My thought process and actions were largely informed by my parents. Both of them were teachers and when I was younger there were days, I’d have to go to school with them because I was too young to stay home by myself. I saw the way they walked the halls, and all the other teachers and students would say hello and light up when they saw them—and that was exactly how I wanted to be when I grew up. So, when I got to the big leagues, and had even more eyeballs on me, I knew I wanted to be like them—to treat others with kindness and respect. Always willing to help and give back even if it’s something little. Basically, that’s how my “brand” was created.
You moved on from competing on the diamond to analyzing games in the studio. How has your lifestyle adjusted that’s helps you stay physically and mentally fit.
I was always active, ever since I was little. But my physical fitness changed throughout my life as I prepared for different phases— such as increasing cardio to be in shape for cross country and track when I was younger, to working on core and arm strength for baseball, to focusing on being explosive and quick when it came to basketball. So, when I retired, I knew I’d continue to stay active, but wouldn’t have to prepare to play anymore. Thanks to workouts designed by Blake Hickman, former White Sox Minor Leaguer and current Minor League coach (IG @blakehickman93),