(8 Minute Read)
Matt Vierling is a professional baseball player and current starting Left Fielder for the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central. With the longest season of any professional sports league at 162 games, MLB players are fully accustomed to traveling from one city to the next on a weekly basis during the course of over six months.
We sat down with Matt on a recent day off to discuss his early success in such a competitive league, the effects of frequent travel on a professional athlete's body, and his routine for maintaining a clear mindset both on and off the field.
Taking the plate in Game 3 of the 2022 World Series
You were a huge part of the Philadelphia Phillies team that won the National League last year. Can you talk a little bit about what the experience of having that level of success was like at such an early stage of your career, and how you will plan to use that experience with your new team in Detroit?
Matt: Being a part of the Phillies Team that went to the World Series last year is something I’ll never forget. It was one of the most memorable and fun times I have had in my life up to this point. First off, being in those games, under that much pressure, and having so many eyes watching you is something that is not
comparable in the regular season. So, feeling what that is like early in my career is massive, because no pressure quite compares to that. Most importantly, being a part of such a close-knit group and having the team chemistry that we had was a huge takeaway from that year. Feeling what it’s like to truly root for the guy next to you is something I hope to bring to Detroit.
In a 162 game season, you will play 81 games on the road. What do you like most about traveling so often? What don’t you like as much?
Matt: I love traveling in general, so being able to experience so many different cities and ballparks is really cool. I like being able to go to each city and try some food, coffee, and walk around to see what the city is all about. One of the downsides to traveling so much is how it wares on your body. The travel schedule can vary, so getting in super late in the morning is a common occurrence. I would say the late arrivals and early wake ups for day games can be a tricky challenge to handle as a player in the Major Leagues.
Rounding the bases as a member of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in 2018
What are some ways you stay healthy, both mentally and physically, when you are on the road?
Matt: Mentally on the road, I try to get as much rest as possible. That means sleeping in as late as I can (or as much as my body needs). I think this helps me be mentally focused in the game and keeps me sane. Also, I try to meditate each day to just slow things down, as the schedule can get hectic at times. As far as physically, I try to work out at the field when I can. If I can do this on the road, it’s always a plus.
Fashion is a trending topic in the sports world nowadays. Everyone seems to want to look good both on and off the field. Do you plan pregame outfits ahead of time when you are packing for an away trip? What goes in to that process?
Matt: I don’t really plan my outfits for each day. Everyday on the road,
I wear jeans and a collared shirt to the field, as that is what I was taught in the minor leagues. So there isn’t much planning there with those outfits.
Showing off that sense of style after a 2021 home run
We all have one or two notable travel stories we love to tell our friends and family. Can you share one memorable travel related story from your time in the MLB?
Matt: I don’t have many crazy stories from traveling, but one that sticks out would be my first time traveling with the Major League team in Philly. In 2021, we were taking a charter plane from Clearwater, FL (Spring Training) to Philadelphia to start the year, so we got a police escort to the airport from Clearwater’s practice facility. I thought it was the coolest thing ever getting a police escort, as I
had never had anything close to that in my life before in the minor leagues.
Short Responses
- Window or aisle? Window.
- What do you typically do on the plane to pass the time? Watch Netflix, read a book, or play a game on my phone.
- What is your favorite ballpark to play in? Wrigley Field, Busch Stadium, PNC Park, or Comerica Park.
- What is your least favorite ballpark to play in? Don't have any. They're all cool and unique.
Panorama view of Comerica Park in downtown Detroit, Michigan
Follow Matt on Instagram (@matt_vierling24) and check out the remaining regular season schedule for the Detroit Tigers here.