Seth McClung revealing the 5 cheapest organizations he's played for

[almagest]

Ok, the Cubs are on it, now I like this list

[WestEddy]

Quote

Number two on my list of cheapest organizations is actually a tie, and it’s somewhat of a surprise—between the Cubs (my last month with their AAA affiliate in Iowa) and, as expected, the Marlins (Spring Training).

The Cubs make this list based on my stint at the end of the AAA season in Iowa. I have to say, everyone in Iowa was extremely nice, but operationally, it was a complete mess. There was no gear—literally nothing. No t-shirts, no shorts, not even a bag; I had to go on road trips carrying my Brewers gear. The uniforms didn’t fit and looked like they were several years old. The disparity in how the 40-man roster guys were treated compared to the rest of us was huge. Despite having nothing, I watched 40-man roster guys get new gear while I was told “sorry, we don’t have anything”—I even had to buy my own stuff at Dick’s.

The clubhouse itself was constantly dirty and chaotic. Imagine 25 to 30 grown men in a locker room where it always felt musty, and gear and trash were everywhere. It may sound minor, but when you basically live at the ballpark, it wears on you.

I honestly don’t remember much about the food, which probably means it wasn’t great. Most of the guys wore worn-out gear and just looked completely drained. You could see and feel how these conditions took a toll on the team.

Looking back, the Cubs and Marlins could easily both be fourth on my list—it’s not a scientific ranking anyway.

As for the Marlins in Spring Training, what struck me most was just how unorganized everything was. That’s not even about being cheap—they just had no structure. There were no clear instructions on what time to show up every day.

Another odd and uncomfortable experience was a mandatory interview/therapy session that felt extremely intrusive. The therapist asked personal questions with the head trainer sitting in, and turned combative and belittling when I gave answers he didn't like. It was one of the strangest and most unprofessional interactions I’ve had with a team official—it felt like a witch hunt, like they were just trying to trap players or pry information to give to higher-ups.

The food situation was also poor—cheap options and a tiny area to grab food, almost as if they didn’t want you to eat or made it as inconvenient as possible to get breakfast or lunch.

Like the Cubs, you had zero chance at getting any extra gear with the Marlins. When my time with the team ended, I took my jersey with me—and they tried to bill me for it after releasing me.

There’s honestly even more I could say about my experience with the Marlins. They were by far the shadiest organization I’ve ever been part of, and the overall atmosphere was so uncomfortable I was almost relieved to be released. I was so spent from that experience that I turned down offers from the Mets and from Japan to play in 2010, and took the rest of the year off. Looking back, I probably shouldn’t have done that, but the situation with the Marlins really took it out of me.

 

[chw42]

11 minutes ago, WestEddy said:

 

The Marlins sound way worse here. Who the hell is #1 if they're #2? 

[southsider2k5]

13 minutes ago, almagest said:

Ok, the Cubs are on it, now I like this list

I don't know how the Cubs don't get more attention with as much money as they make, and as little as they spend.

[kitekrazy]

8 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

I don't know how the Cubs don't get more attention with as much money as they make, and as little as they spend.

That is a Cub fan's biggest complaint. I myself are amazed they don't spend like we think they should.   

[almagest]

8 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said:

I don't know how the Cubs don't get more attention with as much money as they make, and as little as they spend.

They might get more negative attention if they lose to the Brewers in the NLDS after blowing that division lead (97 wins is not insurmountable), and Tucker leaves. Though Tucker being just "good" is going to give them excuses.

Both of my brothers-in-law are Cubs fans and they provide a pretty good read on the fan sentiment. Before the postseason they were pretty down on the front office.

[kitekrazy]

12 minutes ago, almagest said:

They might get more negative attention if they lose to the Brewers in the NLDS after blowing that division lead (97 wins is not insurmountable), and Tucker leaves. Though Tucker being just "good" is going to give them excuses.

Both of my brothers-in-law are Cubs fans and they provide a pretty good read on the fan sentiment. Before the postseason they were pretty down on the front office.

of course there is no certainty of a 2027 season

[WestEddy]

39 minutes ago, chw42 said:

The Marlins sound way worse here. Who the hell is #1 if they're #2? 

I'd imagine the Chinese team he played for beats out the Brewers and Rangers. 

[caulfield12]

Michael Gartner

Michael Gartner, chairman and principal owner of the Iowa Cubs, who had owned the team with partners since 1999.

Silver Lake bought the Iowa Cubs bas…

 

This has very little to do with the Chicago Cubs.

It's all about private equity interests running 45 clubs now.

It's kind of ridiculous that a player doesn't realize the clear majority of minor league teams are independently operated.

