Daniel Nazareth's Blog

What is a pro?

10 years ago, I grew a moustache to support the Movember Foundation. At the time, I didn’t think much would come of it. Today, as highlighted by the Blue Jays’ playoff run, I see the power behind the moustache. 

I won’t pretend that I’ve always loved baseball. I used to follow closely during the Vernon Wells days and picked it up during the José Bautista bat flip. But what I’ve always admired about baseball (and professional sports in general), is what it takes to show up as a pro. 

The baseball season is long at 100+ games and with any long endeavor, the outcome seems to stem from boring old habits. 

Some habits seem quirky, like Blue Jay’s Pitcher Kevin Gausman smelling and talking to baseballs before the game. Some may call it superstition, but what I see is positive self-talk in preparation for the most important time in his life.

I can’t help but also marvel at Dodger’s Pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto as his performance has been poetry in motion. I was amazed to see him, pitch after pitch, carving through the heart of the Blue Jays’ lineup. It all clicked when I noticed him during a break, meticulously taking notes and sketching out pitch diagrams in his journal.

Behind every ritual and routine lies the same truth: greatness starts with belief.

Despite taking different paths, every successful player emulates self-belief. Catcher Alejandro Kirk was overlooked early in his career because of his unconventional build but his confidence brought him to the World Series. In contrast, Vlad Guerrero Jr., grew up in the shadow of a legendary father, yet he carved his own identity through hard work, gratitude, and belief that he was born ready.

From their self-belief they’re able to support each other. When Addison Barger’s family overran his condo before Game 1, his teammate and fellow moustache aficionado, Davis Schneider, let Barger sleep on his couch. It honestly sounds made up but Barger paid him back in the form of a Grand Slam. Belief becomes powerful when it extends to the people closest to you. 

In showing up for themselves and each other, trust builds and holds true even in feisty situations. When Blue Jay’s Manager John Schneider went out to the mound to ask Pitcher Max Scherzer if he wanted to come out of the game, true to his nickname, “Mad Max” fired back. Instead of pulling him, Schneider lit the spark, trusted Mad Max, and Scherzer closed the inning. 

Then there’s George Springer who’s been hit by pitches and brushed back by fastballs. Yet, he still stepped up to the plate and with one swing of the bat brought us to the World Series with his home run in the ALCS Game 7.

Let’s not forget rookie phenom Trey Yesavage, who’s performing far above his pay grade and despite this, plays with the confidence of an owner.

I could go on about every player in the Blue Jays lineup. What makes this team special is that, top to bottom, they embody a winning culture. They have fun. They celebrate every step. And most importantly, they celebrate each other. Their joy isn’t a distraction from performance, it’s part of it.

Watching game six last night was heartbreaking, but the amazing thing about being a professional sports fan is that there is always another game. As we prepare for Game 7 and the Capital Gainz 30 day wellness challenge in support of the Movember Foundation, here’s what I want to keep in mind:

• Prepare your mind as much as your body
• Cultivate your attention and focus
• Believe that you belong and are capable
• Show up for your people 
• Lead by lighting the fire
• Step up and swing for the fences
• Remember what makes it fun

10 years into Movember, I’ve learned that showing up, moustache and all, isn’t about looking the part. It’s about living it by believing in yourself and your team, and having fun along the way. WE WANT IT ALL!!!! Go Jays!

If you enjoyed reading this post consider donating to my Movember Campaign: Movember – Home 

With Care,

Daniel Nazareth