The game of baseball at the professional level is very demanding. 162 games in six months, cross country travel, along with exposure on both social and traditional media can make success quite challenging.
In addition to this, staying healthy and avoiding injury is another element in itself. One player who truly is battled tested in this game is infielder Royce Lewis of the Minnesota Twins.
“All the adversity is making me stronger as a person” he told MLBbro.com about being able to come back from injuries every year and contributing to the lineup when he has returned. “My family and I are so blessed because of it” Lewis added.
“At the end of the day if you keep working as hard as possible and treat people the way you want to be treated good things will happen”
Royce Lewis Re-Finds Swing For Minnesota After Stint in Triple-A
Lewis began his professional career as a shortstop but learned that being able to play multiple positions would be not only be of benefit to him but also to the team.
“Being able and ready is key. Playing wherever your manager would like you to play” he mentioned. “Every year, every roster and team is different. You may be needed anywhere and you should be excited about it.”
Lewis spoke about having played six of the nine positions on the diamond in the minor leagues. Primarily a third baseman in the Major Leagues, Lewis has seen time at all of the other infield positions as well as Centerfield.
A Healthy Royce Lewis Could Help the Twins Win the AL Central
If you look at the number one overall picks in the Major League Baseball draft you will see the name Royce Lewis next to the year 2017. He is very proud of that fact but realizes that he still has to go out and play the game.
“What happened that year was special but as soon as it hit 2018 it’s a new year, new me” the 27 year old said. “Every year I’m trying to get better and be the best version of myself and prepare for the future”
Lewis spoke about always trying to improve and that his draft status truly is a thing of the past.
The Minnesota Twins won the American League Central Division in 2023 and wound up playing a total of six games in the post season before bowing out in the Division Series to Houston. Lewis rose to the occasion by hitting four bro bombs during that playoff run.
The California native described the atmosphere of those games played in October.
“Everyone was locked in. Whether you had an injury or anything like that it went away. The fans were electric, it was unbelievable”
Lewis rooted for and followed several MLBbros when he was younger and one of his teammates is actually first on the list.
“Byron Buxton, Torii Hunter, and Derek Jeter. Matt Kemp as well. All those guys were very special to me and my development” he concluded with MLBbro.com.
In a recent weekend series against the Rockies Lewis delivered his first walk off hit of his career. If the versatile Lewis continues to swing a hot bat the Twins could find themselves at the .500 mark by the All Star break.
