Max Kepler, a seasoned baseball professional, addresses the perceived disadvantage and biases faced by left-handed hitters in Major League Baseball. In a recent interview, Kepler explained the existing “stigma” surrounding left-handed batters when facing left-handed pitchers.

According to Kepler, this bias leads some teams to prioritize right-handed hitters against left-handed pitchers, based on statistical beliefs of a higher chance of success. “In baseball there is a stigma that the left -handed swinger has more difficulties against a left -handed pitcher,” Kepler stated. “That is why some teams have the attitude that they onyl offer right -handed rackets against left -handed launchers as they, based on statistics, think they have a greater chance of gaining the game. But of course the same also applies to right -handed rackets against right -handed launchers.”

When asked about his coach Rob thomson’s decisions regarding his playing time against left-handed pitchers, Kepler expressed understanding and adaptability. “In this job you have to come to a point where you simply do the work that is required by you,” Kepler noted.”And at this point in my career I am satisfied with my career. I am satisfied with the team with which I can now work here.The job that was offered to me before the season has changed. But I have adapted and for me everything is in the green.”

Kepler on Fan Interactions: “They Are Allowed to Boo”

“They are allowed to boo, they are allowed to cheer, they may applaud, criticize and compliments. You pay admission to this.”

Addressing his relationship with Phillies fans, Kepler acknowledged their passionate, sometimes critical, support. He humorously mentioned that being booed is “their way of showing love.” Kepler embraces the energy fans bring to the stadium, regardless of whether it’s positive or negative.

“I think it’s great that the fans come to the stadium, at every home game we have 45,000,” Kepler said. “They are allowed to boo, they are allowed to cheer, they may applaud, criticize and compliments. You pay admission to this. I am simply happy that they come to the games and spread energy – regardless of whether it is negative or positive.”

Reflecting on his performance this season, kepler admitted there’s room for improvement but emphasized his adaptability to a changing role within the team.”Could definitely be better,” Kepler stated. “But as I said, you have to adapt with a new role. In my best years, I was allowed to play every day every day, whether it was against left or right-handed launchers. I personally have a better rhythm, see the ball better. But I have adapted better this year to the days off than in the years before, when I was sometimes against Lefties (English expression for left -handed, note) was not used. I am satisfied, I’m doing well mentally.”

Franchise Investment and Future Aspirations

kepler highlighted the significant investment the Phillies franchise makes in player development and support, contrasting it with his previous experience with the Twins. “Here you can tell that a lot more money is being invested in the things behind the scenes. From training, on nutrition, physiotherapy and mental care,” Kepler explained. “And you can tell that expectations are different. If we had lost a few games in Minnesota, I think it was, I don’t care, the season continued. And here it says: ‘What did we do wrong yesterday and how will we improve it?’ Communication is different, you always try to improve the little things.”

Discussing the recent success of German athletes in North American leagues,Kepler expressed his dream of adding to that list. “Unfortunately I can’t look into the future, but that would definitely be a dream,” Kepler said. “As a Berliner to achieve this, I would make me very proud.” He mentioned following the Wagner brothers in the NBA, noting their shared Berlin roots, but admitted he doesn’t maintain contact with other German professionals in North America.

Kepler also shared his thoughts on growing baseball’s popularity in Germany. He emphasized the need to cultivate interest in baseball among children, suggesting more baseball camps in Germany during season breaks. “It starts with the children whose interest in baseball must be greater than in football, tennis or ice hockey,” Kepler stated. “Unfortunately, baseball is america’s sport and it is indeed football in Germany. And that’s why the children always look at football directly.For me it was always something funny when I said as a child, ‘I’m going to baseball training now.’ Then everyone always looked at me funny. You have to go a little different way to really get this sport.”

He also proposed hosting MLB games in Germany, specifically mentioning the stadium in Regensburg.Kepler concluded by highlighting baseball’s unique blend of physical skill and mental strategy, encouraging German sports fans to delve deeper into the sport’s complexities.”It is indeed a beautiful sport,” Kepler said. “When you see it for the first time, you problably don’t understand that much. But if you sit down and try to learn the rules and everything that goes with it that makes this sport so engaging and complex – I think there is no other sport in the world that can be compared to baseball. You have to throw, catch and run.Added to this is the mindset,i.e. the mental attitude. Many say that 90 percent of the game is mental. This is also challenging for the audience to understand. My first love was football. But compared to baseball, football is very simple and easy to understand. The people who want to understand baseball properly have to take the time. And I think that many do not make such a way as it just takes a little longer. But those who understand baseball – so it’s just a top sport.”