“We were the team that got him right, and he went on to win the MVP,” said Lewis, who has heard plenty of criticism of his own current slump. “It gives me piece of mind that this is just baseball. Hitters go through this. It’s very normal, and it’s something I’m going to overcome again.”
That positivity, well, that’s been Lewis’ personality since he arrived four seasons ago.
“Royce doesn’t really change. We’ve all noticed because we’ve all been though things like that. He’s working hard on it, trying different things, trying new things,” pitcher Pablo López said. “It is a challenge that baseball brings upon us just to test our resiliency, test our ability to adapt and change without changing our identity, without changing our core. He’s still the same guy.”
And believe it or not, he’s managed to stay upbeat even as the numbers keep getting worse.
“How can you not? We’re winning,” Lewis said. “I don’t know how you don’t have fun. This is the game I grew up playing and loving. We’re having fun playing cards on the plane. Just the little things, hanging out with the boys. I love it. Food’s always amazing. Hotels are always great.”
Lewis was out of the lineup for Monday night’s victory against the Athletics but arrived at the ballpark early in order to take extra batting practice.
