In an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network News, Brandon Nimmo, New York Met center fielder talks about putting his team on his shoulder. He also talks about the death of Jesus Christ, and how he tried to be better and be more like him.

The interview as posted by the official page of CBN reads: 

Question: “Setting the tone as the leadoff hitter. Kind of the first impression.”

Brandon: “Yeah it is!”

Question: “You’re setting that. What might surprise us about being the offensive catalyst?”

Brandon: “That there’s sacrifice involved. I’m usually taking the first pitch or few pitches of the game in order to see how the pitcher is that day. We play each and every day. But the starting pitchers, they go every five. I’m going to take the first pitch of the game and if he can throw it for a strike, well, okay, now I know that he’s got his command. He’s able to put it where he wants. And you do have to be willing to sacrifice that first at-bat in order to come up with a better plan for the team that day.”

Question: “Seven seasons now in the Major League, the grind can’t be avoided. How do you still find wonder in the game?”

Brandon: “I still find wonder in little moments, where I was able to rob a home run in a really big situation, and a bunch of emotion poured out of me, and I felt like a little kid out on the field again. But in front of 50,000 people! Understanding just how blessed I am to be in this position. It helps me to play with enthusiasm, to have a lot of fun in this game. That thankfulness that I think really, really comes through, that’s the joy that I think you see.”

Question: “You come from a bull riding family. Is there any similar mindset between a bull rider and a baseball player?”

Brandon: “I think there is. I think there’s a similar mindset in my dad did it for a little bit. He told me that when you ride a bull, you’re never really healthy. It’s not really a matter of if you get hurt; it’s when you get hurt. In baseball you play 162 games. There is a similarity in the toughness that you have to bring. You’re just not quite ever going to be 100% healthy when you go out there and you have to figure out a way to lay it all out there with what you have.”

Question: “What does the man from Cheyenne like best about playing in New York?”

Brandon: ”I love how baseball in New York rings true to a lot of people and it’s interesting with how many people are here from different backgrounds. But when you come to Citi Field, just as loyal and energetic and are as excited as you are, this is also the biggest stage! When you don’t do well, it’s not always hunky-dory, but man, when you come through, it’s really special and there’s no better place to do it.”

Question: “Like you said, it is the world’s biggest stage. (Brandon: “Yes”) So then for you, Brandon, where does the greatest pressure come from?”

Brandon: “The only pressure is what I put on myself. And unfortunately, that’s too much most of the time. I think we all control that pressure that we seem to be feeling from the outside world. But sometimes that’s hindering you from being your best self. Definitely put the hard work in and be prepared and do everything that I can in order to come through in those situations. But also, be a little easier on myself. At the end of the day, I’m really the only one who’s putting that pressure on myself.”

Question: “Your demeanor and game both have a reputation, Brandon, of being consistent in a game of inconsistency. So, where did you develop your poise and peace?”

Brandon: “Baseball is a game of failure, so you’re going to have ups and downs. You’re going to be upset about your failures. This is how, this is how Jesus would want you to act, you know? How I just conduct myself on an everyday basis of trying to have more patience and be slow to anger. Learn from the Bible and what it teaches us. I think it helps deal with the failure of baseball in a much healthier way.” … Continue reading