Shane Funk

Shane Funk is a 20 year old free agent pitcher formerly of the Texas Rangers organization. Funk was drafted in the 4th round of the 2005 draft after a storied high school career that included an appearance in the Aflac All-America game. 2007 will mark Funk's second full season as a pro.

Journal Entry 4-5-2007

Prior Entries: 3-6-07 · 3-21-07

RELEASED. Its a scary word, one that a player fears hearing his entire career. You try to pretend it's something that can never happen, but in the back of your mind the possibility is always there.

Well today that possibility became a reality to me. The day seemed normal, but for some reason as I walked into the clubhouse today I had a strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, almost a sense of what was about to come, and as the clubby came up to me and said the bosses wanted to see me, I wanted to hope it was a normal meeting, but as I saw others walking around with pink slips I knew it wasn't so.

As I walked into the office my heart was pounding and thats when I knew it was done. "The organization no longer has a spot for you, we have to give you your full release" One of the most chilling sentences I have ever heard in my life and one that I hope I never have to hear again. It was more of a shock than anything since you never think it will happen to you, and your almost trained to block it out.

Strangely I don't think its hit me yet that I'm no longer employed in baseball, it probably will as I pack up my car and head towards home. However I am not yet ready to give up my pursuit of the dream that is baseball. Its still a great game that I love and my agent and I are working our butts off to try and find another team for me to hook up with this year.

If worse comes to worse I'll pick up with an Independent league team and play my cards from there. Whatever the case I still have my spikes,glove and the will to continue on, hopefully that will be enough to get me through life from here on out. As for now I'm still blind to the fact I could never play again, until I'm sitting on my couch in Panama City Beach, FL in June I refuse to believe its over.

I figured I owed all of you an in depth look at the darker side of the game, as maybe this will help some of the younger players in the course of their baseball careers. As for me, I'm off to find another team, on another diamond somewhere, as I go to find my Field of Dreams!

Edit to the journal readers: This was taken from a baseball message board that I have interacted with people on for a number of years since I was in high school. As for an update on me, I'm currently in my hometown working out and training. I have a number of teams still interested me and I get more calls everyday, I have some tryouts coming up and hopefully things will work out for the best!

-Shane Funk

You may email your questions for Shane Funk to shanefunk@topprospectalert.com

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