What's Your "Y"

Interview with Chris Wright, Pitcher San Francisco Giants Organization

Tell us about your journey.

I have played sports since the day I could walk, but baseball was always my favorite. I was lucky enough to play on some big stages so far in my career as well such as the 2011 Little League World Series, 2014 American Legion World Series, at the division 1 level for Bryant University, The Cape Cod Baseball League, and now for the San Francisco Giants Organization. In college I went on this roller coaster ride of finding my identity as a player, going from pitcher to pitcher/hitter, to hitter, back to pitcher/hitter, and now I have arrived at pitcher only. 

This new chapter in my career has taken some getting used to since it is the first time that I will not be playing the field as well as pitching.  However, I am excited to see how focusing on solely pitching may help me develop my abilities and continue to grow as a player.     

What has been your main source of motivation?

I have always been internally motivated to by my own desires for my career. I wear a wrist band that says “NO EXCUSES” to remind myself each day that life does not just hand you things and that making excuses is only going to push you farther from your end goal.
Externally, my family motivates me each and everyday to be the best I can at whatever it is I may be doing.  They have put so much time and given support into everything I have done, and I want to ensure that I am not taking that for granted.

Where do you find more motivation: doubters or supporters?

Although I am motivated through my support system, I find more motivation from doubters. When people underestimate me, I make it my goal to prove to them that they were wrong.

What is the biggest mental challenge you've had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?

The biggest mental challenge I have faced in my sport is the little nagging injuries that have endured which made me think that something had to be wrong. This past offseason I took it upon myself to stop these from reoccurring with the help from Hops Athletic Performance and YOLKED.  I feel stronger, more mobile, and as ready as I have ever been to attack a season.

What do you do to make sure you and your athletes are physically and mentally prepared for competition?

Nothing can physically and mentally prepare you for competition like a good routine. Whether that is breathing, eating, movement prep, stretch, pregame throwing, or in-between pitches, having a routine in place makes it easier to focus on the task at hand.

Recovery is just is important as the grind each day.

Describe your recovery strategies. How do you know if those recovery strategies are working? 

Your muscles need to be able to recover quickly and with the right nutrients to ensure their health and ability to compete at a high level. 

I do this through a daily arm care routine, compression sleeves, utilization of the training room, and my use of YOLKED.  My arm has been able to bounce back from a game much easier ever since I have started to take YOLKED every day.

What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?

My “Y” is to be the best there ever was. I do not take no for an answer and put my best foot forward each day to outwork and outperform my peers.

Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself as a Major League Baseball Player.

Favorite motivational quote and song.

Always need to keep your eye on the dream.  
I like listening to Eminem to get me locked in and motivated.

"YOLKED is a great tasting, easy to take supplement for not only optimal performance, but optimal recovery as well. Knowing that my body can work above its capabilities gives me a good peace of mind knowing that I am doing everything I can to stay ahead of the competition."