The licensed clinical therapist has worked with Astros players and staff during spring...
A 7-month-old Goldendoodle named Chewbacca — Chewy, for short — sits with Justin McKissick, a mental skills coach for the Astros at spring training on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 in West Palm Beach, Fla.WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — On metal bleachers sheltered by palm trees alongside one of the back fields at the Astros’ spring training complex, an observer found his shady perch to take in minor-league practice.
McKissick, a licensed clinical therapist, was hired in January by the Astros to work as a mental health and performance provider based in West Palm Beach. He will spend most of his time at rookie-level ball in the Florida Complex League, but during spring training has worked with players and staff from all levels of Houston’s organization. And he doesn’t go anywhere without his service dog and sidekick, Chewy.
McKissick has to budget about 10 extra minutes to walk anywhere with his canine companion, because on his way out to observe batting practice or a bullpen session someone is sure to stop and greet Chewy. “I saw the job posting and almost didn’t apply because I thought it was almost too perfect, to be honest,” McKissick said. “One of the things I try to stress with anybody is the importance of goals, so when the opportunity came up it was something I had to go for.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Astros and Rockets Looking to Take Ownership of AT&T SportsNetOne of the biggest local sports stories a decade ago was the collapse of Houston's Comcast Sports Network, a network that was partially owned by the Houston Astros and the Houston Rockets. At that time, the main issue was high carriage fees, leaving cable providers covering about half of Houston...
Read more »
Astros' C.J. Stubbs reflects on wild 48 hours, brief WBC experienceAstros' C.J. Stubbs reflects on wild 48 hours, brief World Baseball Classic experience
Read more »
Dominican Republic's WBC upset sends several key Astros back to campDominican Republic's World Baseball Classic upset loss sends several key Astros back to camp
Read more »
Astros' Ronel Blanco passes early test as possible starting pitcher optionRonel Blanco has been thought of as a relief pitcher, but the Astros are stretching him...
Read more »
Astros' José Abreu taking advantage of extra at-bats in springJosé Abreu, the Astros' new first baseman, homered and doubled as Dusty Baker made sure...
Read more »
Key Astros return from WBC, eager to compete in it again despite injury riskKey Astros return from World Baseball Classic, eager to compete in WBC again, despite injury risk
Read more »