What's Your "Y"

Interview with Logan Driscoll, Professional Baseball Player, Tampa Bay Rays Organization 

How has your sport journey evolved?

My fitness journey has evolved from focusing on the broad concepts of baseball and weight lifting to really diving in and understanding why I’m doing certain exercises.

Understanding what muscles and body mechanics need to be developed to enhance certain parts of my game has made me a more well-rounded player. I have also brought an increasing focus to my game off of the field. Taking care of your brain and body are crucial parts of becoming a successful professional baseball player.

I’ve started working with nutritionists and a mental skills coach because baseball is so much more than what happens on the field. 

Who has been your main source of motivation or inspiration?

My main source of inspiration has always been my older brother. I owe a lot of my early development to his guidance and the example he led by, and as a result I’ve modeled my entire playing style after the way he approached the game.

Similarly, my motivation continues to be my family and loved ones. Their unconditional support and encouragement has allowed me to chase my dreams without fear of failure.

Where do you find more motivation, doubters or supporters?

I derive all of my motivation from my supporters.

My list of supporters is endless and includes family, teammates, coaches, physical therapists, etc. All of the people who have dedicated time and energy to help me with my health and career are the people that I play for. It takes a village, and when I need that extra boost of motivation I reflect on those who were selfless in helping me achieve my goals.

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

Struggling in the game of baseball is inevitable, and experiencing it on big stages is hard. Being able to problem solve and work harder and smarter to produce results, even when you’re not at your “A” game, is a crucial skill that I learned through struggling.

The hardest thing I’ve had to work through is the mental strain that injuries take on you. Coming back from surgery, and wondering if you will come back the same, is a scary mindset to be in.

My solution has been to concentrate on what I am doing that day to make sure that when I am cleared down the road, I am as mentally and physically prepared as possible. The last thing you want is to look back and realize you could have done more to help yourself heal and recover.

What do you do to make sure you're physically and mentally prepared for competition?

Since entering pro ball, I have made it a priority to dive into the mental side of the sport. I partnered with a cognition coach that I use to keep my brain's processing speeds and pattern recognition in top shape. When it’s time to prepare for a game, having a routine that primes you to play is key.

Some days you might not feel your best, but if you stay consistent with your routine, you will always be prepared to play.

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

After entering pro ball, recovery has been the most important part of my regimen, because it has allowed me to stay on the field. I have optimized a balance between nutrition, sleep, and workouts to keep me as fresh as possible.

Strategies that I use include a strain/activity tracker, deep-tissue devices, and nutritional supplements. I am always looking for an edge to help me perform and be at my best. YOLKED falls into that category of things I routinely use to boost my recovery.

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

My innate personality is to always strive to be the best version of myself.

This is a continuous goal that has always motivated me to train harder, hit new milestones, and reach my full potential. I have many other sources of inspiration, but none surpass my family and loved ones. They are always at the forefront when I think about why I play professional baseball.

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

I see myself continuing to prioritize strategies, such as good nutrition and cognitive skills, to increase my longevity in the game of baseball. I can’t predict what the future will hold, but I plan to work as hard as I can each day so I don’t look back with any regrets.

Favorite quote.

“You can observe a lot by just watching” - Yogi Berra

I have been using YOLKED for the entire 2020 off-season, as I recover from shoulder surgery. I believe it has helped me maximize my workouts and reset my body so it feels healthier and stronger than ever. I am in optimal shape to perform at my best, once I am cleared. I can’t wait to see how YOLKED continues to impact my recovery, especially when I am back catching multiple games and playing every day.