Life Liberty Levin 06-08-2025
Life Liberty Levin 06-08-2025
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New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
MLB players talk biggest misconceptions about playing in the majors in anonymous poll
On almost any given night, from late March to early November, a baseball fan can turn on the television and find a game to watch. The players, managers and coaches of Major League Baseball can become a presence in the viewer's life, a collection of protagonists and antagonists able to be followed as spring turns to summer turns to fall. Because you can see these people all the time, you can understand their lives. Advertisement Yet to hear players tell it, there is still a sizable gap between the public's perception of the profession and the lived experience of the players. As part of The Athletic's annual MLB Player Poll, our writers offered the participants a chance to correct the record: What is the biggest misconception about the lifestyle of a baseball player? More than 130 players gave us their thoughts. The responses mostly fit into a few categories, with answers centered around the grind of the 162-game season, the extensive time commitment, the lack of free time with friends and family, and the economic realities of players on the fringes. Many respondents acknowledged the remarkable privilege of playing professional sports while still taking a moment to vent. 'Our life is awesome, but it's not as easy as people think it is,' one National League pitcher said. 'I don't know if fans realize that when we say we spend more time with our teammates than our families, we're not exaggerating. It's not even close. That's why I say if you want to be a good dad, a good husband, it's not easy.' Added another National League pitcher, 'I haven't seen my mom on her birthday in 17 years. Little things like that that matter to me. People are like, 'Yeah, but you're getting paid, you're getting treated great.' . . . I've missed so many things for so many years, even before pro ball. Like, I couldn't go to my prom because I had a baseball tourney, you know? It's just little sacrifices you make over the years that you never get back.' The answers revealed one connection between the average baseball player and the average baseball consumer: traveling can be miserable. No, players don't have to worry about missing a connecting flight or checking the hotel room for bed bugs. But even with chartered planes and top-shelf hotels, players said, putting your life in a suitcase several times a month can be exhausting. Advertisement 'You're packing up every single week,' one National League hitter said. 'You're either going home or on the road. You pretty much only spend one week in one spot.' Added an American League pitcher, 'People don't fully understand the travel. Getting in late at night and going on short rest. Playing at night. Playing 162 games. I don't think people fully see everything that goes into that, and how it affects your body towards the middle to the end of the year.' Added a National League pitcher, 'I don't know if people realize how hectic the travel is and how exhausting that is. There's so little downtime.' The proliferation of data and the importance of advanced scouting has led to longer days at the ballpark. Rebuilding teams devote those hours to helping players develop at the big-league level. Contending teams use the time to share strategies to win that night. Which means . . . 'People ask what time I get here, and I tell them 1 p.m. — they're shocked,' one National League pitcher said. And that guy might be getting to the park a tad too late. 'We get here at noon,' one American League pitcher said. 'We practice before. Everyone has his own routine: weightlifting, throwing. We get to the field way before first pitch.' Added a National League position player, 'They think we just show up and play the game. But they don't really see the work that goes in the hours before: going over scouting reports, hitters' meetings, base running meetings and doing your full warm-up routine. Go to BP, chill for a second and then get it going again to play a game. After the game, get a lift in, talk to the media, go get dinner, see your family. It's a full-day thing.' This could explain, one American League hitter suggested, why it might not be easy to snag an autograph during batting practice. 'People think we are arrogant with our time, but our time is very limited during (batting) practice,' the player said. Advertisement Because the day begins long before the television broadcast starts, one National League pitcher said, that could explain why fans question a team's effort during a losing streak. 'Sometimes when it goes bad, they don't have the empathy because they don't see the work we're putting in behind the scenes,' the player said. This is the labor required to make routine plays look routine. And even then, several players said, the routine can be difficult to execute. One National League pitcher harrumphed about those who think 'that the game's f—ing easy. Everyone complains about what might seem like the simplest tasks, but in our world, it's one of the hardest things to do in sports.' The schedule makes activity away from the ballpark less adventurous. 