Jazz Chisholm Jr. & Billy Pinckney in NYC on May 14, 2026.

Last week, New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s foundation hosted the Tunnel Fits & Kicks fundraiser event, bringing together style, community, and purpose to make a difference for kids and families.

During the event, I asked Jazz how he’s leaned into his faith through both the highs and lows of life and baseball, and what God has taught him through the work he’s doing through his foundation.

Jazz spoke honestly about the importance of staying grounded in faith no matter what season of life you’re in.

“Just to keep your faith, man. There’s gonna be hard times, there’s gonna be great times, but you can’t ever falter.”

He shared how prayer has helped guide him through personal challenges behind the scenes.

“You just gotta keep on praying and asking God to just take you through it, guide you through it every day… life is hard.”

Jazz also reflected on a difficult situation he experienced recently and how he’s relied on God through it all.

“I had something happen about a couple weeks ago that I don’t really wanna talk about in the public eye, but I had something happen and God has been taking me through it every step of the way.”

What stood out most is that Jazz understands the challenges many young people face today, and he’s using his platform to be a light for others. Through his foundation, he continues to invest back into the community in meaningful ways.

Last year, the foundation helped donate a new computer lab to a school in the Bronx, creating opportunities and resources for students who need them most.

Events like Tunnel Fits & Kicks are bigger than fashion or baseball. They’re reminders that influence can be used to encourage, uplift, and serve others.

How can we be a light in the lives of others each day?

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

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Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Batboy Billy Pinckney and members of the New Jersey Jackals pro baseball team at Yogi Berra Stadium in 2016.

Now that youth baseball season is in full swing, I’ve been seeing clips from games all across the country. And honestly, some of them make you stop and ask, what’s going on here?

You see parents screaming at umpires, coaches getting ejected, people cursing across the field over a 9U baseball game. Listen, I grew up around professional baseball. I’ve been in dugouts since I was 11 years old. I’ve seen heated arguments, ejections, and emotional moments at the highest levels of the game. That’s part of professional sports sometimes.

But when grown adults are acting like that at youth games, it misses the entire point.

Too often, the pressure at youth sporting events has less to do with the kids and more to do with the adults. Some parents and coaches get so emotionally wrapped up in winning because their self-worth becomes attached to their child’s performance. For some, it’s an attempt to relive their own glory days. For others, it’s trying to live through their son or daughter.

Kids can feel that pressure.

And the sad part is that it can take the joy out of the game.

One thing I’ve learned from being around professional athletes for so many years is that the best players usually aren’t the ones putting the most pressure on themselves or everyone around them. In fact, almost every pro I talk to says the same thing: keep the game fun. Let kids enjoy it. Remove the unnecessary pressure.

The ballpark should be a place where kids build confidence, friendships, resilience, and memories. It should not become a stage for adults to lose control or chase validation.

Young athletes are always watching. They learn from the behavior of the adults around them. If parents and coaches want to develop better athletes, they also need to model better character. Be respectful. Show composure. Encourage effort. Teach accountability without humiliation.

Be a pro.

Not because the kids are professionals, but because they deserve mature role models who understand what youth sports are really about.

At the end of the day, most kids won’t remember the score of a random game years from now. But they will remember how the adults around them made them feel.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

A few weeks ago, Major League Baseball kicked off its season with Opening Day, one of the most electric days in all of sports. I was at Citi Field for the Mets’ opener, and like always, the energy was unmatched. Fans were locked in, hopeful, and fully invested. There is something about Opening Day that brings out the best in people. It feels like anything is possible.

After that game, I wrote about the importance of treating every day like Opening Day, showing up with energy, focus, and belief regardless of what is going on in your life.

Then yesterday, I went back to Citi Field. Same stadium. Same team. Completely different atmosphere.

The Mets ultimately won the ballgame, but the energy earlier in the day was just not the same. It felt quieter, flatter. The excitement that filled the stadium just a few weeks earlier had faded. And it made me think. Fans, just like people in everyday life, are quick to bring high energy when things are new or when hope is at its peak. But once reality sets in, once things do not go exactly as planned, that energy starts to dip. The optimism fades. The attitude shifts.

It is easy to show up fired up when everything feels fresh and promising. It is a lot harder to bring that same level of energy when you are in the middle of a grind, when things are not going your way, or when the excitement has worn off. But that is where the difference is made.

