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Newcomer to Baseball's Disabled List: Anxiety

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 1, 2009 1:57 PM CDT
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(Newser) – Major League Baseball’s disabled list has expanded to include a previously touchy ailment, the Wall Street Journal reports—anxiety. Three players have recently sat out games because of publicly acknowledged cases of the “butterflies,” an admission unheard of just years ago. Though the airing of psychological problems is rare in baseball, they are openly spoken of in other sports from golf to archery.

MLB says teams have maintained private assistance for anxious players for the past 20 years, and psychological maladies are treated “no differently” than physical ones. One psychologist who treats baseball players urges them to harness their disquiet. “Anxiety is a symptom that tells me you’re ready to play,” he says. Players just need to “get the butterflies lined up in the same direction.”

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto spent time on the disabled list this spring for mental-health reasons.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto spent time on the disabled list this spring for mental-health reasons.   (AP Photo)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been placed on the disabled list twice this season with anxiety.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been placed on the disabled list twice this season with anxiety.   (AP Photo)
New York Mets' Fernando Martinez can't come up with the catch on a double hit by Milwaukee Brewers' Corey Hart.
New York Mets' Fernando Martinez can't come up with the catch on a double hit by Milwaukee Brewers' Corey Hart.   (AP Photo)
Kansas City Royals' Jose Guillen talks with plate umpire Sam Halbrook after Guillen was called out on strikes in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins.
Kansas City Royals' Jose Guillen talks with plate umpire Sam Halbrook after Guillen was called out on strikes in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins.   (AP Photo)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been placed on the disabled list twice this season with anxiety.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis has been placed on the disabled list twice this season with anxiety.   (AP Photo)
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis wipes his face on the mound after issuing a bases-loaded walk for the second time in the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis wipes his face on the mound after issuing a bases-loaded walk for the second time in the first inning of a baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.   (AP Photo)
In this June 9, 2008, file photo, Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis reacts after being pulled in the second inning of a game.
In this June 9, 2008, file photo, Detroit Tigers pitcher Dontrelle Willis reacts after being pulled in the second inning of a game.   (AP Photo)
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Khalil Greene has said he's dealt with anxiety issues since childhood.
St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Khalil Greene has said he's dealt with anxiety issues since childhood.   (AP Photo)
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sports • MLB • mental illness • anxiety • baseball • psychological disorder • disabled list • player

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