During this time of year, we always enjoy catching our favorite basbeball games. We caught up with Cleveland Guardians’ Shortstop Brayan Rocchio who is known for his switch-hititing abilities and is known as The Professor. We caught up with him at the midpoint of this season to talk about his love for the game, how he stays in shape during the season, and the importance of eye health especially when it comes to him playing on the field! ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with baseball and what’s your first memory of playing this game? BRAYAN ROCCHIO: I’ve loved baseball as long as I can remember. My earliest memories were when I was just starting, playing at Cocodrilos Sports Park in Caracas Venezuela at the age of 3. By the time I was playing in the Chucho Ramos minor league, I was having the best moments of my life. I remember my family and friends would always come out and support me, which reinforced my passion for the game. AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro and do this as a career? BR: At first, I wanted to be a veterinarian. When I was training at Cocodrilos (Crocodile) Sports Park, some of my friends played a prank and told me there were real crocodiles living in the neighborhood. I’ve always loved crocodiles since then - it’s random, I know - but I’m drawn to them. I told my mother that I wanted to become a veterinarian, and for a while, I seriously considered it. But my family has a strong athletic background, and as I fell more and more in love with baseball, sports won out. AM: What do you love about playing this game? BR: The most satisfying part of the game is just trying to win for the guys around you, competing by your side every day. I don’t think about my personal stats or focus on myself. I like making a difference so my team can go as far as possible and win. AM: We are always looking at adding various fitness routines into our workout. What are 3 workouts that you do to assist in optimizing yourself in the sport? BR: My training is designed around optimizing force production, joint sequencing, and movement efficiency, that’s specific to the demands of baseball. With my coaches, we work on rotational power, deceleration capacity, and segmental timing to improve energy transfer from the ground up. Three exercises that are always part of my training are barbell hip thrusts, rear-foot elevated split squats and rotational medicine ball work. They all support the movements I use in baseball and help me become a stronger, more explosive player. AM: You are known as The Professor. How did you get that name and what does it mean? BR: I was playing in the Dominican Republic when I was 16, and I was at shortstop when a ground ball hit the hole. I made a diving play and was able to throw the guy out at first. When I got back to the dugout, my coach at the time told me I made the play like a professor. Then the name just stayed. People started calling me El Profesor after that. AM: Why did eye health become so important to you especially when it comes to athletic performance especially when you are navigating your games? BR: Being able to see clearly is crucial in baseball. It’s a really difficult game, you’re tracking a 100mph grounder,
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