Some people have e-mailed to ask if players really can get signed out of an independent pro baseball tryout, especially at the higher levels. The answer is yes.
Here is an article on the Atlantic League website about players getting spring training invitations out of the Camden Riversharks 2013 open tryout camp:
The same thing happens across all of the independent baseball leagues should the talent showing up have sufficient speed, arm strength, hustle, bat speed and leadership. Obviously, some leagues target younger players whereas the Atlantic League targets players with several years of pro experience. Nonetheless, the same principles apply because managers at the independent league level need to win right away; and they don’t have much time to “groom” talent to play in the Big Leagues.
Keep this in mind should your coaches, scouts you know and anyone advising you not be completely aware of the happenings in independent baseball.