Dissertation
A Delphi study: developing a career transition model for professional baseball players
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
28 Sep 2021
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000590
Abstract
Professional baseball players, often drafted at 18 years of age, are not commonly exposed to education beyond high school. When players leave major or minor league baseball (MLB), no career transition assistance program exists if their career is cut short or their professional potential is not realized. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to develop a career transition model for professional baseball players to support their transition into professional sports retirement and their next venture. This study examined the resources that: (1) prepare professional baseball players for transitioning into their next career or life; (2) identify the factors that play a role in the career transition of professional baseball players, and (3) reference current working models in professional sports or other industries that could rely on the application to transitioning from professional baseball. The study reviewed the organizational factors in baseball starting from the draft; discussed the length of a players' career and earning potential; depicted the realities of frequently abbreviated careers; investigated post-playing career preparation using sport-specific models that currently exist. This mixed-methods study drew on the expert opinions of those who work alongside baseball players. The study leveraged the Delphi technique, a forecasting method that relies on a panel of experts. In this study, the Delphi method included a three-round series of questions completed by a panel of 27 experts to establish a framework to serve as a model for baseball players transitioning out of their playing careers. This framework provided a basis for a career transition program implemented from the onset of a professional baseball player's career to their career exit.
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Details
- Title
- A Delphi study
- Creators
- Caleb Mezzy
- Contributors
- Cameron Kiosoglous (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xiv, 197 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991015606365604721