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Ever wonder how Andre Ethier manages to stay so chill despite leading the Dodgers in game-winning RBI? The Dodgers' right fielder shared his secret on Saturday with 100 lucky participants in DodgersWIN with the first-ever yoga session in Dodger Stadium. Ethier's yoga instructor, Johanna Epps, flew in from Phoenix to lead a group in one hour of twists, poses, sun salutes and Etheir's personal favorite, the difficult Pigeon Pose. The session took place at the unusually tranquil hour of 11 a.m. in the Mannywood neighborhood of Dodgertown, CA 90090 -- aka left field.
Before the session, Ethier credited his yoga practice with helping his game both physically and mentally. The right fielder described how yoga can reduce injuries when his body contorts into unexpected positions when making difficult plays in the field, and also how it helps his mental focus to be able to "will" himself through a tough one-hour yoga session.
Ethier walked around the yoga mats during the session, with the emphasis on saying hello to participants rather than checking alignment. Music at the session included Jursassic Five and Dave Matthews Band. Participants received a nifty Dodgertown yoga mat, cap and water bottle.
DodgersWIN (Women's Initiatives Network), created by Jamie McCourt, is a network designed to bring women closer to the game of baseball and to bring the game closer to their lifestyles. Although it may not get much closer than yoga on the grass with Andre Ethier, those interested are welcome to sign up for more information at WINevents@ladodgers.com.