The equipment stuff, player and coaching salaries are the responsibility of the Cubs, but not for the general impression McClung is pointing to.

 

But that wouldn't lead to an interesting headline that the Chicago Cubs/Ricketts are cheapskates.

Edited October 4 by caulfield12

[WestEddy]

34 minutes ago, caulfield12 said:

Michael Gartner

Michael Gartner, chairman and principal owner of the Iowa Cubs, who had owned the team with partners since 1999.

Silver Lake bought the Iowa Cubs bas…

 

This has very little to do with the Chicago Cubs.

It's all about private equity interests running 45 clubs now.

It's kind of ridiculous that a player doesn't realize the clear majority of minor league teams are independently operated.

The equipment stuff, player and coaching salaries are the responsibility of the Cubs, but not for the general impression McClung is pointing to.

 

But that wouldn't lead to an interesting headline that the Chicago Cubs/Ricketts are cheapskates.

It's almost like you have some skin in the game. 

Edited October 4 by WestEddy

[WestEddy]

Monterrey, Mexico at #1:

 

Finishing my list of Cheapest Organizations I’ve played for. This is also my absolute worst experience playing professional baseball.

1 on My List of Cheapest Organizations: Mexico’s LMB
Our story again goes south of the border. brings us to Mexico’s Sultanes de Monterrey. In… https://t.co/NakRLi6AXh

— Seth McClung (@Seth_3773) October 4, 2025

 

[WestEddy]

Finishing my list of Cheapest Organizations I’ve played for. This is also my absolute worst experience playing professional baseball.

1 on My List of Cheapest Organizations: Mexico’s LMB Our story again goes south of the border. brings us to Mexico’s Sultanes de Monterrey. In the LMB, Mexicos version of MLB. I wasn’t expecting the same level as the majors, but even so, the level of “cheap” and what I would consider sub-standard took me by surprise.

I started the 2013 season in Monterrey with a full spring training.

First of all, the spring training fields were at least a 45 minute drive from the hotel, and we were jammed in the vans well past legal capacity. (If Mexico even has a legal capacity). When we got to the “facility,” it was just open fields. No clubhouse, nothing just dirt, and way too many rocks in the infield to be remotely safe. Shade? Only if you found a tree. Some dugouts didn’t even have a roof. It was brutal. No hiding from the Mexican sun. You might find a table or two with fruit and water, but that was gone in 45 minutes, tops. Occasionally we got sandwiches for lunch, but more often we waited till we got back to the hotel to actually eat. Dinner at the hotel was decent, it was just repetitive, pretty much the same thing everyday rotated between three entrées and you had to be early, or you wouldn’t eat at all.

As far as gear, 1 shirt, 1 pair of shorts, and a trucker hat. That was it. The shirt was 100% cotton a midriff by the end of week 1. No spares, no extras, just running it into the ground. Spring training games? We used “official league” balls, but they were more like high school balls. The seams were so high I couldn’t keep my slider in the zone. I remember the pitching coach telling me that I “had to throw it for a strike.” I asked if we’d be using real baseballs for the season. Thank goodness we did.

The regular season wasn’t much better. Lockers and training rooms? Dirty and bare and there was definitely mold.

Forget about finding anything healthy to eat.

In terms of gear, I had one undershirt for the whole season. I did like the uniforms, but apparently, getting a second hat was out of the question.

But the cheapest move of all came after they released me. Honestly, I thought I was about to be told I’d made the all-star team when they called me in. Nope—released. And here’s the kicker—they held my passport and kept me in Mexico for another three weeks with no pay. I told them, “If you’re going to keep me here, you’re going to have to pay me.” They didn’t. So I sat in a hotel, basically held hostage, for 24 days, just because they didn’t want to send me home. (For whatever reason) and my agent at the time was absolutely worthless. Seriously I was stuck in mexico and this guys advice was he would pray about it. Pick the Damn phone up Van Horn and get me home. Needless to say I parted ways with him and that agency after that.

There’s a lot more. Playing for there was a nightmare. Not just cheapness everywhere, but it felt like literal children were running things. Nothing was ever organized, nothing felt planned, and as players we were often just dropped into dangerous situations or places with zero guidance. It was up to us (me) to just figure it out and survive.

Here’s just one example: Before I signed, I specifically asked if I could bring my first wife and child with me to Monterrey for the season. The contact I had said yes, but told me to wait until after spring training. So once I got there, again, I brought it up. That same contact looked me dead in the eye and asked, “Can I see a picture of your wife and child?” Proudly, I showed him. He laughed and goes, “No, don’t bring them here. They’re too pretty. Someone will take them.” I laughed, kind of awkwardly, and said thanks. He looked at me seriously and goes, “No, I mean it. Don’t bring them here they’ll be gone.”

