Benched in Game 1
In the opener of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium, Jazz Chisholm Jr. was left out of the starting lineup as the Yankees faced the Boston Red Sox. With Boston’s left-hander Garrett Crochet on the mound, manager Aaron Boone opted for a right-handed batter instead. Chisholm eventually made a late-game appearance in the ninth inning but flew out with the bases loaded in a 3-1 defeat.
A Different Kind of Recovery
For many players, a postseason setback can weigh heavily. But Chisholm turned to an unconventional method to reset: video games. After the tough night, he fired up MLB The Show, where he took out his frustration virtually by routing an online opponent. He revealed he “mercy-ruled” the other player with a lopsided 12-1 win, which he credited as a way to move past the disappointment.
Back in Form
Whatever the method, it worked. The very next night, Chisholm returned to the lineup and helped the Yankees even the series with a narrow 4-3 victory. His speed and energy on the field became a key factor, including a highlight moment where he scored from first base in just over nine seconds.
A Game Within the Game
Chisholm’s custom MLB The Show team, which he named the “New York Aliens,” featured baseball greats like Ken Griffey Jr. and Jimmy Rollins alongside himself. The virtual win offered a reminder that even elite athletes need an outlet to unwind and reset before facing real-world challenges on the biggest stage.