Anyone can bring energy on Opening Day. Not everyone can sustain it.

So here is the challenge, show up with energy, effort, and enthusiasm every single day. Whether you feel like you are on a losing streak or riding a winning streak, your attitude still matters. It affects how you perform, how you lead, and how others respond to you.

Life is not always going to feel like Opening Day. But if you can bring that same mindset into ordinary days, or even tough days, you separate yourself.

Because in the end, it is not about how you start. It is about how you show up every day after.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney & Bobby Witt Jr. at Yankee Stadium on April 17, 2026.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to chat with MLB star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. before batting practice at Yankee Stadium. Players were going through their routines as the stadium slowly filled up, and I asked him a simple question: what would he tell his younger self?

“Just being able to control the controllables. Knowing what you can control, your preparation, your work ethic, what you do before the game. Then once you go out and play, you’ve already done it. Just enjoy the game.”

In a sport like baseball, that mindset is everything. You can do everything right and still not get the result you want. That is where frustration creeps in for a lot of players. Bobby’s perspective cuts through that. Focus on the work you can control, then trust it when it is time to compete.

I also asked how he keeps things fun when the game gets difficult.

“I just gotta know that I have this opportunity every single day. Just gotta make the most of it. Yesterday is the past. Tomorrow is the future. That’s why today is the gift. It’s the present.”

It is a simple idea, but not an easy one to live out. Even at the highest level, staying present takes discipline. It is easy to think about what is next or dwell on what already happened, and in the process miss the moment you are in.

For younger athletes, there is often a mindset of enjoying it later, once they reach the next level. But that moment keeps moving. The reality is, the opportunity in front of you right now is something you once worked for.

Control what you can, trust your preparation, and do not wait to enjoy it.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Earlier this morning, I visited Parisi Speed School in Fair Lawn, NJ, where my former professor and mentor, Dr. Rob Gilbert, was speaking to a group of student-athletes.

Dr. Gilbert asked me to share lessons I’ve learned growing up in baseball and to pass along messages from my interviews with professional athletes - lessons that go far beyond the game.

One of the biggest messages I shared with them was the importance of having strong convictions. During a 2019 interview, former big leaguer Richie Shaffer once told me that you have to be so firm in your beliefs that other people’s opinions don’t shake you. That stuck with me, and it’s something I’ve carried ever since.

When I was in high school, there were a lot of voices in my ear as a ballplayer - and not all of them were positive. Opinions come from everywhere: teammates, coaches, and others. I had to stay grounded in what I believed about myself and my abilities, and keep moving forward. Being coachable matters. Listening and making adjustments matters. But when too many voices start competing for your attention, it can become a problem if you don’t know who you are.

At one point, Dr. Gilbert asked me to share something that holds players back from reaching the big leagues. The answer came to me immediately: distractions.

Distractions quietly destroy a lot of dreams. Not always in obvious ways, but through small, repeated choices that pull you off track over time. Lately, I’ve been open about the fact that I’ve never had a drink, never smoked, and never used drugs. In your 20s, that’s not very common. But for me, it was a decision to stay focused and avoid the kinds of distractions that derail so many people before they ever get close to their potential.

If you want to separate yourself, it’s not always about doing more - it’s about being disciplined enough to avoid what pulls you away from where you’re trying to go.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

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Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Last week, I was at MLB Opening Day at Citi Field as the Mets took on the Pirates. It was one of those perfect late-March afternoons in Queens. It’s the kind that reminds you why you fell in love with baseball in the first place.

Before the game even started, you could feel it. The energy. The anticipation. The belief. Fans were buzzing, convinced this could be the year. A record of 162-0 doesn’t feel crazy on Opening Day. Players were healthy, locked in, and ready to compete. Everyone in the stadium carried a sense of hope. A fresh start. A new opportunity.

But if you’ve been around the game long enough, you know what happens next. The season unfolds. Injuries happen. Games slip away. Slumps come and go. The energy that once filled the stadium starts to fade, and frustration begins to creep in. Fans grow restless. The excitement isn’t quite the same as it was on Day One. And that’s when something clicked for me.

What if we treated every day like it was Opening Day?

