I believe we have the right to speak up about the things we’re most passionate about. I believe we also have the responsibility to find organizations that are doing good work and support those organizations when we speak up about issues. Voicing concerns thoughtfully and protesting peacefully are both patriotic actions; so is supporting organizations that are in the weeds … [Read more...]
Home of the Brave?
The day 19 children and 2 teachers were murdered, we held a moment of silence at sporting events around the country, then we played the national anthem, and we went on with our lives.Players, staff and fans stood for the moment of silence, grieving the lives lost, and then we (myself included) continued to stand, proudly proclaiming ourselves the land of the free and the … [Read more...]
Sports Are Everyone
Pursuing diversity is a critical initiative, and often it’s one that requires uncomfortable effort.I have spent most of my adult life in professional baseball clubhouses. I would look around and generally feel like it was a diverse environment. I had teammates that looked very different than I am, that spoke different languages, came from different countries and had … [Read more...]
Mental Health and Performance
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...]
Grinding It Out
If you're an athlete, there's real value in learning how to "grind it out." However, we should optimize to be at least as equally efficient and measured as we are gritty.I vividly remember a muggy 2002 spring training day in Port Charlotte, Florida. I had come to the realization on that Mid-March morning that my pop (power) was missing in action. The ball wasn't jumping off … [Read more...]