I had an awesome time chatting with Matt Joyce, a 14-year MLB veteran, for our latest GMTM Sports podcast! It was a fascinating journey through his baseball career, from his early days as "The Slugger" (thanks to his dad, "The Hammer") to his full-circle moment back in Tampa Bay with the Rays.
Matt and I really connected on the ups and downs that athletes experience throughout their journey. He was super open about the challenges, the setbacks, and the hard work it takes to reach the top of your game. It's a story that I think a lot of young athletes can relate to, no matter what sport they play.
He shared some great stories about his dad, like how he was a legendary softball player in Tampa. Matt said, "There's actually an article in the Tampa Bay Times... 'Tampa softball: Nobody does it better than Joyce.'" His dad's power earned him the nickname "The Hammer," which eventually led to Matt being called "The Slugger."
One of the things that struck me most about Matt's story was his resilience. He talked about facing failure head-on, learning from his mistakes, and never giving up on his dream. He even shared a powerful story about hitting rock bottom in the minor leagues, saying, "I was just trying to survive, man." He talked about how he used visualization and positive self-talk to turn things around, which is something I think any athlete can learn from.
We also talked about the importance of preparation and practice. Matt's a big believer in "you play how you practice," and he emphasized the need to put in the work, even when no one's watching. He also stressed the importance of having a good support system, especially when things get tough.
Matt's post-playing career is just as impressive as his time in the MLB. He's now a successful entrepreneur, owning F45 gyms and venturing into real estate. He shared some great insights on how he's applied the lessons he learned in sports to the business world, and he offered some valuable advice for athletes looking to transition into new careers. He said, "It's the same game, just played at a higher level," which I think is a great way to think about applying your athletic skills to other areas of life.
Overall, my conversation with Matt was incredibly inspiring. He's a great example of how athletes can achieve success both on and off the field, and his story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and resilience. Be sure to check out the full episode for more insights and inspiration!