Griffin Canning details how one book helped him rebound to become emerging Mets starter

Mets pitcher Griffin Canning engages in a Q&A with Post columnist Steve Serby.

Q: How has the book “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle impacted you?

A: I read it in 2023 and wish I could experience it for the first time again. At that time, I was dealing with a back injury and had more free time than ever before. I was 25, 26 years old, still trying to figure out my identity. Growing up Catholic, I had drifted away from religion and turned towards spirituality. Every word in the book resonated with me, emphasizing that the wisdom is already within you.

Q: What specifically resonated with you?

A: The concept of being present in the moment. I would read a chapter before pitching and focus on statements like “I am present in the moment, focused on the task at hand.” This mindset relieved pressure and helped me perform better on and off the field. Recognizing when you’re lost in thought and bringing yourself back to the present moment was key.

Q: Did you pick up the book because of your back injury?

A: Yes, being sidelined allowed me to explore other interests outside of baseball. I learned the importance of having hobbies and not solely defining myself by my baseball career. Taking a step back and enjoying the moment rather than overthinking and putting pressure on myself made a significant difference.

Q: Did this mindset improvement translate to better performance on the mound?

A: Absolutely. I focused on enjoying the game and being present, aiming to achieve a flow state where I wasn’t overthinking. Being in that zone is the best feeling, and I’ve been able to maintain it in my recent outings.

Q: Have you let go of the pressure you used to put on yourself?

A: I try to. I’ve realized that being overly critical doesn’t always lead to improvement. Having fun and enjoying the game is my focus now.

Q: Do you still revisit the book occasionally?

A: Yes, sometimes you fall back into old habits of overanalyzing or getting stuck in your head. The book serves as a helpful reminder to stay present.

Q: Have you shared the book’s teachings with your teammates?

A: I’ve mentioned it to a few of them.

Q: How has this mindset shift impacted your life off the field?

A: It has taught me not to take myself too seriously and to appreciate the small things. By being more observant and mindful, I’ve learned to see the world with fresh eyes, like a child exploring the wonders around them.

Q: Are you a knower or a namer?

A: I aspire to be a noticer or an experiencer, appreciating each moment without categorizing or labeling it.

Q: What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?

A: The injury, although it ultimately led to personal growth and positive changes. It’s difficult to view it as entirely negative given the lessons I’ve learned.

I believe that life is constantly trying to teach us lessons, and we will continue to face the same lesson until we learn from it. In my case, getting hurt forced me to explore a different path and learn more about myself both on and off the field. I emerged from that experience feeling stronger.

Q: What lesson did you learn?

A: I learned the importance of not taking myself too seriously and focusing on things that bring me joy and peace of mind. This allows me to let go of my own inhibitions and truly enjoy life.

Q: Did you ever think your career might be over during your low point?

A: When I missed half of the 2021 season and all of 2022 due to injury, I never felt like my career was over. I had dealt with similar setbacks in college, so I knew my body would heal. Although there were moments of doubt, I used that time off to reflect and enjoy life outside of baseball.

Q: What drew you to Orel Hershiser?

A: I was compared to Orel Hershiser by my college coach, which led me to admire him even more. I started wearing his number and watching his games. I appreciate his approach to the game and his athleticism on the mound.

Q: How would you describe your mound mentality?

A: I consider myself an even-keeled bulldog on the mound. I strive to remain composed and focused, regardless of the situation. Over the years, I have adopted a more holistic and Zen-like approach to pitching, focusing on being present and embracing each moment.

Q: What drives you as a player?

A: I am driven by the desire to reach my full potential, even though I may not know what that entails. I continuously strive to improve and become the best version of myself as a player.

Q: How good do you think you can be?

A: I believe I have the potential to be really good. I approach my development with a mindset of taking it one day at a time and staying present in the moment.

Q: Give me a scouting report on yourself.

A: I am an athletic strike-thrower who prides myself on being versatile and competitive on the mound. Despite some struggles, I focus on throwing multiple pitches for strikes and trusting my instincts during games.

Q: Have you surprised yourself with your performance?

A: I don’t think I have surprised myself. The key in this game is consistency, and I am focused on maintaining that level of performance moving forward.

Q: What is it like pitching on the big New York stage?

A: Pitching in New York has been an exhilarating experience. The energy of the fans and the pressure of performing on a big stage motivates me to give my best on the field. The stadium atmosphere is energizing on the mound. Juan Soto is a confident hitter. Lindor and Alonso are great leaders. Nimmo is the nicest. Players like Senga, Mendoza, and Torrens stand out. Cohen is a fan-owner. Canning honors his godmother’s grandson. He supported his mother during her cancer battle. He takes pride in his Gold Glove win and his fascination with Derek Jeter. Canning enjoys playing sock baseball with his brother and imitating famous batting stances. His family’s Angels season tickets allowed him to attend a World Series game in 2002. My mother’s aunt was a huge Giants fan, and I have vivid memories of the electric atmosphere while standing on the seats watching the game.

Q: Favorite players?

A: Back then, my favorite players were Francisco Rodriguez and David Eckstein.

Q: What about Zack Greinke?

A: As I got older, I started to appreciate Zack Greinke more.

Q: Winning the 2014 CIF division championship at Dodger Stadium as a high school senior was an emotional moment for you.

A: It was a special moment, as it was a culmination of my high school career and playing with my best friends for the last time.

Q: How did it feel to lose to San Diego State and be eliminated from the 2017 NCAA Tournament as a junior?

A: It was tough knowing it was my last game at UCLA, but I was grateful for the time spent with my friends and the hard work we put in together.

Three dinner guests?

A: Albert Einstein, Socrates, Abraham Lincoln.

Favorite movie?

A: “Pulp Fiction.”

Favorite actor?

A: John Travolta.

Favorite actress?

A: Alexandra Daddario.

Favorite entertainer?

A: Tom Misch.

Favorite meal?

A: Filet mignon, baked potato, broccoli.

You’ve wanted to be a professional baseball player since kindergarten.

A: I’ve always been focused on becoming a baseball player and never considered any other career path.

Why is this team so fun to be on?

A: The team is full of players who are selfless and dedicated to winning. The camaraderie and support among teammates make it an enjoyable environment.

Have you dreamed about winning a World Series?

A: Winning a World Series is a dream shared by all of us on the team. With the right group of guys and strong team spirit, it feels like a real possibility. Please rephrase