The journey to the big leagues is a grind. Getting there, suffering a career threatening injury and starting over challenges the strength of even the most conditioned mind. Collin Balester is prepared for that challenge. I’ll let him break it down.I always considered myself a relatively healthy pitcher. When that belief went the way of Tommy John surgery, I was forced to … [Read more...]
Cryotherapy - Why “Get Some Ice on It” is Wrong
Sometimes it seems as if there aren't enough hours in the day. I found 720 that I would like to get back.I gather I wasted 30 hours a year from the time I became a serious athlete until the day I retired as an MLB player on a single, worthless pastime – icing injuries and sore muscles. The worst part of this? I knew better.Jason Varitek, my spectacular teammate in … [Read more...]
Kavita Channe - Unlucky Breaks [Guest Post]
I haven’t yet had the opportunity to meet Kavita Channe in person, but I've experienced her powerful vibes through social media and her sharp TV persona. She’s an exceptionally hard worker and positive energy spills from her vessel.Her post is brave. Sharing personal stories with the world isn't easy. By putting herself out there, she’s offering up her roadmap for others … [Read more...]
Baseball Injuries and Ignoring Advice
I woke up this morning feeling like telling a couple of stories. You should gather by now that I’m not a doctor, so don’t browse for medical advice in this post. I’m simply sharing a few of the things that came up over the course of my professional baseball career. Hopefully you can extract a takeaway or two.I received an earful of medical recommendations during my MLB … [Read more...]
Work Out Hard and Smart
“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience. “ -Julius CaesarWhen you begin your 5 x 5 workout program, or any new training routine for that matter, please leave your ego at the door and practice patience.My brother Jeremy texted me about a week ago:“Joined a gym for the first time in nearly 4 … [Read more...]