With the growing awareness of ADHD, it’s a commonly discussed topic in classrooms, office spaces, or even romantic relationships, affecting daily lives positively and negatively at certain times. Yet, its impact is often overlooked in sports. Using the characteristics of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, myriad athletes have shone in different sports, proving when managed correctly, it can be your hidden superpower— not a weakness.
Previously we discussed ADHD players from soccer, NBA, and NFL fields. Similar to all these big sports, neurodivergence is found in some noteworthy MLB players who reached legendary status and used it to their advantage by smashing records and winning titles.
5) Andres Torres
An expert switch hitter— Andres Torres’ illustrious MLB career spanned eleven years—starting in 2002 and ending in 2013. He played for the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers,and Detroit Tigers. But the 2010 World Series winner didn’t have an easy outing as a player due to his mental health struggles, particularly after ADHD diagnosis. His continuous battle as a neurodivergent individual hampered his concentration and consistency in the field.
His condition was first discovered during his playing days with the Detroit Tigers when he was only 18. Recalling his ADHD diagnosis, Torres said,
“One of my coaches noticed it. I was missing signs. My focus wasn’t there. I was so hyper. I wasn’t paying attention to the stuff. My head was going everywhere”.
Though ADHD took a toll on his focus, he refrained from taking medications, thinking he would overcome the condition without any help. However, he flourished as a player once his medications started in 2007— five years after the first diagnosis. His neurodivergence challenges gained so much attention that a documentary named ‘Gigante’ was made about his daily battle with ADHD.
4) Shane Victorino
When you think of the best outfielders in history, Shane Victorino pops up in discussion for his clutch hitting and superior defensive skills. Renowned as ‘The Flying Hawaiian’, Shane played in MLB for twelve years from 2003 to 2015, representing teams like Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Shane is among the most recognisable MLB players with ADHD, having been publicly outspoken to raise awareness. He was diagnosed with neurodivergence in his childhood, which prompted his parents to encourage him in sports as a distraction— particularly in baseball, soccer, and track and field. Focusing on baseball while dealing with ADHD was challenging, but it was his life mission to reach a higher level. With sheer determination and courage, he not only coped but shone, setting the stage for an incredible MLB career.
3) Scott Eyre
Scott Eyre may not have had the hall of fame stature like Shane Victorino, he still enjoyed a solid career. The left-handed pitcher donned the MLB jerseys for five teams— Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, and Toronto Blue Jays. From 1997 to 2009, he had a twelve-year run in Major League Baseball. Winning the World Series Title in 2008 was the highest honor of his baseball career.
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His neurodivergence was first identified amid his playing days with Toronto Blue Jays in 2001. His inattentiveness towards teammates and coaches, combined with a lack of focus in the game, prompted him to get professional help, resulting in the diagnosis of ADHD. In the early 2000s, Eyre was among a few American athletes to acknowledge the ADHD publicly. Due to his experience and personal battle with the condition, he now helps young athletes to deal with ADHD.
2) Justin Miller
Justin Miller’s MLB career peaked in the 2000s when he represented four teams—from Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays to San Francisco Giants and Miami Marlins. He was a remarkable pitcher, but he made headlines for things beyond performance in the pitch. The reason? His arm tattoos. Fans gave the nickname ‘Justin Miller Rules’ because MLB considered his tattoos a ‘distraction’ for batters, and he was obliged to wear long-sleeved t-shirts under the jersey to hide his ink arts.
Justin Miller’s ADHD was first noticed once his former teammate Scott Eyre— when they both played for the San Francisco Giants—asked him to be tested after noticing signs in him. Upon a successful diagnosis, Miller was prescribed medications that sharpened his focus and mindfulness, gradually improving his overall performance as a player.
1) Matt Herges
Matt Herges was 29 years old when he made his MLB debut for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999. He had a career spanning 10 years, but he switched teams like seasonal outfits— never sticking with one team for more than a year or two. This is why he played for nine teams in his decade-long MLB career.
The relief pitcher discovered his ADHD after Scott Eyre’s condition received limelight.
” He (Scott Eyre) told me all his symptoms and I said… that’s me”,
revealed Herges when he related his condition to Scott’s. It was a life-altering diagnosis for him. Matt was put under medications, while he soon showcased noticeable improvement in his performance.
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