When the season started, there were many in the Dodgers clubhouse who were excited about what rookie outfielder James Outman could do. He put on a show during Spring Training, and once he made the team, it was an exciting moment for everyone.
What he has shown over the course of the long year is that he does belong in the major leagues and that he can handle the pressure of being a professional player. It has really helped stabilize this Dodgers team, and he has been one of their better players all season long.
But as a rookie, it can be tough to navigate things sometimes. So, Outman has leaned on some of the Dodgers veteran players for leadership advice. One of those players is veteran Jason Heyward, who was a cast-off himself entering the year. But the two players have leaned on each other through it all.
One executive has credited Heyward with helping Outman really find his form this season.
"What J-Hey has brought to this club, the culture around this team is one of the best I've ever been around in 18, 19 years of doing this. Even when things weren't going perfectly for us, there was a grind about this group that gave us confidence. It made us focused on all we could do to try to bring in whatever we could to help supplement this team just because of how special this group is. And J-Hey is right in the thick of it. I cannot begin to say how much he's meant for James Outman. When we look back at James Outman's impact on this year, in the years ahead, J-Hey's fingerprints are all over it."
For the year, Outman is hitting .245 with 21 home runs and 66 runs batted in. His bat has been a consistent presence in the LA lineup, and he has seemed more comfortable as the year has gone on.
Even Outman has credited Heyward with helping him this season. He is thankful to have someone like that on this roster, willing to help him.
"He's meant a lot. we're always going over at-bats and going over pitchers and going over how to go over your everyday life as a big leaguer. He's had so much experience doing it -- I look up to him when it comes to stuff like that. He's a real pro. He shows up, gets his work done, works smart and he's always open to lending a helping hand when anyone wants it."
When veteran players give back like this, it really helps a team stay connected through the grueling year. LA has been very team-oriented all season long, and they will continue to be as the playoffs start soon.
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