'The lifestyle of ballplayers has changed drastically over the last 20 years,' one American League pitcher said. 'People aren't going out. There's not a nightlife. People think players go out and do whatever they want. That doesn't happen anymore. But apparently back in the day, it did.' Added another American League pitcher, 'People are like, 'Dude, what's it like to be in Seattle for three days?' I got one lunch and one breakfast. You don't have time. I don't go to the beach.' Not even family members are immune to misunderstanding. 'I had family that was in town one time,' one National League hitter said. 'We had a game at 7 p.m. and they said, 'You want to get dinner at 5?' Yeah, I can't do that.' The strain that baseball puts on relationships with friends and family also came up often among our respondents. The schedule forces players to miss milestones. 'Can't go to any weddings ever,' one pitcher said. It strains the connections with friends. 'I haven't had a summer since I was eight or nine,' one American League hitter said. It puts stress on your partner and children. 'When you have kids and you're away from home half the month, going city to city, it's just not as glamorous as people think,' another National League pitcher said. The time at the top can be fleeting. 'We're all people, just like everybody else, trying to make a living,' one American League pitcher said. 'Not every single player on the baseball field has superstar status. Most of the guys up here and grinding just to try to stay afloat. I mean, we're all having the time of our lives. But at the same time, most players are grinding their butt off to stay there. Most careers aren't as long as people think. I've talked to guys who got two or three years up here and they wish they'd been able to enjoy it more. But they were grinding so hard just to stay at this level.' Advertisement Which brings us to . . . the money. The major-league minimum salary is $760,000 in 2025, and it will rise to $780,000 in 2026, the final year of the current collective bargaining agreement. Suffice it to say, that is good work if you can get it. But as the players have already detailed, to reach this summit requires sacrifices. 'People see the contracts we sign, or even the major-league minimum and think we're set for life,' one National League hitter said. 'You don't know what goes into it.' And achieving the right to earn millions through arbitration and then free agency is a privilege that most players cannot reach. 'Baseball shows the top one percent, and those are the people that are marketed,' one American League pitcher said. 'But no one really knows about the guy who has parts of five years in the show but only 20-something days total, the fringe guys their entire career. Yes, they're making good money, but by no means are they wealthy. There's probably a misnomer (that) if you play baseball, you're incredibly rich.' Added another American League pitcher, 'Yes, the living is good. Yes, we make good money, some way more than others. But the logistics behind everything, moving your family, paying for two to three mortgages and the stress it causes some families. You're always on the move and until you're on a guaranteed contract, you're kind of living out of a suitcase. There's a lot of logistics and not knowing that I don't think people understand.' Added one National League pitcher, 'The biggest misconception is that people look at you like you're a multi-multi-millionaire because you're in the big leagues. Don't get me wrong, we make good money, but people ask me how many homes I've got. It's not like that in your first year — you're making the minimum, which is good money, but you're not like crazy rich.' Some of these gripes may not be well-received. It may be hard to find pity for the American League hitter who groused that 'nobody realizes we have to pay big-time taxes on our salaries.' It may be difficult to empathize with the fellow complaining about paying three different mortgages — an offseason home, a spring-training property and a regular-season home. But these are the realities that some players face, ones that they believe the public does not recognize. Advertisement 'I don't think people understand the logistics, especially if you have a family, of trying to organize moving, living in three different places, traveling with kids, making sure they have cribs,' one American League pitcher said. 'The stress just mounts. We just moved to a city that neither of us has ever been to. Money certainly helps, but it doesn't solve all of those problems.' One National League hitter found a pithy way to summarize the knowledge gap between the players and the public. 'I don't really know,' the player said, 'what people think about us.' Editor's note: Some player quotes included in this story have been lightly edited for length and clarity. (Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic; Photo: iStock)
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Travel + Leisure
3 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
12 Packable Short-sleeve Blouses You'll Be Reaching for All Summer Long—Up to 56% Off at Amazon
