Mental health It used to be taboo in professional sports, but more and more high-performance athletes are opening up about it. The most recent case is that of the closer of the Colorado Rockies of the Big leagues, Daniel Bard.
ANDhe Rockies pitcher will kick off the 2023 Major League Baseball season in the 15-day disabled list due to dealing with anxiety issues.
“From my experience, knowing myself, I think I’ll just step aside, take my time to work things out, be okay, that’s the best way.Bard said to MLB.com.
Bard was away from the big leagues from the 2014 to 2019 season due to yips, which are a type of focal dystonia. This condition causes involuntary muscle contractions.
“It’s hard to admit, but I’ve been through this before,” the closer said for the Denver Gazette. “I have lived too long off the diamond to realize what is important. I am grateful to be in an organization that understands this and accepts it.”.
The 38-year-old pitcher’s career began in 2009 with the Boston Red Sox and he was with the AL East team until he walked away from the diamond for the yips. In 2020 he returned to be the Rockies’ star closer.
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Daniel Bard struggled in the World Classic
Daniel Bard was a member of the USA Baseball roster who finished in the second position of the last World Classic and his participation was not the best.
During their relay against Venezuela in the second round of the tournament, the pitcher had trouble controlling his pitches. His participation ended with two walks, a hit by a pitch (which broke José Altuve’s right thumb), a wild pitch and a hit allowed.
