLB draft, where teams pick new talent. Before reaching the major leagues, many players go through the minor league system, where they face competitive games and develop their skills further.

Minor League players earn different salaries depending on their level of play. For example, in 2021, MLB announced a raise in the minimum salary for minor-league players, with increases ranging between 38% to 72%. Rookie-level players in 2022 make about $400 a week, averaging $6,400-$8,000 a season.

Umpires

Umpires are essential to the game of baseball, responsible for enforcing the rules and maintaining the integrity of the sport. They start in the lower levels of professional baseball and work their way up through the various leagues. At the MLB level, umpire salaries vary significantly, with rookies earning around $150,000 per year and experienced umpires making up to $450,000 annually.

In conclusion, the path to professional baseball can be challenging and involves various careers such as players, umpires, or support staff like ball boys and ball girls. Each position has its benefits and drawbacks, and individuals pursuing a career in baseball should remain dedicated and focused on their goals to attain the level of success they desire.