Honestly, there’s so much more.

[nrockway]

On 10/3/2025 at 11:07 AM, southsider2k5 said:

I don't know how the Cubs don't get more attention with as much money as they make, and as little as they spend.

the ricketts family and cohen are the two most evil owners in mlb

[WhiteSox2023]

On 10/4/2025 at 2:20 PM, WestEddy said:

Finishing my list of Cheapest Organizations I’ve played for. This is also my absolute worst experience playing professional baseball.

1 on My List of Cheapest Organizations: Mexico’s LMB Our story again goes south of the border. brings us to Mexico’s Sultanes de Monterrey. In the LMB, Mexicos version of MLB. I wasn’t expecting the same level as the majors, but even so, the level of “cheap” and what I would consider sub-standard took me by surprise.

I started the 2013 season in Monterrey with a full spring training.

First of all, the spring training fields were at least a 45 minute drive from the hotel, and we were jammed in the vans well past legal capacity. (If Mexico even has a legal capacity). When we got to the “facility,” it was just open fields. No clubhouse, nothing just dirt, and way too many rocks in the infield to be remotely safe. Shade? Only if you found a tree. Some dugouts didn’t even have a roof. It was brutal. No hiding from the Mexican sun. You might find a table or two with fruit and water, but that was gone in 45 minutes, tops. Occasionally we got sandwiches for lunch, but more often we waited till we got back to the hotel to actually eat. Dinner at the hotel was decent, it was just repetitive, pretty much the same thing everyday rotated between three entrées and you had to be early, or you wouldn’t eat at all.

As far as gear, 1 shirt, 1 pair of shorts, and a trucker hat. That was it. The shirt was 100% cotton a midriff by the end of week 1. No spares, no extras, just running it into the ground. Spring training games? We used “official league” balls, but they were more like high school balls. The seams were so high I couldn’t keep my slider in the zone. I remember the pitching coach telling me that I “had to throw it for a strike.” I asked if we’d be using real baseballs for the season. Thank goodness we did.

The regular season wasn’t much better. Lockers and training rooms? Dirty and bare and there was definitely mold.

Forget about finding anything healthy to eat.

In terms of gear, I had one undershirt for the whole season. I did like the uniforms, but apparently, getting a second hat was out of the question.

But the cheapest move of all came after they released me. Honestly, I thought I was about to be told I’d made the all-star team when they called me in. Nope—released. And here’s the kicker—they held my passport and kept me in Mexico for another three weeks with no pay. I told them, “If you’re going to keep me here, you’re going to have to pay me.” They didn’t. So I sat in a hotel, basically held hostage, for 24 days, just because they didn’t want to send me home. (For whatever reason) and my agent at the time was absolutely worthless. Seriously I was stuck in mexico and this guys advice was he would pray about it. Pick the Damn phone up Van Horn and get me home. Needless to say I parted ways with him and that agency after that.

There’s a lot more. Playing for there was a nightmare. Not just cheapness everywhere, but it felt like literal children were running things. Nothing was ever organized, nothing felt planned, and as players we were often just dropped into dangerous situations or places with zero guidance. It was up to us (me) to just figure it out and survive.

Here’s just one example: Before I signed, I specifically asked if I could bring my first wife and child with me to Monterrey for the season. The contact I had said yes, but told me to wait until after spring training. So once I got there, again, I brought it up. That same contact looked me dead in the eye and asked, “Can I see a picture of your wife and child?” Proudly, I showed him. He laughed and goes, “No, don’t bring them here. They’re too pretty. Someone will take them.” I laughed, kind of awkwardly, and said thanks. He looked at me seriously and goes, “No, I mean it. Don’t bring them here they’ll be gone.”

Honestly, there’s so much more.

That last paragraph is the key.  McClung would have been paying a ransom for his kidnapped wife and kid.

[nrockway]

15 hours ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

That last paragraph is the key.  McClung would have been paying a ransom for his kidnapped wife and kid.

I think he just did this whole series to tell the twitterverse that his wife is hot

[caulfield12]

1 hour ago, nrockway said:

I think he just did this whole series to tell the twitterverse that his wife is hot

That's one way to market an Insta/Tiktok account I guess.

 

"While it wasn’t a good showing for the Blue Jays after the first two-and-a-half innings and they're likely facing a bullpen game Wednesday, there is some good news for them. They are still a single win away from reaching the ALCS for the first time since 2016, and they’ve got two games to get that done. The Yankees, even after their impressive rally, still have a lot of work to do."   yahoo sports

[caulfield12]

Seth McClung is a cousin of Mike Clevinger...just sayin'.

