Veteran players from the Philadelphia Phillies shared their experiences and advice with younger teammates during spring training in Clearwater, Florida, according to a Mar. 12 report. The team’s top prospects, including Aidan Miller, Justin Crawford, and Andrew Painter, found their lockers placed near established stars such as Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, Alec Bohm, Trea Turner, Zack Wheeler, and Taijuan Walker.
The guidance provided by veteran players is seen as important for helping new players adjust to the major leagues. Left-hander Jesús Luzardo said that proximity to experienced teammates helps prospects learn how to conduct themselves both on and off the field: “It’s great that Painter, Craw and Miller are next to those guys. It’s good to get a feel for how the veterans act, how they go about their business in the clubhouse [and] how they interact with everyone. Slowly, those interactions help you learn how to go about your business.”
Several Phillies veterans reflected on lessons learned early in their careers. Alec Bohm said: “You don’t know what you don’t know coming into camp for the first time… You see how they work, how they take care of their bodies. That was a big thing for me.” Brad Keller recalled advice from Blaine Boyer: “As crazy as it sounds, look around and take it in… The run in [from the bullpen], that’s your moment to finally embrace that this is the big leagues.” Brandon Marsh remembered Mike Trout telling him: “Just go up there and know that you’re a dude and just don’t expect it will happen. Just go up there and do it.”
Other players highlighted the importance of learning routines from veterans or focusing on teamwork over individual achievement. Aaron Nola said he valued simplicity taught by former teammates: “My pitching coaches then made it simple as well… Now when things are going wrong I still try to get back to the simplicity thing.” Kyle Schwarber shared Jon Lester’s advice: “Just be known for winning… If you’re focusing on winning the game… you’re probably doing something [positive] as well.”
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As spring training continues, both veterans and newcomers are expected to benefit from these exchanges of knowledge. Trea Turner summed up this spirit by saying: “No matter how old you get, you can still learn a thing or two.”
