Hand speed, reaction time, and automatic hitting

José describes bat speed, the 125ms decision window, and trusting training to react at the plate.

Play episode from 18:35

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Episode notes

José Bautista is a 6x MLB All-Star, Toronto Blue Jays legend, and one of baseball’s most iconic power hitters. Known for his historic bat flip and fierce competitiveness, he played 18 seasons in Major League Baseball and redefined hitting in the modern game. Now, he opens up about the moments that made him, broke him, and transformed him, both on and off the field.

In this wide-ranging conversation with Dr Kristen Holmes, he divulges:

The mindset that helped him survive trades, doubt, and rejection in the MLB
How the Toronto Blue Jays unlocked his true potential as a hitter
The truth behind his iconic bat flip and the brawl that followed
Three lessons every young athlete needs to hear
The MLB pitchers he hated facing the most
Why talent alone didn’t keep him in the league for 18 years
How growing up in the Dominican Republic shaped his competitive edge
When he finally knew it was time to retire

Whether you're a baseball fan or looking to learn from an elite athlete, this episode reveals how José Bautista rewrote the blueprint for success, and, more importantly, how you can apply the same simple principles to achieve your own.

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(00:00) Introduction

(01:56) José's Unconventional Journey to Major League Baseball

(06:46) Being on Five MLB Teams in One "Crazy" Year

(11:18) How Joining the Toronto Blue Jays Changed Everything

(16:03) The Piece of Advice that Fixed José's Swing

(20:13) The Unique Pressure of Playing for Canada's Only MLB Team