Burt Reynolds and Social Capital

Recently the Yankees signed Burt Reynolds (No not that Burt Reynolds). This Burt Reynolds is the cousin of Yankee Superstar Robinson Cano. Burt Reynolds is a Utility man who has played both in the Outfield and Infield. He was drafted in the 30^th round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Nationals and has seen limited success in professional baseball. He has bounced around playing for the Nationals, Rays, and most recently with the Independent league Neward Bears. Last year with the Neward bears he hit .232/.291/.445 (batting avg/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) with 13 home runs and 95 strikeouts in 286 plate appearances. You may be wondering how someone who has played so poorly at all levels of baseball could get a deal with yanks. Well, he has one thing going for him (other than having an awesome name), he is Robinson Cano’s cousin.

His signing with the Yankees is a perfect example of social capital. Social Capital is all about who you know and the relationships you form with others, whether it is a bridging or bonding relationship. It is often believed that who you know is more important that what you can do. This was definitely the case for Burt Reynolds.  He was able to sign a deal with the Yankees based in large part to the fact that he is Cano's cousin. He was able to create a great opportunity for himself with the bridging relationship he had with his cousin.