June 3, 2023
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We saw this on Twitter the other day and decided that it is worth sharing.
Ben Heller pitched for the Yankees in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020. He appeared in 31 total games and had a record of 2-0, 2.59.
From the Twitter thread:
So you wanna be a big leaguer? Prepare to deal with uncontrollables & the harsh business of baseball I was called up and sent back down within 24 hours...This was a perfect microcosm of the life of a pro baseball player Here's how to handle adversity like a pro
Players are subjected to all sorts of things outside of our control: • Promotions • Demotions • Draft round • Umpires • What scouts think • Defensive shifts • Competition • Playing time There's always something, and these things can significantly impact our careers!
Players are subjected to all sorts of things outside of our control: • Promotions • Demotions • Draft round • Umpires • What scouts think • Defensive shifts • Competition • Playing time There's always something, and these things can significantly impact our careers!
𝟭. 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗶𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 The team doesn't hate you... The data just suggests this is the move that makes sense for the team right now Stop playing the victim, these decisions are never personal
𝟮. 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗼 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 The first thought is "I need to be better" Well...duh! But at this level, you can't just *decide* to be better Trying to do more usually results in pressing, and in turn performing worse Ever heard of a "big league hangover"?
𝟯. 𝗧𝗿𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗱𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 THIS is how you go about getting better Are you consistently doing everything in your power to: • Learn • Prepare • Improve Yes? Then relax and enjoy the ride No? Adjust the routine and watch what happens
𝟰. 𝗞𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 What would your 12 year old self think about where you are now? Playing pro ball is a privilege, stay positive and grateful for how far you've come Chances are, you're living in the good ol' days right now... Don't waste them by being salty
All of this is much easier said than done, but the mindset shift is well worth the effort To recap: 1. Don't take it personally 2. Don't try to do more 3. Trust or adjust your routine 4. Keep perspective
Thanks for reading, and if you enjoyed this thread, I would greatly appreciate sharing with others! I'm a kid from small town Wisconsin, living out my dream of playing pro baseball. Follow me @benheller21 for more insights from my journey!
