Rick Ankiel - The YIPS & coming back as outfielder

Rick Ankiel suffered one of the more memorable attacks of the yips on national TV during the 2000 NLDS, breaking MLB records nobody wants.
He reinvented himself and became one of the games best defensive outfielders.
#baseball #nymets #washingtonnationals #theathletearchives #mlb #atlantabraves #stlcardinals #cardinals

[@mikethesportshistorycollec1947]

Great story. I've never really understood the yips, maybe because I've never experienced them. It's great to see that Rick was not willing to give up on his dream, even if it meant changing positions.

[@signsofthepastime]

Rick Ankiel’s story really hits home. I got the yips in high school during a tryout. At the moment I had just finished attending a baseball academy and getting hitting lessons from a pro player. The tryout was supposed to be just a formality because the coach knew what type of player I was. For some reason I couldn’t throw the ball. I don’t know if it was nerves or putting too much pressure on myself but it just suddenly happened. Sadly I didn’t make the team and I quit playing baseball for years until I joined a softball league. The yips return sometimes so I play right field just in case it does because there’s not much action out there. So, I have a lot of respect for Ankiel for making a comeback and playing at the level he did. The highlights show what a special talent he was. Great video, Gordon. Thanks for making this.

[@theathletearchives]

Hugo, I'm sorry you went through that. I was talking to some friends in a group chat and I said I think we can all relate in some way but your story is directly relatable. I coached 7u baseball against a former major leaguer who got the yips at the end of his career. I won't mention his name, but he said he could not pitch to the 7 year olds because he was afraid he might hit them. It's an amazing thing.

[@CleanCheapShots]

I remember watching that series when he was hit by the YIPS. I recall feeling bad for the guy. Mackey Sasser comes to mind as well. Great story Gordon. You have to love the perseverance. The video clips were fun to watch at the end.

[@theathletearchives]

Thanks! Inspirational, for sure.

[@billyballgamesportscards]

I'm glad I found your channel. I remember watching the playoffs the season the wheels came off for him. I remember thinking how sad it was and confusing it must have been for him to be an athlete at the pinnacle and have his body or mind betray him. I also remember following his progression as a hitter in the minors and his triumphant return to the big leagues as an outfielder. His is definitely an interesting yet strange, inspiring, and sad story. Thanks for telling his story.

[@theathletearchives]

I just watched your video as well. Love your stuff!

[@billyballgamesportscards]

@@theathletearchives Many thanks!

[@jordandimarzio6322]

Rick Ankiel is the ultimate story of not give up giving up on your dreams he couldn't pitch anymore so he said screw that I'll be an outfielder and throw strikes from centerfield

[@theathletearchives]

Could not agree more!

[@CareerCollector]

Good video great subjects.. keep up the good work

[@brianb.5473]

I agree. I really enjoy his videos.

[@theathletearchives]

Much appreciated!

[@theathletearchives]

​@@brianb.5473 thanks! I'm enjoying the process. I wish I had better editing software but it's fun.