I wasn't a great baseball player. But in 2008 with the Brewers and 2009 with the Rays, I had my niche. I was an objectively good offensive player versus left handed pitching. I put up a 161 wRC+ versus L in 08. In 09, it was 144 wRC+ with more walks than strikeouts.In 2010, my wRC+ against L was 58.What changed? I was just as physically healthy. I was eating as well. I … [Read more...]
Mindful Meditation
At dawn for the last three weeks, I've devoted time to "mindful meditation." We've spoken previously about the potential benefits of "traditional meditation" on stress levels (and subsequently performance), but the practice has several other benefits to us as we aim to become better communicators, leaders, friends and family members. From the APA: The term "mindfulness" has … [Read more...]
Au Naturel
If you want to be your strongest, get some sun on your boys. And by boys, I mean your testicles.Baseball players are continually trying to mine every (legal) advantage they can. Any pro athlete is working to get stronger, faster, more powerful, and they're looking to their nutrition, supplements, even superstitions to do so.There's a running joke in baseball … [Read more...]
Work Hard, Play Hard?
When I was playing, my teammates often asked me for my thoughts on fitness. I'll blatantly and unapologetically stereotype here. Professional baseball players tend to be looking for abs or big arms. Maybe they’re searching for improved power at the plate or more velocity on the mound, but either way, it’s the same set of questions. Almost all of the inquiries I fielded revolved … [Read more...]
Lubricating Your Mind
You can find glucosamine, and every other nutrient your body needs from the food you ingest.I've told you about my cozy little gym in Malibu, Malibu Fitness. We have quite the familial, neighborhood vibe. We all look out for each other and share fitness, health and well being tips. Generally as a group, we seek ways to share knowledge. A few days back, an exceptionally … [Read more...]