With temperatures heating up and the official start of summer right around the corner, now is the time to take stock of your seasonal wardrobe and fill in any missing pieces before your upcoming trips. And since airy, breathable blouses are the cornerstone of any well-built travel wardrobe during the warmer months, you'll want to turn your attention to Amazon as the retailer is currently overflowing with stylish, packable options boasting major markdowns. If you're looking to open up your wardrobe to endless styling potential this summer while shopping on a budget, keep reading for 12 of the best lightweight short-sleeve blouses to add to your cart while they're up to 56 percent off. Each piece is versatile enough for sightseeing excursions, nights out, and travel days alike—and prices start at just $11. Fluttery ruffle sleeves and a flattering V-neck make this lightweight blouse a standout in your summer wardrobe, while its relaxed fit makes it easy to dress up or down throughout your vacation. Subtle polka dots in the same shade as the rest of the top add texture without feeling flashy, and it comes in 33 colors and patterns—all of which will be right at home in your suitcase, no matter your destination. Wrinkle-resistant and utterly chic, this $20 blouse is a must-have for the season. If you're drawn to flowy, effortless tops with bohemian charm, this lace-trimmed V-neck blouse is a valuable addition to your summer travel wardrobe—and at just $15 on sale, now's the time to shop. The crochet neckline elevates this otherwise simple tee while keeping it easy to style, and its breathable fabric is lightweight, stretchy, and a great pick for travel days. Whether you pair it with linen pants or simple denim shorts, this blouse is sure to turn heads in any of its 14 shades. This high-quality designer top was a surprising Amazon find, and at 52 percent off, it's practically begging to be added to your summer packing list thanks to its versatility and endless styling potential. The breezy, peasant-style silhouette is decorated with a paisley floral print that's eye-catching without being too loud, while a tie at the neckline lets you wear it as a keyhole or undone for a more relaxed look. This fluttery cotton-blend top comes in sizes 00 to 14, and though it's patterned, it just might get more wear than your understated basics—whether you're staying at a resort or in the heart of a city. Reminiscent of early 2000s style, this loose-fitting V-neck top is a dream for casual sightseeing days and beyond. The feminine floral print instantly dresses up a simple pair of denim shorts, but it also looks stunning with trousers or a maxi skirt. The relaxed sleeves won't restrict your movement or cause discomfort in the summer heat, and the longer hem provides ample coverage without feeling too modest. Right now, it's also on sale for just $14 so you can easily snag more than one of the 38 available patterns without a second thought. Lace will always be one of the most summer-friendly fabrics—it's lightweight and breathable, so it's no surprise this breezy blouse has been snatched up by more than 400 shoppers in the past month alone. The monochromatic top is adorned with buttons down the back, while the sleeves and neckline are decorated with delicate crochet lace that sets it apart from the rest of your wardrobe. It's casual enough for sightseeing and laid-back outings, but tuck it into a pair of trousers and it easily transitions to a nice dinner or night out. Plus, it comes in a wide range of colors from butter yellow to deep wine, with sizes S to 2XL. Nautical stripes are decidedly 'in' this summer, so if you're ready to test out the look for less, this babydoll blouse is a great place to start while it's 50 percent off at Amazon. Defined by its square neckline and cinched ruffle sleeves, this comfy top is a brilliant pick for busy travel days, thanks to its soft, breathable fabric and loose fit that won't restrict you while lifting a suitcase into the overhead bin or racing through the airport to make your flight. It comes in 26 shades and prints (most of which are solid, if you're sticking to the basics), and it's so comfortable, more than 3,000 Amazon shoppers have snagged it in the last month. The dainty floral print and billowing ruffle sleeves on this blouse make it a must-have for galavanting around a foreign destination or seaside town this summer—especially now that it's on sale for $26 at Amazon. Dress it up with heels and flowy white trousers or a flouncy mini skirt, or keep it casual with denim shorts for a laid-back day of sightseeing. Made from wrinkle-resistant polyester, it packs easily and takes up minimal space in your suitcase, plus, the darling floral print comes in 15 gorgeous colors. Give your collection of summer basics an upgrade with this solid-colored ruffle-sleeve top that's just as versatile as a plain white tee. Its simple design makes it easy to style in endless different ways with every bottom in your suitcase, while its cotton-blend construction makes it a comfy pick for travel days and beyond. Shoppers praise its wrinkle resistance, so you can leave the portable steamer at home during your next