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Alex Rodriguez Says Therapy Was a 'Big No No' in Baseball Locker Rooms (Excl)

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 19:58 GMT by Us Weekly
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“The Mental Health Stigma in Baseball”

The piece opens with a quote that has already begun to circulate on social media: “When you’re in the locker room, the culture says you have to be tough. There’s no room for therapy. It’s a big no‑no.” A‑Rod describes how, during his rookie years in the early 2000s, teammates who openly admitted to mental health concerns were dismissed or even ridiculed. “They would say, ‘Don’t be a wimp. Get over it.’ It was the prevailing belief that you had to be a machine, not a human,” he says. He further explains that even the term “therapy” was used as a derogatory phrase, “like a sign that you’re broken.”

In the interview, the former outfielder recalls a specific incident: “I was going through a tough slump, and I tried talking to a team trainer. He laughed and told me that if I had a problem, I should just work harder.” That experience, he says, made him reluctant to seek help until after his career had ended.

A‑Rod’s Personal Journey

The article then delves into the less‑publicized side of A‑Rod’s life. While his on‑field statistics remain impeccable, his personal life has been a roller‑coaster. After his 2009 suspension for the use of performance‑enhancing drugs, A‑Rod began to experience mood swings that he attributed to both the public scrutiny and his own internal conflict. He recounts attending therapy sessions for the first time in 2012, describing the experience as “a light switch turning on in my head.”

“In therapy, I learned that my problems weren’t unique; they were part of the human experience,” he says. A‑Rod credits his therapist with helping him break the cycle of self‑doubt and guilt that had plagued him. He adds that therapy helped him navigate his high‑profile divorce and his financial challenges, allowing him to view his life with a more balanced perspective.

A Call for Change in the Baseball World

The interview shifts to broader implications. A‑Rod insists that the “big no‑no” mentality persists, especially in the American League, where the culture of machismo remains strong. He argues that younger players, especially pitchers who often suffer from anxiety and depression due to the pressure to maintain arm health, need access to mental health resources. “It’s not just about performance. It’s about survival,” he says. A‑Rod cites the recent case of former pitcher, Tyler Lillard, who struggled with post‑traumatic stress disorder after a life‑threatening injury. Lillard’s story, which the article references via a link to a New York Times piece, demonstrates the real dangers of ignoring mental health.

Following that link, The New York Times reported that Lillard, after a severe pitching injury, was forced to retire prematurely and later revealed that he had been dealing with anxiety and nightmares. The Times article also highlighted the lack of mental health infrastructure in Major League Baseball and called for leagues to adopt mandatory counseling and mental‑health education programs. A‑Rod uses that reference to underline the urgent need for institutional change.

Bridging the Gap: A‑Rod’s Initiative

The article also discusses A‑Rod’s new philanthropic venture: the “Mindful Pitch” initiative. Launched in partnership with MLB and the MLB Players Association, the program aims to provide confidential counseling services to players at all levels, from the minors to the majors. The program also offers educational workshops for coaches and managers, teaching them to recognize signs of mental distress in their athletes.

According to the article, A‑Rod himself is a mentor in the program, sharing his story in webinars and town‑hall meetings. He also mentions an upcoming podcast, “Mindful Pitch: A‑Rod’s Playbook for Mental Health,” where he will interview athletes who have struggled with anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. The interview contains a link to the podcast’s promotional page, which previews a first episode featuring former pitcher Mike Hampton, who discusses his own journey to sobriety and mental wellness.

Reception and Impact

A‑Rod’s remarks have been met with mixed reactions. While many former teammates have praised his openness, some critics question whether a star player’s narrative can adequately represent the experiences of all players. A‑Rod counters by emphasizing that the cultural shift begins with honest conversation, and he has made it his mission to speak out. The article references a link to a Sports Illustrated feature that details the broader trend of athletes speaking about mental health, citing figures such as Tom Brady, LeBron James, and the late Kobe Bryant.

Looking Forward

In closing, A‑Rod reflects on his legacy: “I made mistakes, but I’m proud of what I’ve done to help others.” He stresses that his role as a mental‑health advocate is not just a personal redemption but a responsibility to the next generation of athletes who may be walking a similar path. He calls on baseball’s leadership to dismantle the “big no‑no” stigma and to make therapy as normalized as a regular workout. The article ends with his pledge to continue “breaking the silence,” encouraging every player to seek help when needed, because a stronger team begins with a healthier mind.

Through this interview, Alex Rodriguez not only exposes the long‑standing culture of silence surrounding mental health in baseball but also provides a roadmap for change—one that could reshape the sport’s approach to player well‑being and perhaps, ultimately, preserve the game’s integrity by valuing the humanity of its athletes.