5 minutes with Buster Posey
He was drafted by the Giants in 2008. Since then he has racked up a National League Rookie of the Year (2010) award, a National League Batting Title (2012) and a National League Most Valuable Player (2012) award. With two World Series rings so far, we wanted to know how he kept himself in top shape.
I&S: As you look back over the time from high school up to the present, did the sports coaching you received also include advice on nutrition and physical development? If so, what were you told?
BP: My coaches have generally focused on things on the field, but I’ve been very fortunate to have great trainers over the course of my career both at Florida State and with the Giants. The biggest things I’ve learned are the importance of core strength and flexibility. I’ve always tried to eat pretty healthy, but nutrition has certainly become more important to me as I’ve gotten older.
I&S: Moving up through college then the Class A and AAA leagues, have you had to adjust your fitness regimen to accommodate the higher levels of exertion / increased standards expected of you at each step?
BP: Conditioning for professional baseball is definitely a learning process. My off-season routines focus on building strength while my in-season routines focus on maintaining strength and flexibility while playing a 162 game regular season schedule.
I&S: Have you developed any training methods / exercises which are unique to you and what you do on the field?
BP: I don’t know if there is anything particularly unique to me, but as a catcher, maintaining the strength and flexibility in my legs is a top priority.
I&S: Prior to each game, do you have a checklist of food, vitamins and fluids that you favor which best prepares you for the work ahead?
BP: I don’t have a specific checklist, but I do try to eat a very balanced diet. I also make it a point during the season to get up and eat breakfast every day. One of the reasons I was initially interested in BodyArmor was that it had 2x’s the electrolytes of any other sports drink, it’s made with coconut water, and has vitamins within the drink.
I&S: Travelling all around the country you are exposed to all sorts of climates and on-field conditions. Is heat and humidity a problem when wearing the catcher’s protective gear?
BP: It can definitely be an issue wearing catcher’s gear and playing in different climates. That’s why it’s even more important for me to stay hydrated and be conscious of my diet.
I&S: How do you keep from becoming dehydrated in those conditions?
BP: Anytime you’re playing in heat and humidity, it can definitely take a toll. The key is obviously replacing all of the fluids you are losing through the course of the game, and I’ve never found any product better at keeping me hydrated than BodyArmor.
I&S: How were you introduced to the BodyArmor product?
BP: I first tried it at the field and loved how it tasted and how it made me feel. My wife is a runner, so I took some home for her to try out and she loved it as well.
I&S: When an athlete invests in a product that he uses – like BodyArmor – he must believe in the benefits it offers. What has been your experience with Body Armor as compared to what you previously used?
BP: I only partner with brands and products that I truly believe in. BodyArmor is an important part of my in-season and off-season training and it helps me perform at my best each day. I think BodyArmor can benefit anyone, because it is different from other products I’ve used in the past. BodyArmor allows me to stay well hydrated without giving me that heavy or bloated feeling in my stomach. So it’s great not only after a game but also during one.