Welcome to our new SFL Spotlight feature. This is a series where we interview athletes whose lives are fueled by sports. Some are professionals. Some are not. All are passionate about their performance, their potential, and their passion to learn, compete, and win. One of baseball’s future stars, Sammy Infante, a 22-year-old infielder with the Washington Nationals, answered our questions about his career and what fuels him. First, a little background: Sammy was drafted #71 in 2020 and played for the Fredericksburg Nationals. Born in southern Florida with a family from the Dominican Republic, he can play second and third base. Here’s what he had to say about this exciting time in his professional career.
1. When did you discover your passion for sport?“
I discovered my passion for sports, and baseball in particular, when my dad took me to the park for the very first time. The way we bonded over that experience elevated my passion for baseball.”
2. Who are your sports heroes that inspire you to pursue excellence?“
I’d say Boston Red Sox’s David Ortiz, particularly the way he went about his work every day and treated everyone with love and respect.”
3. What is the greatest piece of advice you have ever been given? Who gave you this advice and what did it mean to you at the time you received it?
“The best advice I have ever received was, “If you don’t like your current situation, play towards the situation you want to see yourself in. I received this advice from Derek Hill, he is in AAA with the Nationals. He gave me this advice during a difficult time in 2023 Spring Training. It really resonated with me.”
4. What mental tools do you use when you’re under pressure on and off the field?“
In my opinion, pressure is a false image brought upon someone from an outside perspective. If I take care of myself the way I’m supposed to–practicing, watching team film, or going to the medical room–I know I will be fine.”
5. Do you have advice for younger athletes pursuing their dreams?“
Being an athlete isn’t an easy thing to do. It takes sacrifice and dedication. Make sure you love whatever sport you choose; down the road there is gonna be traffic. To get through those hard times you have to love it.”
6. Do you have any pregame rituals that you use to calm yourself for your next competition, and if so, what are they?“
I do. I have to enter into a certain head space before a game. The easiest way to get there is by isolating myself for a little while and using my headphones to get locked in.”
7. What are some of your goals for after you are done participating in your sport?“
After my sports career, I’m mainly looking forward to starting my family. Sports will no longer be my #1 objective in life, it’ll be my family.”
8. Who or what is your biggest motivation to keep going in your sport and in your life?“
My main motivation that keeps me going is knowing I have a family that depends on me—parents I want to provide for.”
9. What fuels you?“
What really fuels me is how hard my dad worked to provide for my 4 sisters and myself.”
10. What impact do you hope to have on your sport?“
I just want to inspire as many people as I can to watch and play the game I love, specifically playing the game the right and respectful way.”
We encourage you to follow along on this new series with more guests who share insights on their careers. Feel free to follow us on our social accounts and become a member on our website to stay up to date with all that Sport Fuels Life has to offer!
