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I think everybody can use a little feel good story on what seems like the most somber of days. Kertenian’s story is one long and endured journey that has ultimately led him to guide many young baseball players onto the next level. The Dodgers are no strangers to experimentation when it comes to developing players in their organization. They saw how much of an impact Kertenian’s positive mindset had that allowed him to connect with many mentally struggling players. Now Kertenian is not what you would think a manager of any baseball club would look like, as described by a Dodgers prospect, he witnessed a bare chested, bearded man, contouring his body in all sorts of yoga positions. He was the only person in the stadium out in center field, and this was his manager, Mark Kertenian. Kertenian had alternative methods to solve problems with his players, such as deep meditation. For fifteen minutes, as you closed your eyes, you could hear the ambient music combined with Kertenian’s voice. It’s his ability to take these young players who are dealing with all the stress of performing well, family troubles, their financial situations and make them clear their heads of all of it. It’s only then, that their players would be relaxed and comfortable enough to perform on the baseball field. Kertenian is a weathered veteran when it comes to dealing with obstacles in life. Throughout his life he’s had to deal with many ups and downs, and it’s his ability to not be afraid to open up about them that has led him to have such great relationships with players.
Kertenian looks more like the sous chef at a 15-seat Silver Lake cafe than a minor-league manager. He behaves more like a guru than anyone affiliated with an MLB team.
Pedro Moura via The Athletic
Players come to learn that no matter what situation they find themselves in, or what problems they are going through, they have someone they can turn to. And Kertenian is genuinely concerned about each and every one of his players that he comes in contact with. It’s this type of relationship that allows him to get the most of his players. When a player is not comfortable or has other things on their mind, their play is going to show it. Despite having no MLB experience, he is in his third season supervising players for the Dodgers. They believe that it’s his ability to connect with so many different players that makes him so valuable for their organization. This is not something you see every day in baseball, usually managers and other personnel have a number of years working in MLB, but the Dodgers have made it clear they are open to developing players in unique ways. Even if that means hiring a manager with zero MLB experience. In a game with a lot of ego, Kertenian shows no signs of it. He truly cares about the development of the players he is instructing.
“I have street cred, and I can share with them appropriately, so that they, for a moment, don’t feel alone enough where they feel embarrassed. I don’t want them to feel embarrassed or like they’re letting people down.”
Kertanian on his relationship with his players
Kertenian attributes all of his life experiences that allows him to connect with so many players. As a minor league player who’s getting little pay, far away from home, with other issues looming over their heads, it’s comforting to know that they are not alone. This is where Kertenain comes in and assures the players that they will always have his support. Many players have gone through similar experiences and he wants to make sure that they don’t feel like they are letting anyone down. Players know that most managers prioritize career success and winning, but with Kertenian it’s the complete opposite. He cares about the person, as an individual the most. Sometimes a player’s failures can’t be corrected with baseball related drills, but maybe complete mind reset can help. If you aren’t 110% focused on the pitch at hand, you are ultimately going to suffer. You can’t perform properly if you head is racing a million miles a minute, with everything but the game on your mind. Kertenian could try and find a new job with more money, but helping baseball players realize their dreams are more than enough for him. His main goal is to enjoy life and provide whatever means necessary to get his players to the next level. He most certainly knows that this is what he is meant to be doing and when you believe in your players, they most certainly will return the favor. So let’s follow in Kertenian’s footsteps and continue to spread positive energy and look out for the people around us as we get through this difficult situation.
The Washed Up Athlete 