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Several years ago, Major League Baseball directed the implementation of lifestyle management for MLB Umpires. The objectives were to enhance not only the on-field performance of the umpires, but their quality of life as well. Under the direction of Ralph Nelson, Executive Vice President for Umpire Services, and Mark Letendre, A.T.C., Director of Umpire Medical Services, the Mackie Shilstone Center for Performance Enhancement and Lifestyle Management was selected to facilitate the attainment of these goals.
As a former Performance Nutrition and Conditioning Consultant to such Major League teams as the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and the Kansas City Royals, Mackie Shilstone understood the effect the game of baseball created for the player and the umpire during the baseball season. The task at hand was to develop a comprehensive in-season and off-season functional training plan for umpires with the following required components: body composition adjustment, cardiovascular improvement, flexibility training, meal planning for home and road use, and injury prevention.
John "Rocky" Roe was selected as the first candidate and "poster boy" for the Program. During Rocky's visit to the Shilstone Center facility he lost over 30 pounds, reduced his body fat, and lost several inches from his waistline measurement. Rocky stated,
Mackie Shilstone's Program literally saved my life. I came to Mackie to try to change my lifestyle. I committed to the program wholeheartedly and I lost a total of 34 pounds over a 2-1/2 month period. A byproduct of the testing found that I had high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and that some potential heart problems could have been in my future. Through Mackie's persistence, he provided me with clinical help that will allow me to live a long and prosperous life. I did have a knee injury and Mackie provided me with state-of-the-art physical therapy. Lastly, he provided me with an aftercare program that has made my knee healthy again. Thanks to Mackie, not only is the rehab of my knee going great, but also he has truly touched my life and changed it for the better!
Fieldin Culbreth took part in the Shilstone program prior to the 2001 season and was astounded at the comprehensive nature of the assessment and planning. "I think they are the first to break the job of umpiring down into all its aspects. First they considered my own personality and how I handle the stresses of the job as an individual, and then they identified the specific ways I should attack problem areas. The program was just outstanding. There's not a person alive that couldn't benefit from their assistance," said Culbreth.
Mark Letendre cited several factors in explaining why the Shilstone Center was chosen to serve the umpires. "Shilstone is a premier center in the nation for lifestyle management and proper conditioning. They had exhibited excellence in serving the professional athlete; we believed that excellence could naturally be applied to the industrial athlete-the umpire." Letendre also said that an integral aspect of the Shilstone Center is its medical component, an association with the Oshner Medical group.
As of the date of this writing, the Mackie Shilstone Center's Program has assisted over 20 MLB umpires and has participated in the two umpire retreats in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Shilstone Center welcomes the opportunity to provide Lifestyle Management assistance to you as well. For information, please contact Mark Letendre at 480-948-9527 or the Administrator of the Mackie Shilstone Center, Kim Cummins, at 504-382-9526. You are also invited to visit the Shilstone Center on the Internet at www.mackieshilstone.com. |
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