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Mets prospect makes getting in the 'best shape of his life' mean something
Every year we see endless accounts of players reporting to spring training in the “best shape of their life.” It’s almost become a running joke instead of a real headline given its frequency, but we hope you’ll hear us out on this one.
The truth is, there are times when those words are more than just a cliche. Sometimes they truly symbolize a new beginning, which is exactly what New York Mets prospect Dominic Smith is hoping for in 2017.
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According to Newsday’s Marc Carig, Smith has completely transformed his diet after gaining 65 pounds from the moment he was drafted in 2013 to the final day of the 2015 season. He’s gone from relying on fast food to waking up early every day to prepare his own, healthier meals.
“I was kind of, a little bit uncomfortable toward the end of the year,” Smith said. “Very tired, and my legs hurt a little bit. I wanted to change my regimen, eat healthier, and not just go on a diet but just change my lifestyle, just have a clean, healthy lifestyle.”
For those of us who have been 21, we know the struggle to eat healthy day in and day out is very real. When it wasn’t considered a struggle, that was only because eating healthy was never a consideration in the first place. That Smith has been able to turn that corner is as impressive as it is important, because a continuation of past habits may have played him right out of the game.
At this point, the 21-year-old slugger is poised to be the Mets first baseman of the future. There’s a possibility he’ll get that opportunity as soon as this season, provided he produces and proves to the Mets he’s committed to staying fit.
So far, it would be impossible to deny his effort.
“There were definitely a lot of weekends where I wanted to sneak out and get a burger or two,” Smith said. “I just kind of really thought to myself and really just told myself to work hard. Fast food’s not good for you. Now, if I eat a burger or something, I’ll feel very sluggish. I just want to feel good. That healthy food just does so much for your body. It gives you energy. I just feel great.”
Since the end of last season, Smith has lost 24 pounds. That doesn’t happen by accident. It happens through commitment. As a result, he should stay fresher while regaining some flexibility in the field.
The one thing he’s always done is hit. The left-handed batter produced a .302/.367/.457 batting line with 14 homers and 91 RBIs last season at Double-A Binghamton. His power is one area the Mets hope will continue developing as he gets in better shape. That’s why he’ll be ticketed for Triple A to begin the season.
If the door to New York opens sooner than later though, he’ll be ready to walk through it with confidence in his ability and confidence that his body is prepared for the toll it will take.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