What if we showed up with that same energy, that same belief, that same passion… no matter what the circumstances looked like? Because the truth is, it’s easy to be excited at the beginning. It’s easy to bring energy when everything is going right. The real test is what you do when things don’t.

You don’t have to be a professional athlete to live this out. You can bring that kind of energy into your classroom. Into your work. Into your home. You can choose to show up with effort, positivity, and purpose - even when others don’t understand it. And yes, some people might think you’re a little crazy. That’s fine. That’s what separates people who coast from people who win.

So when adversity hits, you have a choice to make. Are you going to lose your energy and give in to frustration? Or are you going to keep showing up like it’s Opening Day? Because the people who stay consistent, who keep their energy high, and who refuse to let circumstances dictate their attitude… those are the ones who stand out in the long run.

Bring the Opening Day energy. Every single day.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

A few weeks ago, I was signing a book for a student at a school in Garfield, New Jersey. After I wrote his name inside the cover, I asked him, “What’s your favorite subject?”

“Gym,” he said.

I laughed. “That was mine too for a lot of years.”

Then I asked, “What’s your least favorite?”

“Reading.”

I smiled. “Me too. But I ended up writing books.”

His eyes widened - and that’s exactly why I love visiting schools.

Growing up, math was tough for me. But reading had its own story. In first grade, my parents had to meet with my teacher because it seemed like I was struggling with reading comprehension.

The truth? I understood the words.

I just didn’t care.

I was bored. The books didn’t connect with me. I didn’t see purpose in them, so I didn’t give them effort.

Fast forward to my early 20s: I’ve now published seven books and spend much of my time visiting schools, reading to students and encouraging them to grow in leadership, kindness, and perseverance. The kid who didn’t like reading now writes and shares stories for a living.

What changed?

I found purpose.

When I began working in professional baseball, I fell in love with stories - players chasing dreams, overcoming setbacks, proving doubters wrong. Reading and writing stopped feeling like assignments and started feeling like tools to inspire others.

Here’s what I’ve learned: everyone develops at different rates.

Just because you struggle with something now doesn’t mean you always will. Just because you don’t enjoy something yet doesn’t mean you won’t one day build a life around it.

Growth takes time. Interests change. Skills develop.

And sometimes, the thing you once avoided becomes the very platform you use to make a difference.

Book Billy for a School Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Something two of my former professors, Rob Gilbert and John McCarthy, used to say often was: “The best team doesn’t win; the team that plays the best wins.”

At first, that might sound simple. But if you watch sports long enough, you realize how true it is.

Every year there are teams loaded with talent - teams that look unbeatable on paper. The roster is full of stars, the expectations are sky high, and everyone assumes they’re destined to win a championship. Yet many of those teams fall short.

A recent example came in the World Baseball Classic matchup between United States national baseball team and Italy national baseball team. On paper, the United States roster was filled with more recognizable superstars. Most people would assume they had the clear advantage.

But baseball isn’t played on paper. Italy played a gritty, disciplined game. They paid attention to the little details, executed when it mattered, and ended up winning the game. In that moment, they weren’t the “best team” on paper - they were simply the team that played the best that night.

I saw the same thing when I worked in independent baseball with the New Jersey Jackals. The year we won the championship, we weren’t the dominant team all season. We finished in third place and were only a few games above .500. But when the playoffs came, something clicked. We played our best baseball at the right time. The team executed, competed, and found ways to win when it mattered most. By the end of the season, the standings from the regular season didn’t matter anymore - we were the last team standing.

Talent and potential are great, but they don’t guarantee results.

What matters most is preparation, focus, and execution when the moment arrives. The teams and people who succeed are the ones who show up ready to perform, even when others expect them to lose. In sports and in life, you don’t have to be the most talented person in the room But if you bring effort, discipline, and the right mindset, you can still be the one who plays the best when it counts.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney speaking to an elementary school in Garfield, NJ, on March 3, 2026.

When I visit schools, I’m always thinking about stories that stick - the kind students remember when they’re facing a tough moment. One story that recently came back to me was a conversation I had a decade ago with former New York Yankee Ben Heller. I interviewed him in Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre while he was grinding through the minor leagues, chasing his dream of reaching the big leagues.

During our conversation, he shared something powerful. Growing up, he had coaches and teachers tell him he wasn’t very good — that he’d never make it to the Major Leagues.

