CHICAGO — Just the mention of 1991 brought a pained groan from Sandy Alomar Jr. as he leaned against a railing in the Cleveland Guardians’ dugout.
Three decades have flown by. Alomar has played for seven teams over the course of 20 seasons, appeared in 49 playoff games, earned an All-Star Game MVP award, and created countless memorable moments while wearing a big-league uniform. For 15 years, he has also coached a consistently competitive team in Cleveland.
Despite all of this, he remains haunted by memories of the dreadful ’91 season. That’s the impact of continuous losing—not merely the kind that leaves players, coaches, and fanbases feeling disgruntled, but the kind of losing that crushes the spirit of those who cannot escape it.
“It confronts you every single day,” commented Cleveland pitcher Alex Cobb, who was a part of the 115-loss Baltimore Orioles in 2018. “Wake up, do it again. Wake up, do it again.”
Watching the historically struggling Chicago White Sox during an early September series at a nearly empty Guaranteed Rate Field sparked some memories for Cobb.
He joined the Orioles in late March 2018 and spent much of that year playing catch-up. By the time he started to feel like himself, the Orioles were already 40 games out of first place, and he still had a dozen more starts to pitch. He focused on refining his mechanics for the upcoming season.
“You’re simply trying to survive the day,” Cobb noted. “You find ways to cope.”
Of course, it’s difficult to garner sympathy for a big-leaguer with a seven-figure salary, plenty of legroom on charter flights, endless servings of red meat at Brazilian steakhouses on off days, and the opportunity to throw a ball around for a couple of hours every five days.
“I don’t recall anyone feeling sorry for us,” said Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins, who had a breakout year in 2021, despite the team losing 110 games. “In fact, it felt more like blood in the water at that point.”
Nevertheless, the mental strain of enduring nine fruitless innings night after night is significant. The White Sox understand this all too well, having broken the 1962 New York Mets’ record for most losses with 120 on Friday. Chicago was eliminated from playoff contention in mid-August and sits over 40 games out of fourth place in their division, a scenario that would challenge anyone’s motivation.
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“It’s definitely tough to remain focused and motivated,” said Ryan O’Hearn, who was part of two Royals teams that lost over 100 games.
In 2021, Mullins became the first player since the franchise relocated to Baltimore in 1954 to achieve 30 homers and 30 stolen bases in a single season. However, he admits that “it just wasn’t as enjoyable” due to the team’s poor performance. While his production has tapered off over the past three seasons, he mentioned that he has appreciated the experiences more.
“It’s amusing,” he stated, “when we go through rough patches like (the team’s recent slump), it feels like we are losing. And I think, ‘You all have no idea.’”
Baltimore outfielder Cedric Mullins was a lone bright spot for the 2021 Orioles, who lost 110 games. (Rich Schultz / Getty Images)
Torey Lovullo guided the Arizona Diamondbacks through a challenging 52-110 season in 2021. His 25-minute drives home from Chase Field felt “dark.” To decompress and take his mind off the tough matchups that awaited his team, he would often sing along to Supertramp or Led Zeppelin.
“I tried my best to return home and be fully present,” Lovullo remarked, “but it became increasingly difficult as the season wore on.”
Many players noted they would delay their departure to the ballpark, choosing to stay at home longer to avoid the weariness that the daily grind brought.
“Reaching the stadium can feel like a daunting task,” explained Cincinnati Reds reliever Buck Farmer.
In 2019, Farmer led the Detroit Tigers in appearances with a total of 73. During the games he pitched, the Tigers recorded a 29-44 record, contrastingly, they fell to 18-70 when he sat out.
“We experienced numerous losses,” he shared. “Throughout my entire time there, losing was a constant theme.”
Specifically, the Tigers lost 114 games that year, drawing parallels to the 2003 Tigers, who narrowly avoided the notion of futility by clinching victories in the final week of the season, escaping comparison to the infamous 1962 Mets.
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“September was particularly tough,” noted Matthew Boyd, who made a team-high 32 starts for the 2019 Tigers.
Despite both being former Tigers pitchers, they concurred that whether a team suffers 114 losses or, say, 98—like the total losses in the prior two years—does not matter much.
“It’s all challenging,” Boyd acknowledged.
“Either scenario is tough,” Farmer added. “No matter how you frame it, a losing season is hard to endure. It’s disheartening to lose.”
The clubhouse atmosphere “can significantly influence how difficult that experience feels,” Farmer suggested. For example, in 2019, “it felt like we were clocking in for a 9-to-5 job, which is disheartening.” Is there a recurring theme here? Perhaps a specific word embodies the toll that continuous losing takes on the mental state?
