I respect Ryan Kalish for the man that he’s been, the man that he is and for the man that he’s becoming. He’s consistently looking for ways to improve as a human being and has a genuinely inquisitive and receptive mind. Our discussions delve deep into topics into which most athletes don’t even care to venture. We’ve covered everything under the sun over the years, but we frequently touch on the process of overcoming obstacles. I’m proud of Ryan’s desire and willingness to share a part of his journey relevant to his grit with you, the readers of Kaplifestyle.
Get’em, Ry.
Hey everyone. This is Ryan Kalish and I’m writing to share a bit of my personal journey with you. I’m writing this piece from a hotel in St. Louis, where the Cubs are playing the Cardinals. I know I am truly blessed to be back in the Major Leagues, and I never take any day for granted.
This is my first time sitting down to reflect on the arc of my baseball career. I will never forget July 31st, 2010. I was 22 and was called up to the majors by the Boston Red Sox for the first time. I played nearly every day for the final 2 months of the season. It was everything I could have dreamed of and then some.
I spent the off-season staying healthy and working out, planning on making the most of my first full season in the majors. I felt ready to establish myself as an everyday major leaguer. I was as strong, physically and mentally, as I had ever been. Unfortunately, the universe had another plan. The Red Sox signed some big free agents in the off-season, and they sent me back to triple A. I knew I needed to battle through this adversity, but I would be lying if I wrote that I was completely okay with it. To be honest, I was upset and a bit angry.
The first couple of weeks of the season were tough. I had a bit of an attitude and felt like I deserved to be in the big leagues. My feelings showed up on the field. I was struggling. I decided then that I couldn’t change the situation, but I could change how I was reacting to it. If I wanted to get back to the majors, I needed to earn my way up. I refocused and recommitted, determined to prove myself.
Yet again, the universe showed up with a different idea. A week later, I dove for a ball and tore the labrum in my throwing shoulder. The surgery and rehab process was a long and painful one. I was forced to learn a lot about myself and how much true strength is required to keep fighting. I could see the light at the end of the tunnel though, and knew I could once again be a successful ballplayer.
Remember that universe with its plans? Over the course of the next three years, from April of 2011 to April of 2014, I wound up under the surgeon’s scalpel three more times. My right shoulder also required surgery to repair the labrum, and I needed two neck surgeries to fix a damaged disk. I felt as though I was fighting a battle with my own body so that I could once again play the game I love so dearly. I’m still not entirely sure how that fateful dive for the ball led to the breakdown of my body.
The ups and downs of the rollercoaster during those three years took its toll, mentally. I didn’t want to give up, but the doubts haunted me. I lost count of the number of times I would ask myself “Is this worth it? Is it time to move on with my life and try something new?” The answer was always the same. “I don’t know.” Not knowing, for me, meant that I had to keep fighting to get back on the field.
I never envisioned losing those three years. I now cherish every day I put on the Chicago Cubs uniform and step out onto the field. I learned, during the long weeks and months of rehab, to smile every day. I go out and work hard to improve as a baseball player and a human being. I don’t get too caught up in the ups and downs of the long season. Whether we win or lose, whether I have a good or a bad game, I can sleep like a baby knowing that I did everything I could for myself and my teammates.
The lessons I’ve learned carry beyond the baseball field. I’ve learned if something is truly important to me, I will see it through to the end. Whether it works out or not, I know that I gave everything I had. I learned how much goodness there is in people. I talked to so many people through my journey and without the positive attitudes from everyone, whether close friend or total stranger, I would not have made the comeback I did.
My journey isn’t over yet. I don’t know how my big league career will turn out, but I will work as hard as I can to be the best that I can. I am pumped to continue learning new things every single day, no matter what the universe has planned for me next.
Craig says
that is why the game is played. Not for the money at all. For the love. For the desire within. These are the stories that all young athletes should read. Nice post GK
Gabe Kapler says
Thanks, Craig.
kbeyazdancer says
Thank you Gabe for having Ryan as your guest blogger and thank you Ryan for sharing your experiences and journey with us.