“I would just say don’t ever give up or let anybody tell you what you can or can’t do,” Heller told me. “You kind of have to persevere through adversity and keep working hard if it’s something you want.”

Think about that. A Major League pitcher was once told he wasn’t good enough during his younger days on the mound.

That’s a message students understand. Many of them have felt doubt - maybe from others, maybe even from themselves. But what separates people who reach their goals isn’t that they avoid criticism. It’s that they don’t let it define them.

Heller kept working. He kept believing. He drowned out the noise.

Eventually, that perseverance led him to make his Major League debut at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox - one of the most historic stages in baseball. From being told he’d never make it… to pitching at Fenway. That’s what resilience looks like.

When I share this story with students, I want them to think about their own dream - their own “Big League” moment. There will always be outside noise. There will always be setbacks. The question is whether you’ll let them stop you.

Ben Heller’s advice is simple: don’t give up. Keep working.

Sometimes, that decision makes all the difference.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Last week, I visited a middle school here in New Jersey to speak with students about leadership lessons I’ve learned and observed throughout my years in and around the game of baseball. One of the leaders I highlighted during the talk was Aaron Judge and what true leadership actually looks like.

Growing up, leadership is often confused with volume. The loudest player or the one with the biggest personality is frequently named captain. But at the professional level, and in life, leadership goes far beyond who speaks the most. While Aaron Judge is undeniably a generational talent, what stands out to me most isn’t just his ability on the field, but his character, consistency, and emotional discipline.

No matter the situation, Judge maintains a calm, steady presence. Whether he hits a walk-off home run or strikes out to end the game, his response is the same. He doesn’t overreact. He doesn’t allow a single moment (good or bad) to compromise him emotionally. As I shared with the students, that kind of emotional control makes it much harder for adversity to derail you or cause a downward spiral. When you stay composed, you stay in control.

That idea led into an equation my college professor, Dr. Rob Gilbert, emphasized often:

E + R = O

Event + Response = Outcome

We don’t always get to choose the event. Challenges, setbacks, and unexpected moments are part of life. But what we docontrol is our response. Too often, people experience an event and react immediately - sometimes emotionally, sometimes negatively - and that reaction creates an outcome they later regret.

Strong leaders pause. They respond with intention. They understand that their response has power. By choosing how we react, we give ourselves the best chance at producing a positive outcome, even when the situation isn’t ideal.

That’s the kind of leadership I hope the students took with them - not being the loudest voice in the room, but being the most steady when it matters most.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney alongside youth athletes at the Las Vegas festival on January 16, 2026.

Last month, I had the opportunity to travel to Las Vegas for The Baseball Convention, a unique event that blended competitive youth tournaments with an unforgettable experience at the Luxor Hotel. It wasn’t just another weekend of games - it was a celebration of baseball in its purest form.

Yes, the kids were there to compete. They played hard, battled with their teammates, and gave it everything they had on the field. But the true purpose of the weekend went far beyond wins and losses. The goal was to bring the fun back into baseball and remind young athletes why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

Throughout the weekend, baseball content creators, respected coaches, and even the original baseball content creator, Domingo Ayala, were on site engaging with the kids. They weren’t just teaching mechanics or fundamentals - they were creating moments. Laughing, learning, joking, and connecting with the players in a way that made baseball feel light again. The focus was on joy, creativity, and curiosity, not pressure.

Watching these kids interact was powerful. So many youth athletes today feel an overwhelming sense of pressure - to perform, to be noticed, to validate their worth through stats or outcomes. Events like this serve as an important reminder that baseball is a game, not a burden. The excitement on their faces said it all. You could see kids rediscovering confidence, smiling during glow-in-the-dark baseball, and remembering that their value isn’t defined by a scoreboard.

It was refreshing and encouraging to see an environment that prioritized love for the game. A weekend that emphasized passion over perfection. Joy over judgment. Moments like these don’t just make better baseball players - they help shape healthier, more balanced young people.

If we want kids to stay in the game long-term, we have to continue creating experiences like this. Ones that remind them that baseball isn’t just about how you perform - it’s about why you play.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Darryl Strawberry and Billy Pinckney on January 28, 2026 in Belleville, New Jersey.

