First baseman Prince Fielder is in the best shape of his life entering the 2014 season with the Texas Rangers.
Fielder committed himself to an intense fitness regimen following his trade from the Detroit Tigers, according to the Detroit Free Press. Fielder revealed his workout routine, which includes MMA training and lifting, to ESPN’s Toni Collins, saying that mentally and physically he’s in the “best shape of my life.”
With a .286 career batting average, Fielder disappointed in 2013, averaging .225 in the postseason with no home runs or RBI. He has received backlash from many fans regarding how his size affected his performance.
“Everybody has their opinion. I know what I do,” Fielder said in response to the criticism. “I play hard every day no matter what, and I give it all I got. It might not be up to other people’s expectations, but I can only do what I can do.”
Fielder’s physical transformation didn’t just end with his size, either. The first baseman has lopped off his long dreadlocks, opting instead for a high-and-tight haircut, which he debuted at his introductory press conference with the Rangers.
Fielder hopes that his new dedication to exercise improves his playing and makes him an asset to the Rangers. He also hopes to put this infamous belly flop from Game 6 of the 2013 ALCS behind him:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apnLKKB2pNM&w=560&h=315%5D
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@MLBONFOX
