SF Giants legend Hunter Pence made a name for himself with his fiery motivational speeches during the 2012 playoffs. He spurred the Giants to a World Series championship that year and has continued to inspire players even in retirement.
The Giants shared a very cool video to their Instagram page of Pence talking to a group of minor league players at rookie camp. Pence was as inspirational as ever sharing his wisdom with the likes of pitcher Carson Whisenhunt and outfielder James Tibbs III, top prospects who could be a big part of the next crop of young Giants stars.
The video can be watched here and it is worth it just to see how passionate Pence remains when talking about the game of baseball. Pence drops inspirational nuggets like, "When you play with love and you allow your light to shine, you inspire people." Doesn't that make you wanna pick up a glove?
Hunter Pence is continuing to inspire for the SF Giants
"Belief is free. You will never outperform how good you think you can be," was yet another piece of wisdom he shared with the young players.
It is clear that the fire has not died from Pence's playing days. Even when he is the color commentator on Giants games throughout the season, it is easy to tell how much he still loves the game and how even watching it gets him amped up.
Perhaps this should not come as too big of a surprise. Many can still remember Pence's speeches from the 2012 postseason when the team was down two games to none in the NLDS against the Reds and in the NLCS when the team was down three games to one against St. Louis.
Even though Pence's offensive numbers were not great after the Giants traded for him in 2012, it is difficult to imagine that the Giants win the World Series that season without his leadership and inspiration.
He delivered similar speeches on the way to their World Series title in 2014, including his famous "Yes! Yes! Yes!" speech delivered on the last day of the season.
The SF Giants YouTube channel has compiled a number of great Pence inspirational moments.
It is very smart that the Giants organization is using Pence to motivate and inspire young players. There is no better communicator to break through to young prospects and help them understand what it means to be a Giant and how selflessness and giving it your all are at the heart of what it takes to win a World Series.
Let's hope Pence remains involved in the organization to continue to motivate players and inspire them to play their best.