I was in a horrible car accident in 2009 that took me over 3 years and multiple surgeries to recuperate from. I am happy to be back in prime dancing shape again and that the universe has blessed me with the opportunity to share my joy with others again.
Kelebek
Gabe Kapler says
Huge congrats on making it back.
Ed H says
The experience gained by hard work is it’s own compensation…. It may not put money in the wallet today, but it will in the future.
Gabe Kapler says
Correct, Ed.
Tim says
Thanks Ryan and Kap,
Very interesting post, helps the average person understand the ups and downs of professional athletes and how difficult it is to make it to the top of your profession. Being a lifelong Cubs fan living in the Chicago area, I will be paying a little closer attention to Ryan and cheering him on a little more after learning about his journey, his work ethic and grateful attitude. Way to go Ryan, I’ll be cheering extra hard for you at Wrigley this summer and thanks as always for the awesome blog Kap. Keep up the good work and keep persevering guys!!!
Tim
Gabe Kapler says
Thank you, Tim.
Sarah says
Ryan and Kap,
Thank you for this post . I currently injured not a professional athlete by any means, just you average 35 year old female who was trying ( and successfully ) lossing extra weight when hurt myself. It’s been 6 long months of dealing with a back injury. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve wanted to throw the towel in and say I’m done, but I don’t . I have a very supportive Physical Therapist who will not let me. You are right Ryan the universe has others plans, I don’t like them but I have learned a lot about myself in the past 6 months and hopefully I will back at soon!
Go Red Sox!
Gabe Kapler says
Keep grinding, Sarah. You’re not alone.
Shawn says
Everyone in Shrewsbury NJ has been following your career Ryan and we wish you all the best. You play baseball with passion and a reckless abandonment that makes people watching you realize how much you love the game.
Gabe Kapler says
Appreciate the love for Ryan, Shawn.
Scott Snow says
As a long time Red Sox fan I can honestly say that I am very happy for Ryan. I remember when he came up and I was pumped cause I knew what a talent he is. Thank you for sharing your journey Ryan and best of luck in your future. Thanks Kap for letting him use this forum for his story. Both of you are total studs.
Gabe Kapler says
Much appreciated, Scott.
Steven Busher says
Good for you Ryan this Red Sox fan wishes you nothing but the best. Wish it could have worked out for you here in Boston. I love how you play the game and it seems like you have a great attitude.
Gabe Kapler says
Tell him, Steven. Be well.
Stuart Vincent says
Im a little confused about when he talks about “the universe had other plans for me”. I love the article and blog though Kap, its always great to hear players overcoming trials! Keep it up yall!
Mary Ann says
Thanks Ryan for sharing your story and to Kap for providing the forum. I’m a Red Sox fan too, and though I would have liked to see you stay in Boston I am so happy to hear that you are doing well and look forward to seeing how your career takes off no matter where you are. All the best!!
Mark Goldberg says
Great post Ryan about holding on to your passions and dreams. As a long time Red Sox Fan, I have followed your comeback a bit and wish you the best. Back in early 2000 I was diagnosed with a Bone on Bone condition in my knee from having a few arthroscopies for torn meniscus from my High School sports days. I am a Marathon runner and 2 respected ortho doc’s told me it was time to put away the running shoes. Well I wasn’t ready and I found some other doc’s who recommended some other things I could do to manage the condition and keep running. Fast Forward to now and I’m 50 and since that diagnosis have completed 4 IronMan Triathlons and several Marathons and I’m not ready to stop! Good luck to a long career!
Tom Kalish says
Ryan, I have been charting your activities mostly because we have the same last name and i find your trials and tribulations of interest. I see you hit a homer yesterday in Sacramento — so a tip of the hat to you 4that.
I hope someday to see you play for The Indians- however you are probably not ALL that popular here because of the jamb on Santana, I love those pictures of him with his but in the air though, you sure sent him into a backflip…Carlos returned to his Caballeros after dat…There are a slew of us Kalish’s here in Cleveland (Kleveland Kalish’s?) Maybe next time your here we can buy you lunch or something ? Or perhaps meet up with you in some other town somewhere…. Keep swinging for the fences man – we’re pulling for ya!