Miami Marlins Infielder Had His Mindset Changed After Becoming a Father
The Miami Marlins have had a chess piece on their bench for the last few seasons, but their longest-tenured position player has become a father, changing his mindset.
Fatherhood is a big change in life for most, but always has an additional impact on the mindset of athletes.
Infield utility player Jon Berti and his wife just welcomed their first child just six weeks ago.
In a recent interview with Miami Herald's Jordan McPherson, Berti spoke on being a father and how that has changed the way he views the sport. “She doesn’t care how I do, it just takes the pressure off,” said Berti. Instead of worrying about what role he'll have this season, he can just focus on what's in front of him.
On the night that his wife brought his six-week-old daughter to the ballpark, Berti played third base and hit a three-run home run while going 2-for-4 at the plate.
“That felt more like the rhythm and timing I’m looking for,” said Berti. “Good to start now and build on that the next 10 days or so before we break camp.”
Berti will continue his utility role for the Marlins this season, as the Tim Anderson signing filled what might have been his starting role at shortstop.
His role, though, is not at the top of his mind right now. Instead, he's just focusing on being ready to answer whatever spot is put in front of him.
“Honestly, I don’t put a whole lot of stock into any of that,” Berti said. “It’s more of I’m trying to prepare for a season. In the offseason, I’m trying to prepare for spring training and to prepare for the next year. I always know everything’s so fluid. Everything changes all the time, and I’ve been in this game long enough to know just because one thing is one day doesn’t mean it’s the next day. So I’m just working hard to stay ready for whatever Skip [Schumaker] needs.”
The easy-going mindset that has been taken over Berti's mind is the perfect one for a player who is entering yet another season without a defined role.
