John Grabow: A Humble Spirit - and Plenty of Self-Discipline
There is an indescribable freshness when one comes upon a person who, while demonstrating great accomplishment, remains - solidly humble. Such is the case with sports luminary, John Grabow. Almost unnoticed, major league baseball relief pitcher, Grabow visits the LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center. Quietly undetected, he navigates through his workouts with utter resolve as he prepares for spring training. There is a modest stillness in his humility coupled with unflappable self-discipline. Grabow knows that self-discipline requires every athlete to link the actions of today with the results of tomorrow. LECOM provides the arena for that mission and the results are evidenced in Grabow’s commitment. The benefits of being physically fit, of learning about one’s abilities, and of pushing one’s own limits are benefits known not only to athletes, but to all who embrace osteopathic principles. No more plainly is the osteopathic principle evidenced than in the heart and spirit of a determined athlete. John Grabow, who signed a contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in December, was 3-1 with a 4.76 ERA for the Chicago Cubs last year. The 33-year-old left-hander enjoyed his best year in 2008, with a 2.84 ERA in his 74 appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In order to compete for a roster spot at spring training, Grabow must be in top physical shape. Although a relief pitcher may throw only for an inning or two per game, he must be fully prepared to pitch every day. Such requirements place onerous demands upon the body, and Grabow understands that physical fitness is a way of life and a commitment to health. “You have to be ready to pitch every single day,” explains Grabow. “You have to be ready both mentally and physically.” The skillful southpaw has developed a daily routine that he maintains throughout the season as well as during his off-season downtime. Grabow’s focus parallels LECOM’s spirit. Self-discipline is not an end in itself; rather it is part of a fully developed and resolute character. Through a constant commitment to self-improvement, self-control, and self-knowledge - greatness of character follows. Sure footedness is attendant with having prepared for the unexpected. “Going to the field every day, you must have some type of routine; whether it’s in the weight room or in the training room,you must do whatever you can do to prepare yourself,” emphasizes the pitcher. “That way,” he continues, “when the phone rings, you’re not surprised and you’re ready to go.” Grabow has a remarkably inspired spirit and he demonstrates that appeal, both as athlete and as teammate, each time that he steps onto the field. Grabow is married to the former Karey Ann Mifsud, an Erie native whom he met while pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates. They have a home in Erie where Grabow, Karey, and their son stay in the offseason. Hearing about the LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center while working out in the team weight room with the Mercyhurst College baseball team, Grabow explains: “I was told, you need to go over to LECOM; that place is a pretty nice, new facility.” Following the welcome tour at the Center, Grabow was markedly impressed, stating: “LECOM has the nicest facility that I’ve seen throughout the country and I’ve seen some pretty nice facilities at different spring training camps and baseball parks.”
14 | LECOM CONNECTION | spring 2012
Pitcher John Grabow takes his off season training seriously and enjoys the LECOM Medical Fitness and Wellness Center as he gets ready for spring training. In March, he became a free agent.
“LECOM did a very good job when they built the center,” he continues. “With the amenities that they have here, I can get in a workout then drink a protein shake and get my protein in right away. If I want to sit in the sauna or in the hot whirlpool and try to get some therapy, I can do that too. If I need a trainer to stretch me out, there are always trainers who are available,” the pitcher comments. Grabow’s offseason routine begins on the weight floor at the Wellness Center where he lifts heavier weights with shorter repetitions to build muscle. While the cardio-fitness treadmills, bikes, and elliptical machines are close-by, Grabow prefers playing basketball in the gym or a game of racquetball to get his heart pumping. Just before spring training, he modifies his workout routine to include lighter weights with more repetitions. “I want to start to burn some of the fat that I’ve accumulated during the offseason,” he explains. “The last month going into the season, I do more cardio with increased core exercise. I’m trying to get my stamina back and get the lungs working more,” he clarifies. Grabow has found that the LECOM Wellness Center meets all of these needs. “Everything is right here,” he affirms. “If I want to play basketball, basketball is right here; and the racquetball courts are right there,” he says, gesturing toward various locations around the Center. He points out the other features at the Center, including the cycling spin room, the aerobic classes, the three pools, and physical therapy offerings. “Other than a major league baseball facility, there are not too many gyms that I’ve seen throughout the country that meet all of these fitness needs and that have all of these amenities,” Grabow concludes. His wife Karey is also a great fan of the Wellness Center. She participates in many of the group exercise classes. As for Grabow’s fans seeing him workout at the Center - he likes to “keep a low profile”, attend to his workout, and head home to his family. “If someone wants to talk about baseball, that’s okay with me,” he says graciously, “but mostly, I like to get to work. I’m usually here for about an hour-and-a-half and that’s it; I get the workout in quickly, but with some good quality exercise.” All-in-all, not a surprising attitude for a star pitcher with patience, persistence, and plenty of self-discipline – and a humble spirit.