The Grind: Artists, Athletes, and the Power of Showing Up

I recently had the opportunity to attend a concert featuring a few independent artists I’ve been following for some time—Vwillz, Ollie Joseph, and Adam Yokum. It was more than just a night of great music; it was a reminder of something deeper. As I watched them perform with passion, grit, and authenticity, I couldn’t help but think of the professional baseball players I’ve worked with—those who are in the trenches every day, chasing a dream and pushing toward the big leagues.

There’s a raw, relentless grind that connects independent artists and aspiring athletes. Both groups are filled with immensely talented individuals putting in countless hours behind the scenes—writing, training, rehearsing, recovering, and hoping the next step leads them closer to their breakthrough.

Before the show, I spoke with Adam Yokum about this exact parallel. I asked him how he handles moments when he’s stuck creatively—when the inspiration just doesn’t seem to flow or the pressure begins to weigh heavily. He had an honest response:

“Give myself space. It’s just a refill. You can only drink out of the well for so long, and sometimes that well will run empty. You gotta give yourself space and time to let that well refill.”

He mentioned spending time in nature as a method to refill the well. That idea stuck with me. Just like an athlete can’t perform at their best without proper rest and recovery, creatives also need mental and emotional space to recharge. Whether you're in a batting cage or a studio, burnout is real. And just like physical strength, creativity and clarity return when you give yourself grace.

What’s even more striking is the emotional battle that often runs parallel to the physical one. Self-doubt. Overthinking. Fear of failure. These are mental hurdles that both athletes and artists face in the quiet moments—when no one is watching and results feel out of reach.

But the magic of the journey is that everything can change in an instant. One scout in the stands. One listener in the crowd. One repost, one referral, one hand reaching out to offer the opportunity of a lifetime.

That’s why showing up matters.

Whatever your field is—whether it’s the studio, the classroom, the workplace, or the ballfield—bring your energy. Show up with intention and purpose, even on the days when you don’t feel like it. Because you never know who’s watching. You never know when your moment will come.

The grind might look different, but the heart behind it is the same. Keep going. Keep believing. Keep showing up.

Your breakthrough could be closer than you think.

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. 🙌