In 1988-89 most of us MILL players earned $100 per game and we earned that only when we dressed for games. The salary situation isn’t much better today for pro lacrosse players about $13,000 per season-double that if you play both professional indoor and outdoor. Most of us I would argue played because we loved the game, the paycheck was just a bonus and it helped our egos too; it’s probably the same with the pro-lax players today. The tryouts of that team were very competitive and I was surprised that I made the team with so many Division I and III College All Americans and US Team Players. Here I was, a guy who did not make All Across the Street as a Syracuse Lacrosse Player! We had about 25 man roster and we dressed 23 guys each game. That season I dressed in two of the teams ten or more games--that's right, I made $200 bucks for the entire season! But not getting much game time made more miserable than the measly pay check or the lack thereof. But making that team did boost my confidence and it most likely increased my chances of receiving an invitation to try out for the 1990 US national team. I believe 120 players received invites to try out for the team in the summer of 1989.
i just discovered your blog. i have been a fan of box lacrosse since the early '70's. the nll or the mill as it was back in your day is still the most fun i have ever had at a sporting event.
ReplyDeletenobody made a dime back then but so many players loved it - the crowds, the skills, the ramped up intensity. now a stud player can make a living btwn playing in both pro legaues, canadian semi pro box in summer, coaching and gear sales. but you have to love the game because folks just don't get it. banging heads and sharing suds afterwards is what the sport is all about.
doug marcus
nll forum
http://www.wingszone.com/