11 years ago, I was pulled off of the field in my hometown in front of all my family and friends, while warming up before the sixth inning. Confused, I jogged off the field and was handed a cell phone at the bottom of the dugout steps. On the phone was the @BlueJays GM letting me know I had been traded to the @Pirates. He thanked me for my efforts and we hung up the phone. I went and hugged my teammates and coaches, and wandered up to the clubhouse swirling with emotions. I gave 6 hard fought years to the organization, and at the time it felt like they quit on me. I had brothers on that team I had grinded through the minor leagues with, and coaches who helped me bounce back from several demotions. Trainers who helped me over come a laundry list of injuries. Staff and Fans who rallied hard to see the young buck with red cheeks to get another shot in the big smoke. Despite all of the drama and emotions, I was on a plane at 6am the next morning flying to Chicago. I will never forget walking into that old, grinder clubhouse at Wrigley Field for the first time and seeing new faces and new colors. It was scary, but also exciting. A new chapter had begun. What I didn’t realize at the time was how hard it was going to be to let go off all of the baggage from those first 6 years with Toronto. The projections, the storylines, the successes, and the failures. I had never lived up to the first round draft pick and #1 prospect hype. Despite making my @MLB debut as a 20 year old I battled injuries, poor play, and a lot of demons mentally. What I realize now, is my identity had been consumed by the “hype”. 100s of articles had been written about my potential, and somewhere along the way I started to read them and believe them. And when they started to really question my abilities, I started to question them too. I had started to lose that internal DOGG, who fought to overcome so many things on and off the field. My self-worth had become closely tied to my stat line. I was trying to please everyone except myself. I forgot what it felt like to have that unshakable self-confidence. I know some guys getting traded are going through a similar experience. I’m sure some HS and college athletes are struggling with this as well. Who you are and what you do are to completely different things. Stay true to yourself and enjoy the ride. It’s these experiences that will make you stronger in the end. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. This shit ain’t easy!!