Edited October 8 by caulfield12

[Kyyle23]

10 hours ago, caulfield12 said:

Seth McClung is a cousin of Mike Clevinger...just sayin'.

What are you sayin, exactly 

[WhiteSox2023]

4 hours ago, Kyyle23 said:

What are you sayin, exactly 

The Sox are signing McClung out of retirement, along with bringing back Clevinger for the fourth straight year so that shareholder bro has buddies to party with.

[WestEddy]

McClung continues on to list his 5 favorite places to play

 

Number 5 on my top 5 places to play during my career is #Tampa Bay Devil Rays, St. Petersburg, #Florida.
1. Stadium/Field
Tropicana Field gets a bad rap across the league but, from a player’s standpoint, it was actually pretty easy to play on. It always played the same—no factors… https://t.co/W9K333UZqm

— Seth McClung (@Seth_3773) October 7, 2025

 

[WestEddy]

Number 5 on my top 5 places to play during my career is #Tampa Bay Devil Rays, St. Petersburg, #Florida.

1. Stadium/Field Tropicana Field gets a bad rap across the league but, from a player’s standpoint, it was actually pretty easy to play on. It always played the same—no factors like wind, rain, or temperature. The ball acted how it acted all the time. You knew what you were going to get. 6/10

2. Front Office/Coaching staff Aside from us just not being good, the front office wasn’t that hard to deal with; you just had to know what you’re dealing with. There was roster manipulation, we traded players away for future hopes. The issues I had were with my personal development. We had a revolving door of pitching coaches, and I was never really put in a role long-term to figure anything out. Coaching pretty much stopped once I got to the major leagues with Tampa Bay. I wish it hadn’t. I really needed it, and it ended up haunting me the rest of my career. I loved playing for Lou Piniella—I knew where I stood with him at all times. I sometimes struggled playing for Joe Maddon. By the time he got there, I think I was written off as part of the future, and I think that factored into my relationship with him. 5/10

3. Clubhouse/Locker Room The clubhouse was nice! Could be hard to get gear from time to time, but overall it was a great place to be. The food was good, and there was plenty of space. 7/10

4. City St. Petersburg wasn’t extremely exciting, but it was big enough to have everything and small enough for a young guy like me to not be overwhelmed. I enjoyed it. I still live here today. 7/10

5. Fan Base The fans that showed up loved us! Sadly, there just weren’t a lot of them. What most people don’t realize is that even if they didn’t show up, it didn’t mean they weren’t paying attention. People watched us, they knew who we were out and about in town—in St. Pete. In Tampa, it was hit or miss if you got recognized. Overall, this isn’t Tampa Bay’s strongest quality. 4/10

6. Living Situation During my time as a Devil Ray, we also had spring training in St. Petersburg. That meant I could live there year-round and not miss any training. This was a huge advantage. And you’re living in Florida—beaches, bikinis, and no state income tax. Pretty perfect for a 22-year-old. 9/10

7. Team Chemistry This is where the Devil Rays struggled. For the most part, we had solid guys, but there were members on these teams who were just toxic. These guys took pleasure in ruining young guys. If you didn’t fall in line with how they trashed the team, other players, or just matched their negativity, they made your life hell. I don’t miss the feeling of dread walking into the clubhouse and thinking, what type of bullshit am I going to have to deal with from these toxic guys today. 2/10. 40/70

[WestEddy]

2 minutes ago, WestEddy said:

Number 5 on my top 5 places to play during my career is #Tampa Bay Devil Rays, St. Petersburg, #Florida.

1. Stadium/Field Tropicana Field gets a bad rap across the league but, from a player’s standpoint, it was actually pretty easy to play on. It always played the same—no factors like wind, rain, or temperature. The ball acted how it acted all the time. You knew what you were going to get. 6/10

2. Front Office/Coaching staff Aside from us just not being good, the front office wasn’t that hard to deal with; you just had to know what you’re dealing with. There was roster manipulation, we traded players away for future hopes. The issues I had were with my personal development. We had a revolving door of pitching coaches, and I was never really put in a role long-term to figure anything out. Coaching pretty much stopped once I got to the major leagues with Tampa Bay. I wish it hadn’t. I really needed it, and it ended up haunting me the rest of my career. I loved playing for Lou Piniella—I knew where I stood with him at all times. I sometimes struggled playing for Joe Maddon. By the time he got there, I think I was written off as part of the future, and I think that factored into my relationship with him. 5/10

3. Clubhouse/Locker Room The clubhouse was nice! Could be hard to get gear from time to time, but overall it was a great place to be. The food was good, and there was plenty of space. 7/10

