What Does it take to Succeed?

Two players, both Tampa Bay Rays, show us through their actions why they can excel at the major league level

Speaking with former MLB player Johnny Field, he learned a valuable lesson at the Rays training camp. Field, like most other players, would shag fly balls without intent during BP sessions. Then he noticed four time gold glove winner Kevin Kiermaier. When Kiermaier shagged, he turned every lazy fly ball into a valuable rep, working his craft with his footwork and angles. There was no jogging after balls - he worked hard. If a starting center fielder and gold glove winner works like this, perhaps that is what I should be doing as well, Field reasoned

This is the stuff that turns a 31st round pick from a small community college in Illinois into a major league starter. That was Kevin Kiermaier's journey, and it bears notice for all young players

Chandler Simpson is an up and coming star, however he is not content. His defense rates below average, despite his next level speed, which doesn't sit well with the young player

"Nobody questions his desire to get better, the way he works," manager Kevin Cash said. "(On Saturday) he wasn't in the starting lineup. He's out shagging all BP full speed. He has taken every bit of information that he can handle and is trying to make himself the most complete player he possibly can."

Skill and talent matter, but heart and work ethic can matter even more. Never be the guy who is outworked