Once passed, they were now elevated to the rank of journeymen and could travel wherever there was work, practicing the craft.

FORBES: Why Apprenticeships Are the Fastest Way to Acquire Skills

Many more were journeymen, like the catcher Moe Berg, who was said to be able to speak six languages and was unable to hit above .240 in any of them.

WSJ: Book Review: Hank Greenberg

Now journeymen are following the stars to Europe.

ECONOMIST: A growing export trade in soccer players

Up until about two weeks ago, Steve Novak was making a strong case for inclusion among the pantheon of Most Forgettable NBA Journeymen Ever.

WSJ: The Knicks Are More Than Just Jeremy Lin

They patched up their bullpen with a collection of journeymen and cheap veterans, a group that will likely include Brandon Lyon by the start of spring training.

WSJ: When Will the Mets Become Buyers?