“It could have been much better,” remarked catcher Jake Rogers, another player from the 2019 Tigers. “It’s similar to the (2024) White Sox scenario. There comes a moment when you realize, ‘How many losses do we have?’ That part can be tough at times, although we weren’t necessarily thinking about it while we played. Looking back, though, it’s like, ‘Wow, 114 losses is a lot.’”
In 2022, the Reds began their season with a dismal 3-22 record; however, Farmer insists that the environment in the clubhouse didn’t reflect that struggling start. The dynamics often depend on the roster’s composition. When wins appear unattainable, individual goals may take precedence over team objectives.
“I will never accept losing,” stated Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Miguel Rojas.
During the Miami Marlins’ disappointing 2019 season, where they recorded 105 losses, players convened after a series in Arizona. Rojas encouraged his teammates “to truly reflect on themselves and consider how many other teams they could potentially play for,” a motivational strategy he learned early in his career.
“Being eliminated a month before the conclusion of the season,
“It’s tough,” Rojas stated. “The fans feed off the atmosphere, too. Asking people to come to the ballpark is challenging. Each day it feels low-energy, and you’re left seeking your own motivation to play the game. However, professionalism is key; you need to show up every single day because you’re getting paid.”
Cobb elaborated, “Everyone is at a different stage in their career. If you’re going through arbitration, you’re aiming to boost your statistics or avoid negative ones. For those on a contract, especially if they are older, the focus is usually on staying healthy and preparing for the following season.”
What about newcomers to the major leagues?
<p“On a team like this, many players are genuinely thrilled to be here,” Cobb remarked. “You can’t spoil that excitement for anyone else. It’s important not to diminish the joy others feel in the locker room.”
As the trade deadline in 2018 loomed, the Orioles made significant moves, trading away Manny Machado, Zack Britton, Kevin Gausman, Darren O’Day, Jonathan Schoop, and Brad Brach. In the latter half of the season, Cobb found himself looking around the room, questioning the identities of his teammates. He noted that the arrival of young talent ultimately “lifted the mood.”
This youthful enthusiasm can serve to alleviate feelings of despair. As Cobb put it, “You find yourself marking off days on the calendar, merely trying to endure it.”
“Identifying the bright spots is challenging,” Mullins explained. “And those bright moments tend to be overlooked, primarily due to team performance. Success cannot be achieved by individuals alone.”
Outfielder Austin Hays, similar to Mullins, emerged as a standout for the Orioles in 2021.
“When you’re down 8-0 in the third inning, it forces you to really examine why you’re playing,” said Hays, who credited the birth of his son with giving him a fresh perspective.
During a 102-loss season with the Oakland Athletics in 2022, catcher Stephen Vogt — now managing the Guardians — encouraged veteran players to act as “an extension of the coaching staff,” according to pitcher Cole Irvin. Vogt made it a point to engage younger players on topics like pitcher tendencies and interpreting hitters’ swings.
The most reassuring reminder Vogt offered?
“You’re living the dream that 12-year-old you always wanted,” Irvin shared.
That 12-year-old self was always eager to step onto the field, regardless of how the team fared in previous games.
“It’s definitely a struggle,” Boyd admitted, “but finding balance is essential. You have to be aware of your state. You may stray off course, but when it happens, allow yourself the grace to ease back in.”
However, those long stretches to finish the season can be quite arduous.
Reflecting on the 105-loss season in Cleveland during 1991, Alomar shook his head as his former teammate, Carlos Baerga, approached. Alomar paused him to reminisce about that infamous year. Baerga exclaimed in exaggerated agony, like he was experiencing appendicitis, before recalling a valuable piece of advice he received in his career. Hitting instructor Jose Morales once told him, “Don’t allow yourself to normalize losing, as it breeds complacency.”
Alomar and Baerga rose through the ranks together with the Padres, winning minor league championships in two of their final three years in the system. They eventually found themselves traded to Cleveland, where the Indians’ struggles made them a source of jokes and drew sparse crowds to play in an enormous stadium by the shores of Lake Erie.
They reached their lowest point in 1991. Cleveland endured a four-decade playoff drought following their World Series appearance in 1954, yet no version of the Indians had ever suffered losses like that ’91 team.
Alomar
“They’re likely going to overpower us,” Alomar noted.
— The Athletic’s Sam Blum, Chad Jennings, C. Trent Rosecrans, and Cody Stavenhagen contributed to this reporting.
