Mariners’ Locklear Embraces Yoga After Coach’s Surprising Suggestion

PEORIA, Ariz. — Tyler Locklear, a 24-year-old first baseman for the Seattle Mariners, has embraced an unexpected offseason training regimen prescribed by his infield coach, Perry Hill. After spending nearly three weeks with the major league team last season, Locklear turned to yoga at Hill’s suggestion to enhance his flexibility and overall performance.

“It’s a big learning experience,” Locklear said, reflecting on his initial stint in the big leagues. “You learn from your mistakes and grow as a person.” Despite a challenging debut, where he posted a batting average of .156 with a .536 OPS over 49 plate appearances, Locklear is focused on refining his skills. He noted the importance of pitch selection and being comfortable at the plate.

“It’s about the pitch selection, swinging at the pitches you are comfortable handling and driving it to the outfield, gap to gap,” he explained. “When I am going good, everything is just flowing.”

To achieve that flow, Hill, 72, encouraged Locklear to incorporate yoga into his routine. “I thought it would just help his flexibility and elongate things instead of being so muscled up,” Hill said. The coach participated in classes in Michigan, while Locklear stayed committed to his own practice in Bel-Air, California. “It worked,” Hill affirmed.

Locklear acknowledged the benefits he’s seen from yoga. “I think it’s helped a lot,” he said. “I’m more flexible, and I feel more flowy and rhythmic around the bag.” The two coaches made it a point to check in with each other weekly about their progress, revealing differing attitudes toward the practice.

“I just liked that it was a different way to work out,” Locklear shared. “It was about kind of learning about your body, being more flexible, something I have never really harped on.” Conversely, Hill admitted his experience wasn’t as positive. “It didn’t work out for me,” he said dryly. “I didn’t get the same results.”

The jovial rivalry continued as Locklear noted that the yoga had also introduced him to the Zen aspect of training. “It’s about being strong with your body, really focusing on yourself and being in that Zen state,” he said. Hill humorously commented on whether he gained any Zen from the experience. “I think he did,” Locklear responded, chuckling. “He’s still yelling and everything, but he said he’s more flexible.”

Despite the contrasting reactions to yoga, Hill said seeing Locklear’s progress during spring training has been rewarding. “I saw it right away,” he said. “His body works like it should work.” Locklear echoed that sentiment, expressing surprise at the positive impact of yoga on his game. “I didn’t think it was going to be as beneficial as it ended up being,” he said. “I’m really happy with how it turned out.”

As for Locklear’s future with the Mariners, the first base position is currently filled, but he remains hopeful. “Things happen in a 162-game season,” he commented. For now, he plans to continue his yoga practice throughout the regular season, underscoring the importance of continual improvement in his professional journey.