The Boston Red Sox have been scrutinized ever since collapsing in September. Initially we heard about some internal problems they may have had, which included pitchers drinking in the clubhouse during games. A more elaborate report was published by the Boston Globe, saying that some pitchers drank, ate junk food, and played video games while their team competed.
While nobody thinks that is a good approach for a team during games, most people understand that this is part of the environment in clubhouses.
In an effort to prove that the Red Sox clubhouse environment is nothing new, Dan Patrick referenced a supposed “porn room” the Mets had at Shea Stadium.
“Wasn’t there a porn room at Shea Stadium?” Patrick asked former Mets pitcher Al Leiter during his show Thursday.
Leiter laughed uncomfortably, before answering “There might have been.”
“Why do you ask like you don’t know?” Leiter said, somewhat annoyed that Patrick put him on the spot.
Leiter began explaining that players doing things other than playing/focusing on baseball is not uncommon for a clubhouse. He referenced the old days when drinking was more prevalent, when players played with hangovers, and when guys would nap during games. That point was visited last year when it was reported Ken Griffey Jr. was sleeping in the clubhouse when the manager wanted him to pinch hit.
Here’s the thing: while it’s accepted that some people show up to work with a buzz on, it’s not recommended for maintaining peak performance. Additionally, I think there’s a big difference between the way teams set up their clubhouse, and what they do during games.
Clubhouses are homes for the players; they’re safe zones where the athletes spend much of their time. Players should personalize their clubhouse to make it feel comfortable. However, they shouldn’t let it interfere with their training and preparation, and they shouldn’t allow it to distract them during games.
Forearm bash to Sports Grid