trip, and right now it's on sale for 43 percent off in select colors. The perfect casual top for everything on your travel agenda, this vibrant tunic is sure to become your most-worn shirt this summer—whether you're lounging on the beach or exploring on walking tours. Made from a super-soft cotton blend that's stretchy and forgiving, this loose-fitting top is ideal for hot sightseeing days or as a bathing suit cover-up at the pool, and it'll always strike the perfect balance between effortless and put-together. Cap sleeves and a front pocket add subtle details that set this basic apart from the rest of your closet, and if you're tired of being squeezed by tight fabrics in the summer heat, this breathable top is the solution you've been looking for. Gingham is one of summer's trendiest patterns, so if you're ready to test it out in your own wardrobe, this smock-neck, puff-sleeved top is the way to go. Ruffles around the neck and sleeves nod to the ever-popular cottage-core trend, while the keyhole detail at the back is unobtrusive yet functional. It's even made from a wrinkle-resistant viscose fabric that's breathable and lightweight, delivering everything you'd want in a shirt during the hot summer months. This highly rated piece is currently on sale for a staggering 56 percent off, available in sizes XS to 2XL. This fun take on a sweater vest is the cool-girl wardrobe staple you didn't know you've been missing—and now that it's on sale for 50 percent off is the time to shop. The drapey, oversized shape keeps you feeling (and looking) cool, no matter how you accessorize it, and it's cut with a deep V-neck and capped sleeves that will earn you extra style points. Its solid black shade makes it versatile enough to pair with everything from a patterned maxi skirt to baggy jean shorts, and the tailored cut instantly positions this top as a more feminine twist on a traditionally masculine style. Sitting somewhere between a sweater and a blouse, this striped knit top is the nautical find of your summer dreams—and it's practically a steal at just $19. Puff sleeves add unique shape to this relatively fitted shop, while ribbed detailing around the neckline and hems makes it versatile enough to wear from work to vacation without missing a beat. Thanks to the striped pattern and viscose blend fabric, it resists wrinkles, and even if you don't plan to board a boat this summer, you can at least dress like you're ready to set sail. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
4 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
I Wear Alo Yoga Daily, and I'm Adding Its New Summer Arrivals to My Cart
Between frequent travel, a love of running, and my work-from-home schedule, I've become an athleisure expert. I spend most of my time in clothing that prioritizes comfort, but that doesn't mean I want to forgo style. In search of the ideal combination of function and fashion, Alo Yoga quickly became my go-to. My wardrobe relies on the brand's comfortable sets, breathable workout gear, and travel essentials so often, I rarely go a day without wearing at least one Alo piece. As a travel writer who is a pro at tracking sales, I am also not one to pay full price for anything. It takes a standout launch that's likely to sell out for me to shop without a discount, and Alo's summer arrivals are at the top of that list. Below, shop my top picks from its summer clothing arrivals, including pieces in a new spearmint green shade that will add a vibrant pop of color to my wardrobe this season. These full-priced pieces start at just $30. Unisex Half-Crew Throwback Sock, $32 Ribbed Prosper Tank, $68 Cropped 1/4-Zip Alumni Pullover, $118 Alumni Tennis Skirt, $78 Ribbed En Pointe Tank, $68 Fresh Mini Scrunchie 3-Pack, $30 Airbrush Streamlined Dress, $128 Tennis Club Sweater Knit Full-Zip Jacket, $188 Grand Slam Tennis Skirt, $88 Match Point Short, $68 Athleisure isn't only sweatshirts and sweatpants, it also includes lightweight and versatile pieces like this ribbed tank top. As summer approaches, I plan to wear this warm-weather piece with jean shorts for casual outings, breezy pants on a flight, and leggings for a morning walk. Whether you play tennis or are just a fan of the sport's cute outfits, this skirt deserves a spot in your arsenal. I love how lightweight and breathable the fabric will be on hot summer days, and it has pockets and built-in shorts that make it a practical pick. For days that require a comfortable outfit that is slightly more polished, I love reaching for an athletic dress. This version has built-in shorts, so I can feel confident wearing it on a long walk or hike, and it has a stylish piping design and A-line fit that makes it ideal for meeting friends for brunch or running errands. I plan to wear this with sneakers, sandals, or court shoes while playing tennis this summer. Maintaining an active lifestyle also includes having the right accessories from head to toe. This scrunchie three-pack will add an extra pop of color to my looks and make my easy, comfortable outfits feel even more put together and intentional this summer. Keep scrolling to shop more Alo Yoga summer arrivals below. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