I recently attended the annual Robert Luongo ALS Fund Gala, hosted by MLB umpire Phil Cuzzi. Phil created the fund in honor of his childhood friend, Robert Luongo, who courageously battled ALS more than 22 years ago. The mission is simple but powerful: support families affected by ALS and raise critical funds for research in the fight against this devastating disease.

Each year, Phil adds a special touch to the evening by welcoming a “mystery guest,” revealed only through a grand entrance that brings the room to its feet. This year’s guest was New York baseball legend and New York Mets Hall of Famer Darryl Strawberry.

Strawberry’s life story is one of incredible highs and painful lows. On the field, he was one of the most electrifying players of his generation - a World Series champion, MVP-caliber talent, and a face of baseball in the 1980s. Off the field, he faced public struggles with addiction, broken relationships, and personal loss. His story is not one of perfection, but of redemption.

During his speech, Strawberry spoke candidly about the mistakes he’s made, the grace of God that met him in his darkest moments, and the health battles he’s endured - including cancer. Rather than letting those hardships define him, he allowed them to refine him. Today, he lives a life of purpose, faith, and service. He described it as even more meaningful than his baseball career.

He reminded everyone in the room of what truly matters in this life.

“We’re people, and we’re all going to have to deal with something. We’re all going to have to go through something. It’s just about never giving up no matter what it is. You fight the good fight. Because when they bury me one day, when I get to meet the King, hopefully He’ll say, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. There were many trials and tribulations, but you didn’t quit. You didn’t give up. You persevered. You didn’t blame anybody. You took responsibility, and your actions spoke for themselves.’”

Darryl Strawberry could have been swallowed up by the noise - by fame, failure, and public opinion. Instead, he chose a greater purpose. He left behind his old identity as just a ballplayer and stepped fully into who God created him to be.

It was a powerful reminder that our greatest impact often comes not from our achievements, but from our perseverance, our faith, and how we respond when life gets hard.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Paul Skenes giving his Cy Young acceptance speech in New York City on January 24, 2026.

Last Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the Baseball Writers’ Association of America’s annual awards gala - a night dedicated to honoring the very best performers from the previous MLB season. The room was filled with legends of the game, media members, and players whose names are etched into baseball history. Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani were celebrated as MVPs. Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal took home the Cy Young Awards. It was a reminder of just how elite the highest level of baseball truly is.

At first glance, Judge and Ohtani feel like obvious success stories. They look like superstars. Their size, talent, and hype made it easy for the baseball world to envision greatness early on. But the same cannot be said for Skenes and Skubal - now widely considered the two best pitchers in the game.

Combined, Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal received just three college offers out of high school. Three. Skenes had two opportunities. Skubal had one. That’s it. Let that sink in.

Today, they’re recognized as the best pitchers on the planet. That contrast is a powerful reminder for every athlete, student, creator, or dreamer who feels overlooked. Not everyone blooms on the same timeline. Not everyone gets the early validation. And not everyone’s path is obvious to scouts, coaches, or decision makers.

Being a late bloomer does not mean you’re behind.

Being underestimated does not mean you lack potential.

And hearing “no,” “not yet,” or “we’ll pass” does not mean the story is over.

For Skenes and Skubal, only a handful of people were willing to take a chance on them. But they took a bigger chance on themselves. They showed up. They worked. They trusted the process when there was no spotlight and no guarantees.

During his acceptance speech, Paul Skenes captured that journey perfectly:

“No matter where you come from, no matter how long the road feels, no matter how many times you hear ‘not yet’ or ‘not possible,’ keep going. Bet on your work, trust the process, and don’t let anyone else define your ceiling. I’m here right now because I don’t understand the word ‘can’t.’”

That’s not just a quote for pitchers. That’s a message for anyone grinding in obscurity, waiting for their opportunity.

Your ceiling is not determined by how many offers you have.

Your future is not dictated by early opinions.

And your calling doesn’t require universal belief - just relentless commitment.

Keep going. The work will speak.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney and Bernie Williams at Carnegie Hall in New York City on January 13, 2026.

I often remind kids how important it is to work hard and give everything you have to your sport. Effort, discipline, and commitment matter. But there’s another piece that’s just as important - and it often gets overlooked.

It’s crucial to have interests and hobbies outside of your sport. Ask yourself: What do you enjoy doing that helps you mentally reset? What activities are creative, calming, or simply fun? What helps you unplug and recharge?

