Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette, an avid mixed martial arts fan, turned to traditional martial arts in the offseason for a new way to train.
He tried Muay Thai last fall and has incorporated it into his training routine, along with swimming and Pilates.
“Honestly, this is probably the hardest thing I've ever done,” Bichette said. “It was mentally tough to get through it. But I was lucky to have a trainer who was very passionate about coaching me.
“I don't know if all standard Muay Thai sessions are like that, but he understood that I wanted to work hard and really pushed me. So it was difficult.”
Muay Thai is a stand-up striking competition that typically involves training with a cardiovascular component.
“Kicks, punches, a combination of everything,” Bichette said. “It was really hard work because there was a lot of cardio, but I enjoyed overcoming it.”
Bichette started in late November at the recommendation of his trainer. The 25-year-old had always wanted to try it out, so he was an instant sell.
“I was a part of it and loved it,” he said.
Bichette spent two stints on the disabled list last season due to a right quadriceps strain and tendonitis in his right knee. He focused on strengthening his legs and said he was “thrilled” with his physique after training in different ways.
His Muay Thai work also ties in with his love for the UFC.
“I’ve had some teammates over the last few years that have gotten into MMA,” he said of the MMA promotion. “I started following it and now I really like it. I can't afford to miss an event.”
Over the years, UFC stars have sometimes stopped by the Rogers Center before a fight to watch batting practice and mingle with the fighters.
“GSP is the only one I've ever met,” Bichette said, referring to legendary Canadian fighter Georges St-Pierre. “I was young at the time, so I didn't really care about his brains. But there's probably no one better than him.
“I haven't talked to any of[the other members]but I'm sure they'll say great things about the mental aspect of overcoming fear, because it would be scary to go into that Octagon.”
The Blue Jays open the regular season on March 28th at Tampa Bay.