4. City St. Petersburg wasn’t extremely exciting, but it was big enough to have everything and small enough for a young guy like me to not be overwhelmed. I enjoyed it. I still live here today. 7/10

5. Fan Base The fans that showed up loved us! Sadly, there just weren’t a lot of them. What most people don’t realize is that even if they didn’t show up, it didn’t mean they weren’t paying attention. People watched us, they knew who we were out and about in town—in St. Pete. In Tampa, it was hit or miss if you got recognized. Overall, this isn’t Tampa Bay’s strongest quality. 4/10

6. Living Situation During my time as a Devil Ray, we also had spring training in St. Petersburg. That meant I could live there year-round and not miss any training. This was a huge advantage. And you’re living in Florida—beaches, bikinis, and no state income tax. Pretty perfect for a 22-year-old. 9/10

7. Team Chemistry This is where the Devil Rays struggled. For the most part, we had solid guys, but there were members on these teams who were just toxic. These guys took pleasure in ruining young guys. If you didn’t fall in line with how they trashed the team, other players, or just matched their negativity, they made your life hell. I don’t miss the feeling of dread walking into the clubhouse and thinking, what type of bullshit am I going to have to deal with from these toxic guys today. 2/10. 40/70

Aubry Huff was on every Tampa Bay team that McClung played on, so I can guess one of the toxic dudes. 

[WestEddy]

#4 favorite - Durham Bulls

 

Continuing my list of favorite home stays during my 16 season professional career. @DurhamBulls

Coming in at number 4 on my list of favorite home stays during my career: The Durham Bulls

Stadium/Field (8/10 — AAA Standards)

Playing in Durham, North Carolina was a true… https://t.co/W9K333UrAO

— Seth McClung (@Seth_3773) October 8, 2025

 

[WestEddy]

Continuing my list of favorite home stays during my 16 season professional career.

@DurhamBulls

Coming in at number 4 on my list of favorite home stays during my career: The Durham Bulls

Stadium/Field (8/10 — AAA Standards) Playing in Durham, North Carolina was a true experience. The ballpark is classic—a real gem in the minor leagues. Hitting the bull out in left field and getting a steak for it is one of those quirks you don’t forget. The blue monster in right and all that classic brick gave the place real character, even though those bricks could bake you alive on a hot day. Still, it’s one of the most beautiful parks I got to play in.

Front Office / Coaching Staff (9/10) Can’t say enough about the professionalism and class from the front office here. They mostly kept their distance but when we did interact, they were accommodating and just easy to deal with. The coaching staff—guys like Charlie Montoyo, Gary Gaetti, Xavier Hernandez, Joe Coleman, and Bill Evers—most of those guys I would’ve run through a brick wall for. There was one rough year, but overall, I was lucky to play for those coaches.

Clubhouse / Locker Room (3/10) This was the real downside. The clubhouse was small, cramped, and always felt dirty. It needed a scrub badly, most days. To make it worse, our clubbie was always angling for tips. Want something extra? Be ready to cough up a little more cash. It turned what should’ve been a sanctuary into something that just felt transactional.

The City (5/10) Durham itself didn’t do much for me. It had the basics, but nothing to really get excited about. You could always find a decent meal and run your errands, but if you’re looking for a city to explore, this wasn’t the place (of course, that’s coming from someone in and out between road trips).

Fan Base (6/10) The fans showed up, there’s no doubt about it. Thursday through Sunday, the place was lively, and weekdays were pretty good too—sometimes it felt like we outdrew the big league club, with 14-15,000 per game. Only catch? Most weren’t there amped up for us—they were out for a wholesome night, or college kids just there for cheap beer and a good time.

Living Situation (5/10) Being up and down from AAA all year, I spent a lot of time in extended stay hotels. Everyone in AAA gets to know the “suite life,” and trust me, it gets old fast. Not exactly the most comfortable way to live day in, day out.

Team Chemistry (5/10) This one could be hit-or-miss. There were good guys in the room, but the reality is nobody wants to be stuck in AAA, and there were plenty of guys willing to throw you under the bus if it meant a shot at getting called up. Not the most fun situation, but that’s the nature of the beast.

Final Score: 41/70 Durham ranks high for that ballpark and the guys running the show, but it loses big points for the off-field experience. For anyone who loves the nostalgia and quirks of minor league baseball, though, #Durham is worth a watch

[caulfield12]

"The coaching staff—guys like Charlie Montoyo, Gary Gaetti, Xavier Hernandez, Joe Coleman, and Bill Evers..."

Luis Robert apparently did not feel the same way...