Bernie Williams is a perfect example of this balance. He’s a four-time World Series Champion with the New York Yankees, and his No. 51 is retired in Monument Park. At the same time, he’s an accomplished guitarist and a Latin Grammy nominee.

Last week, I had the chance to attend Bernie’s performance at Carnegie Hall, where he played alongside world-renowned opera singer Jonathan Tetelman. It was an unforgettable night, made even more special by seeing several of Bernie’s former teammates come out to support him. The lesson is simple but powerful: you can be great at more than one thing - even if those things seem like complete opposites.

Hitting a baseball and playing a guitar require very different skills, but they serve different purposes. One fueled his competitive drive. The other fed his creativity and balance.

So I’ll leave you with this: What’s your “other thing”?

What activity helps you step away from daily pressures and gives you a healthy outlet? Finding that balance doesn’t take away from your goals…it helps sustain them.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

A couple of months ago, I walked back into my elementary school for the first time since graduating. This time, I wasn’t a student - I was standing in the gym speaking to kids about my career in baseball and sharing stories from the Billy the Batboy children’s book series.

While I was there, I couldn’t help but tell them a true story from my own fourth-grade days - one of the first times I ever faced real adversity.

Back when I was in third grade, colored duct tape was the trend. I became obsessed with it. Before long, I figured out how to make wallets and other items, and an idea was born. I called it “Billy’s Colored Duct Tape Designs.”

I printed order forms, brought them to school, and classmates paid cash for my creations. In third grade, I got away with it.

Fourth grade? Not so much.

On one of the first days of school, my teacher shut the operation down. A letter went home to my mom explaining that I couldn’t sell products or collect money from students on school property.

At the time, it felt like failure. Like a door slammed shut.

But here’s the part I didn’t understand back then: that setback was actually a setup for a comeback.

The very next year, I became a batboy. That opportunity changed the trajectory of my life and eventually led to everything I’m doing today.

The lesson I shared with those students - and the one I’m reminded of myself is this:

Just because something doesn’t work out the way you hoped doesn’t mean it’s over. Sometimes God is redirecting you toward something even better.

A closed door today might be pointing you toward a greater blessing tomorrow.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

In my leadership guide Want to Be Cool?? Be a Leader!!, I talk about the importance of appreciating the journey. We often get so locked in on the reward that we forget where the real growth happens.

“If only we won the championship.”

“If only I got that job.”

“If only…”

The journey is the reward.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking the next milestone will finally make you happy. “Once I finish school… once I make the team… once I get the promotion…” But the truth is, fulfillment doesn’t magically appear at the finish line. It’s built in the everyday moments leading up to it.

And the outcomes? They’re never guaranteed. You can work relentlessly and still come up short. Former New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford is a great example. After winning the Super Bowl in 2012, he expected to feel unstoppable. Instead, he called it one of the most depressing nights of his life. The moment he dreamed about didn’t deliver the satisfaction he thought it would.

Why? Because the mountaintop isn’t what changes you - the climb does.

When you embrace the grind, appreciate your growth, and value the people walking beside you, you’ve already succeeded. Especially in sports, a career isn’t defined by one game or one trophy. It’s built from the relationships, the effort, the resilience, and the pride of knowing you gave everything you had.

During my years working in pro baseball, there were seasons when we didn’t win it all - but the memories, lessons, and friendships from those teams are just as meaningful as the one that came with a championship ring.

In the book, I ask readers a reflection question:

What part of your current journey - in school, sports, or life - can you learn to enjoy more instead of only focusing on the end result?

Don’t wait until the finish line to start appreciating what’s happening right now. The big win is great… but the process can bring a deep, lasting level of satisfaction that no trophy can replace.

Grab your copy of Want to Be Cool?? Be a Leader!! today on batboyshop.com!

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney in Dubai, U.A.E. during November 2023.

Habits are the backbone of our lives. They can either build us up or break us down. Great habits move us closer to our goals, while poor habits quietly sabotage our progress. Success and failure rarely come from one single moment - they come from the daily patterns we repeat, whether we realize it or not.

My former professor, Dr. Rob Gilbert, recently shared with me a quote from Mark Johnson that perfectly captures this idea: “Habits start out as thin threads, and end up as strong cables.”

