the unseen hours
When people think about high-level athletes, they picture the big moments:
The bright lights.
The roaring crowd.
The clutch plays that get replayed on highlight reels.
What they don’t see are the hours behind the curtain — the quiet, gritty, often lonely work that makes those moments possible.
And that’s the work that matters most.
The Truth About Confidence
Here’s something I learned after nearly a decade in the big leagues: confidence isn’t built under the lights. It’s built in the unseen hours.
It doesn’t magically appear when the game is on the line. It’s earned long before you step onto the field.
Think about it:
The swings in an empty cage.
The early lifts in a quiet gym.
The journaling, the breathwork, the visualization when no one is watching.
That’s where confidence takes root. The game doesn’t create your confidence. It simply reveals it.
My Big League Experience
I’ll never forget the lonely nights in the cage, just me, a bucket of balls, and the echo of the bat. No applause. No cameras. Just work.
It was in those moments I sharpened my swing and, more importantly, built trust in my preparation.
So when I stepped into Fenway Park or the World Series, I wasn’t relying on luck. I wasn’t hoping I’d show up. I knew I would — because I had already put in the work when no one else was around.
That’s the gift of the unseen hours. They give you freedom. They allow you to play loose, knowing you’ve earned it.
Why It Matters for You
The unseen hours don’t just apply to baseball. They apply to everything.
Students preparing for exams.
Entrepreneurs building their businesses.
Parents showing up for their kids.
Whatever arena you’re in, the work you do when nobody’s watching is the work that sets you apart.
Major League Mindset Takeaway
👉 Confidence is rented. And rent is due in the unseen hours.
Every extra rep, every intentional breath, every small step you take when no one is around… it all compounds.
That’s what allows you to step into the spotlight with unshakable confidence.
Your Challenge Today
Double down on your unseen hours.
Show up for yourself when no one else is watching.
Trust that the investment you make today will show up for you when it matters most.
Because champions aren’t made in the spotlight. They’re made in the silence.
Bring it on,
-Brandon
