On a new episode of The Turf: Powered by D1, D1 Founder and CEO Will Bartholomew sat down with R.A. Dickey — former MLB pitcher, Cy Young Award winner, and Will’s brother-in-law — for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it takes to build longevity in sports and in life.

Over 21 years in professional baseball, Dickey learned to evolve — from multi-sport athlete to power pitcher to knuckleball specialist. His story is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of good coaching.

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From Multi-Sport Athlete to Power Pitcher

Growing up before the age of sport specialization, Dickey credits his all-around athletic background for shaping his skills and competitiveness.

My training was how many sports can I play? I wish I would have had opportunities like D1 and people who knew more about training and the body.

At the University of Tennessee, he was introduced to structured strength training and quickly saw results: “I went from throwing 88 in high school to 95 because of that foundation.”

But that early focus on mass and power came with a cost. “I probably lost a little mobility because I bulked up,” he admitted — a lesson that would come full circle later in his career.

Reinventing Himself: The Knuckleball Years

When his fastball faded, Dickey had a choice: give up or evolve.

I had to figure out how to feel my body in space better… not just throw harder.

That transformation — from a “meathead mentality” to a focus on finesse, range of motion, and mobility — ultimately led him to the pinnacle of his career: winning the 2012 National League Cy Young Award.

The Power of Mentorship

Dickey attributes much of his success to those who guided him along the way.

I had Charlie Hough, Tim Wakefield, and Phil Niekro — basically the Jedi Council of knuckleballers — all on speed dial.

Each mentor poured wisdom into his craft, and Dickey made sure to share the credit: “When I won the Cy Young, it was a win for every knuckleballer that’s ever stepped on the earth.”

Mindset, Fatherhood, and Lifelong Learning

Reflecting on what he’d tell his younger self, Dickey said:

I’d teach my younger self about preparation, about eating better, about the value of sleep. You’ll fix 95% of what’s wrong with you by eating right, getting sleep, and exercising.

Now as a coach and dad, he’s passing those lessons on — not just about sports, but about balance and perspective.

“I tried to control too much early on. It took me realizing — this is his journey, not mine.”

A Lesson for Every Athlete

From the weight room to the pitching mound, Dickey’s message aligns perfectly with the D1 philosophy: build a strong foundation, stay coachable, and never stop learning.

Be a lifelong learner. Be teachable. That’s how you play free — and that’s how you keep getting better.

The Legendary Turkey Bowl

Even after 21 years in the majors, R.A. Dickey’s competitive fire didn’t fade — it just found a new field. Every Thanksgiving, the Bartholomew family hosts a Turkey Bowl, and like any good athlete, Dickey plays to win.

That is, until one unforgettable game.

It always goes too far,” Dickey laughed. “We’re a bunch of old men reliving the glory days. I was on defense, went up for a ball — and came down missing two teeth.

It’s a story that perfectly captures Dickey’s trademark mix of toughness, humor, and humility — and his willingness to go all in, whether it’s the big leagues or a backyard game with family. For the rest of that story, and all of R.A.'s anecdotes and nuggets of wisdom, be sure to watch or listen to the full episode.

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