At first, a habit can seem so small and fragile that it barely matters. Choosing to skip a workout, hitting snooze, grabbing fast food, or scrolling endlessly on your phone feels harmless in the moment. It’s just a thin thread. But thread by thread, those small decisions add up. Soon, you’ve woven a thick, heavy cable that’s difficult to break.

The same is true for positive habits. Picking up a book for ten minutes a day, journaling your thoughts, practicing gratitude, or taking a few swings in the batting cage may not feel like much. But over time, those thin threads stack together into powerful cables that support your growth, your health, and your success.

Here’s the key: this principle applies not only to what we do, but also to what we think. The words we repeat to ourselves are habits too. If we constantly say, “I’m not good enough,” or “I always mess up,” we’re building a thick cable of negativity that weighs us down. On the other hand, if we remind ourselves, “I can handle this,” or “I’m learning and getting better,” we’re weaving a cable of confidence that carries us forward.

This is especially important for athletes - baseball players in particular. Baseball is a game built on failure. Even the best hitters in the world make an out most of the time. That reality can eat away at players who let negative self-talk become their dominant habit. I’ve seen it happen: one strikeout turns into self-doubt, the self-doubt leads to tension, and the tension leads to more failure. The snowball grows, and before long, the player feels trapped in a web of their own thoughts.

But I’ve also worked with players who are masters of their habits. They understand how much power their daily choices hold. They pay attention to the little things…how they warm up, how they practice, what they eat, how they sleep, how they talk to themselves after a bad game. They don’t leave these details to chance. Instead, they take ownership, knowing that every repetition is another thread added to the cable of their lives.

And here’s what separates the best: they are consciously aware of what cables they’re building. If a negative habit starts to creep in, they cut the thread before it strengthens. If a positive habit is working, they double down and weave it tighter. That awareness is a superpower.

So, let me ask you this: What thin threads are you weaving in your life right now?

If they’re good threads, habits that push you forward, keep strengthening them until they’re cables strong enough to carry you through any challenge. If they’re negative threads, don’t wait. Snip them early, before they grow into cables that hold you back and weigh you down.

At the end of the day, your future isn’t decided in one big moment. It’s decided in the small threads you weave today, tomorrow, and the day after that. The question is: what kind of cables are you building?

Grab your copy today on batboyshop.com! If your school (or one you know) hosts guest authors or motivational speakers, I’d be honored to be considered.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

If you want to do what others can’t tomorrow, you must be willing to do what others won’t today. That means making choices that feel uncomfortable, taking the harder road, and setting a standard for yourself that most people aren’t willing to reach. True growth happens when you leave your comfort zone and commit to doing things differently… not just once, but consistently.

Look at Derek Jeter. He wasn’t the biggest or most naturally gifted player on the field, but he separated himself by outworking everyone. While teammates might head home after practice, Jeter stayed late, taking hundreds of ground balls and sharpening the small details. He sacrificed late nights, distractions, and shortcuts because he understood that elevating meant doing what others weren’t willing to do. That discipline made him a five-time World Series champion and a Hall of Famer.

Now consider Shohei Ohtani. He’s doing something no one has seen since Babe Ruth - dominating as both a hitter and a pitcher in today’s game. That didn’t happen by accident. Ohtani separated himself by committing to a lifestyle and training routine that very few players in the world could even endure. He embraced a level of discipline and focus that requires daily sacrifice, from specialized workouts to strict routines. He chose the harder road when most players only focus on one role.

The most successful individuals didn’t get where they are by playing it safe or following the crowd. They rose above the noise, worked when others rested, and believed in their vision even when no one else did. That mindset is what separates leaders from followers - the ability to embrace discomfort today for the greatness that lies ahead.

What is one thing you can start doing today that most people around you aren’t willing to do, but that will move you closer to your long-term goals?

If you want to grow as a leader (or know a young student-athlete who does) my new guide, Want to Be Cool?? Be a Leader!!, is now available at batboyshop.com. This guide also makes a great stocking stuffer this holiday season!

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney and Students at Little Falls School #3 on November 20, 2025.

This past week, I had the opportunity to return to my hometown elementary schools for the first time since graduating. Walking through the hallways brought back so many memories. Coming back now as an author and someone working in baseball made the experience feel both full-circle and incredibly meaningful.

