Athlete Feature – Cincinnati Reds Pitcher Tejay Antone

You have clearly been successful in baseball and have achieved a lot starting a young age. Where does your motivation come from?

My motivation comes from a lot of areas. Wanting to fulfill my childhood dream of being a major league player, wanting to provide a living for my family, wanting to retire early and travel the world, wanting to achieve the highest level so I can have a platform to share my faith, and most of all prove everyone wrong who ever doubted me.   

How was the transition from collegiate baseball to professional baseball?

A lot more freedom and learning. Freedom to do what you want during the day without having to worry about school work, but a lot of responsibility because with all that extra time it must be used in some way. So I’m constantly learning ways to recover faster, eat better, and improve my overall health. 

Professional baseball comes with playing on different teams every year and playing with teammates from all over the world. What advice do you have on how to get along with teammates who are not like you?

That’s a great question. I would recommend you try to understand them fully first before you cast judgment on them. Every culture does things differently, and to assume your culture or background is better than someone else’s is wrong. But I try to fully understand my teammates first, then if they are still doing something that is against my moral code, I will have a 1-on-1 conversation with that person and ask them why they are doing what they’re doing. Another way to further my understanding

“You’re going to have to undergo surgery” is something that no athlete wants to hear, but unfortunately many end up having surgery at some point in their career. Since you have successfully returned from a surgery, what advice do you have to athletes who are currently recovering from a surgery?

Take it over the top seriously. There is no better time to learn more about your own body than going through surgery. Ask questions to everyone trying to help you get back, and fully understand why you’re doing each and every rehab exercise. With that, you will come back a smarter and healthier athlete and it will help you take your game to the next level. 

I know that you value the mental side of sports and life, so tell us how you keep your mental performance at an elite level?

We have a mental skills coach with the Reds who does activities with us ever so often. But during season, I use an app daily called Vision Pursue. It helps me separate from my emotions and understand that they are there to help me and not hurt me or hold me down when I make a mistake. 

Are there specific things that you are working on for your mental performance during quarantine?

Yes! I read and try to find something daily I can educate myself on. 

How have you been able to stay on top of your physical shape and nutrition during this time?

Everyday! I have access to a facility where I can lift weights, and my nutrition is getting better! I’m really taking this time to record what I’m eating each day and hone it in so that I can grow and recover faster. I’m treating this time as an off season so I’m pushing my body pretty hard right now. 

I think you would agree that all of us have had to adapt to the ever-changing situation that we are going through, this includes our daily routines. How have you been able to stick to a routine?

With more time throughout the day and being home I’m able to really carry out my routine which includes things like Red Light Therapy, NormaTec, Marc Pro and foam rolling! All of which helps me attack each day as fresh as can be.

You’re a big reader, are there any “must reads” that you recommend for athletes?

“How To Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie. We are almost always on teams in sports, and communicate with our teammates will help in any sport.

I also really liked “The Talent Code” by Daniel Coyle.

Since all sports are on pause right now, what advice would you give athletes who are looking to get better at home?

Don’t waste your day away on social media and take care of the basics: food, water, sleep. Create a routine of getting those in and you will be ahead of the game. 

What advice would you give athletes that are wanting to play a professional sport?

It’s a job just like anything else. There’s times that it’s great and times that it sucks. You’re going to make a lot of sacrifices and society is going to tell you you’re stupid for chasing your dreams but don’t listen. Put on the ear muffs and GO!

If you could go back and tell your 12 year-old self one thing, what would it be?

Quit eating chicken nuggets and drinking Dr. Pepper.