JJ Bleday, the Cincinnati Reds’ outfielder, has been one of the hottest hitters in Major League Baseball since being called up in late April. Bleday credits his success to his daughter, Brooke, who was born in November.

Fatherhood Inspires Bleday

Bleday said that being a father has given him a new perspective and motivation. “I’m already wrapped around her finger,” he said. Bleday’s wife, Emily, has been handling most of the baby book reading, but Bleday is enjoying every moment of being a girl dad.

Bleday’s daughter has been to most of his games, and he said it’s been meaningful to have her in the stands. “She lights him up. I actually think she’s helped him. We’ve got the dad strength cooking,” Emily said. This weekend, Bleday will celebrate his first Father’s Day playing in front of his daughter.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.