“He defines the word ‘pitcher’…I’m excited to just learn how to really pitch, how he made it this far in the game, and then all the other things that come with it to have a career like that. We’re all going to be better for it.” That is how the young Brady Singer described the Kansas City Royals’ signing of veteran pitcher Zack Greinke. There is something to be said about the importance of veteran leadership in a locker room. Greinke joined the Kansas City Royals and his locker room was inserted right in the middle of all the young pitchers on the staff.
Every young guy who is getting their first taste of the big leagues is learning what it is like to pitch at an elite level. They can go through all of the analytics, the scouting reports, the training, etc. but learning from someone who has already been there can be more valuable than any of that. Having a veteran teaching the youngs what to expect and how to handle different situations on and off the field.
Not only can a veteran presence play a role in mentoring the younger athletes, but they can also be someone who the rest of the team can rally around. Take Albert Pujols for example. He joined the St. Louis Cardinals this offseason and has put a jolt into the locker room. He brings a presence in the clubhouse that is unmatched and he carries a voice that most everyone will listen to.
If you’re a veteran on your team, there is ample opportunity for you to have a significant impact. Whether you are a senior in high school on your varsity team, or a junior or senior on your college team, you have the chance to mentor the next generation who will follow you. You have a platform you can utilize to help build a foundation for your team and be the glue to the locker room. So how can you go about doing so?
- Watch and Listen: Take time to watch and listen to what the younger guys on your team are going through. Think about the times you went through similar struggles and how you addressed them. Oftentimes those seeking to power through certain situations are just looking for advice or potential steps to get them through a slump or any adversity they might be facing.
- Set an Example: Younger athletes will look to you as an example of what to do or what not to be. Be aware of your actions and the impact that they have on the rest of the time. Remember the routines that helped you find the success you have and make sure those around you see that. Always know that someone is watching.
- Pay Attention to Team Dynamics: Take the time to know where the strengths and weaknesses of your team are. If you know your team’s struggles, you will know where the focus for improvement needs to be.
- Communicate: Communicating can help drive home the mission of the team. Set goals and communicate them widely throughout the locker room. This will help the younger guys figure out where they need to focus and feel like there are goals they can aim for. If there is a clear strategy and end goal, you are more likely to get buy in from others.
- Show Up: Oftentimes, younger guys just want to know they can go to you and trust you with things. Showing up and just being there when it is least expected can help the younger guys gain trust in you. If they know you will be there, you can establish a relationship where they are comfortable in coming to you when they just need someone to learn from.
Being a veteran leader in a clubhouse or locker room is an amazing responsibility. You have the opportunity to not only mentor the next generation of athletes in your sport, but you can be the rallying point in the locker room. You have the platform to truly change the culture on your team.