I spent time speaking with students about my career in baseball and sharing stories from the Billy the Batboy children’s book series. It was special to stand in front of them and talk about how my journey began in the same place they’re growing up now. I wanted them to see that big opportunities can start in small moments, and that their dreams - whether in sports, art, writing, or anything else - are already within reach.

A major theme of my talks was the importance of curiosity. I told them how, only a year after leaving those very classrooms, I became a batboy for the New Jersey Jackals. That opportunity didn’t happen because I knew everything - it happened because I asked questions, showed interest, and wanted to learn more about the game I loved. Curiosity was the spark that opened doors for me, and it’s something every student has the ability to tap into.

During our conversations, many of the students shared their passion for different sports. When I asked them what challenges they face, their answers were honest and familiar - injuries, frustration, and tough games. I explained that challenges are a natural part of any sport or passion. What matters most is how they respond: by getting back up, learning from the experience, and continuing to work hard with joy and purpose. Growth rarely happens in the easy moments—it happens when we keep showing up.

What impressed me most was their enthusiasm. Their hands shot up with questions, they shared personal stories, and they weren’t afraid to talk about their passions. That kind of openness and excitement is exactly what fuels long-term success. If they can hold onto that mindset, there’s no limit to what they can accomplish.

Leaving the schools, I felt incredibly grateful. Grateful for the support I had growing up, grateful for the chance to give back, and grateful that my books and experiences might inspire even one student to dream a little bigger. The next generation of athletes, leaders, and creators is already rising - and I’m honored to play a small part in their journey.

I’m already looking forward to the next visit. If you know of a school that may be interested, please reach out!

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌

Billy Pinckney and Joe Torre in New York City on November 13, 2025.

Last week, Hall of Fame manager Joe Torre hosted the annual gala for his Safe At Home Foundation - an organization he launched in 2002 to support children and families affected by domestic violence. What began as a personal mission has grown into a powerful movement that provides education, resources, and safe spaces for young people who are experiencing trauma at home.

I had the opportunity to cover the event and speak with the former Yankee skipper on the red carpet. When our conversation shifted toward the heart behind his foundation, Torre shared something deeply personal.

“They need to find somebody to talk to. I never did. What was going on in my home with my dad abusing my mom… As a seven or eight-year-old, I saw him threaten her with his gun - he was a policeman. I kept it inside, really didn’t share it.”

Hearing a Hall of Fame manager - someone known for calm leadership, championship success, and steady presence - express how much he carried alone as a child was incredibly powerful. Even the strongest people we admire often come from experiences we may never know about. So many kids today go through major or minor challenges but stay silent because they don’t know who to trust, or they fear being judged, misunderstood, or ignored.

Growing up, it can be easy to assume your peers are the safest place to confide in. But sometimes immature friends laugh off serious concerns, or they repeat something they shouldn’t. Opening up to the wrong person can make a tough situation feel even worse. That’s why finding a trusted adult or genuinely supportive friend is so important.

Whether it’s a teacher, coach, mentor, counselor, family member, or someone in your community who has proven to be steady and dependable - having that one person you can go to can make all the difference. A real support system helps you process what’s going on and gives you guidance instead of judgment.

If there’s something weighing on you - big or small - don’t carry it alone. Torre’s story proves that silence can stay with you for decades, but opening up can be the first step toward healing. If you’re in a position to be that trusted person for someone else, especially a young athlete or student, don’t underestimate the impact you can make just by listening.

We’re all stronger when we speak up, and even stronger when we support one another.

Book Billy for an Author Visit!

Billy is currently scheduling author visits at elementary and middle schools throughout the NJ/NY tri-state area, where he reads from his children’s books, leadership guide, and shares inspiring lessons from his baseball career. His visits highlight themes such as teamwork, leadership, and kindness - encouraging students to be thoughtful classmates and positive role models.

https://www.billythebatboy.com/author-visits.html

Check Out Billy’s Books & Merch!! 👀 

Visit Billy the Batboy’s Locker to purchase books and merch!

https://batboyshop.com

Thank you for checking out this edition of the Big League Perspective Newsletter! Be sure to share with a friend, teammate, or kid who may benefit! In the meantime, be sure to connect on social media @billythebatboy. 🙌