How can parents encourage their young athletes to stay fit, eat right and lead a healthy life? The Partnership went straight to some Major Leaguers to find out.

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Healthy Competition Lineup

TorIi Hunter

Center Fielder,
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Father of 4

Major League Debut: 1997

“Always have the double Ds with you: dedication and desire. You can’t go wrong.”

Jamie Moyer

Pitcher, Philadelphia
Phillies, Father of 8

Major League Debut: 1986

“When things get tough what do you do? Do you fold or do you say ‘bring it on’? I like to say ‘bring it on.’”

Mike Sweeney

Designated Hitter/First Baseman, Seattle Mariners, Father of 3

Major League Debut: 1995

“Just because you’re not the best kid on the team, it’s not the end of the world. You go out and have fun, work harder than anyone else and you never know.”

Mark Teixeira

First Baseman, New York Yankees, Father of 2

Major League Debut: 2003

“For me, healthy competition is everybody going out there and doing the right thing, working hard, and making sacrifices to be the best they can be.”

Michael Young

Third Baseman, Texas Rangers, Father of 2

Major League Debut: 2000

“My biggest [challenge] was always knowing that there was someone better than me and I had to always find a way to overcome that.”

Tim Maxey

Joint Strength and Conditioning Coordinator, Major League Baseball and Major League Baseball Players Association, Father of 3

Major League Debut: 2002

“People always want to tell you what you can’t do. You need to focus on what you can do in order to achieve your goals.”