In Addison, Illinois, former Chicago Cubs outfielder Albert Almora Jr. has found a new passion after an unexpected turn in his career. Though he had no immediate plans to retire this spring, when the opportunity to continue playing baseball didn’t materialize, Almora seized a chance to give back to the sport he holds dear.
A decade after playing a pivotal role in ending the Cubs’ 108-year World Series drought, Almora is embarking on a fresh journey—this time as a mentor to aspiring young players.
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“Baseball has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember,” Almora reflected. “Now, I feel like I’m contributing to the game in a whole new way, helping to nurture the next generation.”
Almora made history at just 22, reaching the pinnacle of Major League Baseball as a rookie with the Cubs. Reflecting on those early days, he said, “Back then, I thought winning would be an annual event. But experiencing losses taught me just how special those victories are.”
After five seasons with the Cubs, Almora has seen the ups and downs of professional baseball. His new approach to training emphasizes more than just the technical aspects of the game. It’s about imparting wisdom, resilience, and a love for baseball that transcends mere statistics.
After five seasons with the Cubs and years experiencing the highs and lows of professional baseball, Almora says his approach to training goes far beyond swings and stats.
At his new velocity training center in Addison, the focus is just as much mental as it is physical, helping young players learn how to handle failure, pressure and confidence.
“This is a game of failure. And if we can learn how to control that and learn how to master that, then all you gotta do is work hard,” Almora said.
Almora’s work ethic helped him win a ring, but it’s the pressure, success and failure that now shape how he mentors young athletes both on and off the field.
“If I can still give back to the game in a different way while being with my kids, I think that’s just as valuable for me,” Almora said.
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