Bronx, NY – Former Houston Astros' outfielder and current NY Mets' Director of Player Relations Donovan Mitchell addressed the Lehman College Baseball Team on Tuesday, February 4, 2020. With a powerful message about baseball serving as the ideal metaphor for life, Mitchell shared colorful stories about his seven year professional playing career to amplify the significance of overcoming self-doubt, failure, and hardship. Although Mitchell led the entire Astros' organization with a .329 batting average in 1995, he had many struggles early in his college career and intermittently within pro ball. The Elmsford, NY native offered a variety of helpful mental approaches to dealing with batting slumps, fierce competition, and life's difficulties.  

As the parent of NBA superstar and 2018 Slam Dunk Contest Champion, Donovan Mitchell, Jr., Mitchell recalled a story of his son having an off-night with the Utah Jazz. Rather than go out to dinner after the game as they planned, the two stayed at the arena from 11pm until 2am practicing. The unique, inner drive that his son possesses to achieve provided a model for the Lehman players to emulate before the upcoming season commences on February 20 versus Montclair State University at Yogi Berra Stadium.

Mitchell also opened up to the team about the training habits of NY Mets' players, including Jacob DeGrom, Daniel Murphy, and Michael Conforto. In addition, he explained the full, pre-game hitting regimen of Mets' slugger and 2019 National League Rookie of the Year Peter Alonso.

The visit concluded with Mitchell fielding a variety of questions from the Lehman College players and coaches. After responding to a wide array of position-specific inquiries, Mitchell re-emphasized the importance of adopting a professional approach to every aspect of life as a student, baseball player, and family member.