It’s Clear Why He Was a Big Leaguer

Back in 2013, during my first season working in professional baseball, I learned one of my most valuable lessons—not from a coach, but from a player.

John Lindsey was one of two former Major Leaguers on our team that year. A powerful hitter and a former member of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Lindsey made it to “The Show” in 2010 after more than a decade grinding through the minor leagues. That alone tells you something about his perseverance.

But it wasn’t until a brutally hot summer afternoon that I truly understood what separated guys like him from everyone else.

When I arrived at the stadium early that day, the heat was overwhelming. Most of the team had decided to skip optional batting practice and stay cool in the clubhouse. But not Lindsey. I looked outside and there he was—alone in the cage, soaked in sweat, locked in, taking swing after swing.

No cameras. No crowd. No coaches pushing him. Just pure, self-driven work.

That moment stuck with me. Because that’s what it takes.

Everyone says they want to make it to the highest level. But few are willing to do what it actually takes to get there. The truth is, it’s the extra work—the reps nobody sees, the early mornings, the off-days spent grinding—that separates those who dream from those who do.

If you’re a young athlete reading this, know that your coach will give you the basics: team practice times, drills, and games. But that’s just the starting point. What you choose to do beyond that is what defines your path.

Will you take extra swings after practice? Will you show up early to get better when no one’s watching? Will you find a way to work even when it’s inconvenient, uncomfortable, or unpopular?

The path to greatness is often lonely. Most won’t understand your grind. You might be the only one in the cage. But that’s exactly where transformation happens—when no one else is around, and you choose to keep going anyway.

John Lindsey wasn’t taking extra swings because someone told him to. He was doing it because he knew what it took. He’d lived it. And even after making it to the big leagues, he hadn’t lost that edge.

Success leaves clues—and that day, I was lucky enough to witness one.

So if you’re serious about your goals, don’t wait for someone to push you. Start pushing yourself. The extra work isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