Former Padres Share Mental Health Insights with High Schoolers

Former Major League Baseball players Mark Loretta and Carlos Quentin addressed the importance of mental health during an event for local high school students in San Diego. The session, titled ‘Understanding Mental Wellness,’ took place at Petco Park, just before the Padres’ game against the Miami Marlins.

About 80 students attended the event, having completed a mental wellness course to participate. This initiative is part of a broader partnership between Major League Baseball and Everfi, an online education platform focused on mental health awareness.

Loretta, currently serving as a special assistant to the CEO of the Padres, emphasized that mental health holds equal, if not greater, importance compared to physical health. He pointed out the rising anxiety levels among youth, exacerbated by social media and societal pressures. ‘It’s vital for everyone to recognize that they are not alone in facing these struggles,’ he stated.

During the panel, Loretta and Quentin shared personal stories about their experiences with performance anxiety throughout their careers. The discussion lasted approximately 30 minutes and was followed by a question-and-answer segment, allowing students to engage directly with the speakers. Dr. Laura Sudano, a mental health expert from UC San Diego Health and the Padres’ employee assistance coordinator, also contributed to the dialogue, offering professional insights into mental wellness.

The event’s atmosphere fostered openness, with students asking questions and discussing their own challenges. Loretta spoke about the necessity of having a ‘short memory’ in baseball, urging students to focus on the present rather than dwelling on past failures. He stated, ‘The only time you ever have is the moment right now… Whatever happened last night, good or bad, that’s over. Today is a new day.’

Quentin echoed this sentiment but admitted he struggled with it more than Loretta. ‘I lived on a roller coaster every day, which was tough,’ he shared, recalling the pressures he felt as a young athlete in San Diego.

Since retiring, Quentin has dedicated his efforts to improving youth sports environments, founding a company called ‘Before the Field’ aimed at enhancing the experiences of young athletes. Both he and Loretta believe in the importance of creating supportive environments for youth, encouraging open discussions about mental health issues.

Loretta concluded with a powerful reminder: ‘Everyone faces mental struggles to some degree. It’s part of being human. It’s okay to seek help, and there are many resources available.’ This event is part of a series of initiatives by the Padres and Major League Baseball during Mental Health Awareness Month, aiming to promote mental well-being among young athletes and their communities.