(Top illustration: Meech Robinson / The Athletic; Photo of Torey Lovullo: Steph Chambers / Getty Images; Alex Cobb: Rick Madonik / Toronto Star via Getty Images; Luis Robert Jr.: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images; Sandy Alomar Jr.: Focus on Sport / Getty Images; Miguel Rojas: Mitchell Layton / Getty Images)
Enduring the Agony of Repeated Loss: Players Reflect on the Toll of Historic Losing Seasons in Major League Baseball
The Psychological Impact of Losing Seasons
Major League Baseball (MLB) players often face immense pressure to perform, and enduring a historic losing season can take a significant toll on their mental health. The feelings of frustration, disappointment, and helplessness can permeate through the clubhouse, impacting not only individual players but the team as a whole.
Common Psychological Effects
- Fear of Failure: After a series of losses, players may develop a heightened fear of failure, affecting their performance on the field.
- Lack of Motivation: Continuous losses can lead to decreased motivation, making it difficult for players to maintain their competitive spirit.
- Increased Stress and Anxiety: The pressure to win can escalate, leading to anxiety and stress-related issues both on and off the field.
- Isolation: Players may feel isolated from fans and teammates, leading to decreased morale and camaraderie.
Historical Context: Notable Losing Seasons in MLB
Throughout the history of Major League Baseball, there have been several instances of teams struggling through extended periods of losing. Here are a few notable examples:
| Team | Year(s) | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Detroit Tigers | 2003 | 119 |
| New York Mets | 1962 | 120 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | 1961 | 107 |
| Chicago Cubs | 1962 | 103 |
Player Experiences: Voices from the Dugout
Players often reflect on their experiences during losing seasons, and their stories highlight the emotional and psychological toll of such challenges:
Case Study 1: The Detroit Tigers (2003)
The 2003 Detroit Tigers are notorious for their historic losing record. Players like Ivan Rodriguez, who joined the team that year, expressed the difficulty of keeping spirits high amid relentless defeats. Rodriguez mentioned in interviews how crucial it was to maintain a positive attitude despite the chaos unfolding around them. “Every day you have to come to the park and put on a brave face,” he said. “But inside, it was tough.”
Case Study 2: The New York Mets (1962)
The Mets’ inaugural season was filled with more losses than wins. Players like Gil Hodges faced the challenge of not only performing but also nurturing a young team. Hodges noted, “We knew we weren’t performing at our best, but we had to focus on development. It was a painful journey, but we had to learn from it.”
Benefits of Overcoming Adversity
While losing seasons can be disheartening, they also present opportunities for growth and resilience:
- Character Development: Players often emerge stronger, developing resilience that serves them well in future seasons.
- Team Bonding: Adversity can foster strong relationships among teammates, creating a sense of unity.
- Learning Opportunities: Coaches and players can analyze failures to improve strategies and skills for the future.
Practical Tips for Players During Losing Seasons
Players can adopt several strategies to cope with the challenges of a losing season:
1. Focus on the Process
Instead of fixating on wins and losses, players should concentrate on improving their individual skills and contributing to the team in any way possible.
2. Maintain Open Communication
Encouraging open dialogue with coaches and teammates can help address concerns and create a supportive environment. Sharing feelings and frustrations can alleviate some of the pressure players feel.
3. Set Personal Goals
Setting achievable personal goals can help players maintain motivation and focus, regardless of the team’s overall performance.
4. Seek Professional Help
For players struggling significantly with mental health issues, seeking the guidance of sports psychologists or mental health professionals is crucial.
First-Hand Experience: Players Speak Out
Many players who have endured losing seasons share their insights:
Quote from David Ortiz
“Losing is part of the game, but it’s how you respond to it that defines your career. I had seasons where we didn’t win much, but I learned to enjoy the little victories.”
Quote from Ken Griffey Jr.
“You have to keep your head up. There’s always a chance to turn things around. It’s important to remember that every player goes through struggles.”
The Role of Management and Coaching
The approach taken by team management and coaching staff can greatly influence how players handle losing seasons:
Effective Leadership
Great leaders help players maintain focus and motivation. Strong communication, goal-setting, and trust among team members are essential.
Building a Positive Culture
Creating a culture that emphasizes improvement, teamwork, and resilience can help counteract the negativity that often accompanies poor performance.
Conclusion
Enduring the agony of repeated loss in Major League Baseball is a challenging experience for players and fans alike. However, through resilience, communication, and a focus on personal growth, players can navigate these tough seasons and emerge stronger. The stories of those who have faced such adversity serve as a testament to the spirit of baseball and the unwavering determination of its players.
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