Bob Wickman, the former MLB closer, was known for his no-nonsense attitude and sharp wit. His quotes reflect his straightforward approach to baseball and life. Whether you’re a fan of the game or just love a good dose of wisdom, these Bob Wickman quotes will leave an impression.
Bob Wickman on Pitching and Performance
Wickman’s career was built on reliability and grit. Here’s what he had to say about performing under pressure:
🔹 “I don’t care about the radar gun. I care about getting outs.”
🔹 “If you’re scared to throw strikes, you shouldn’t be out there.”
🔹 “A save is a save. Doesn’t matter if it’s pretty.”
🔹 “The best pitch is the one the hitter can’t hit, not the one that looks the best.”
He never overcomplicated things. His philosophy? Get the job done, no matter how.
Bob Wickman on Confidence and Mindset
Confidence was key for Wickman. These quotes show his unshakable self-belief:
🔥 “If you don’t think you’re the best guy for the job, someone else will.”
🔥 “Nerves are just excitement in disguise. Use them.”
🔥 “You can’t pitch scared. The hitter smells fear.”
🔥 “Trust your stuff. If you don’t, why should anyone else?”
His mindset was simple: doubt has no place on the mound.
Bob Wickman on Teamwork and Leadership
Even as a closer, Wickman understood the value of teamwork:
📌 “A closer is only as good as the guys who get him the lead.”
📌 “You win as a team, you lose as a team. No excuses.”
📌 “Leadership isn’t about yelling. It’s about showing up every day.”
📌 “Respect is earned by doing your job, not talking about it.”
He led by example, not by speeches.
Bob Wickman on Work Ethic
Wickman wasn’t the flashiest player, but he outworked many:
🛠 “Talent gets you there. Hard work keeps you there.”
🛠 “There’s no shortcut to being ready. You either put in the work or you don’t.”
🛠 “Excuses are like bad pitches—they don’t help anyone.”
🛠 “You don’t get days off in baseball. You get days to work harder.”
His career longevity proved that effort matters.
Bob Wickman on Handling Failure
Even the best closers blow saves. Here’s how Wickman dealt with it:
⚠️ “A bad outing doesn’t define you. How you bounce back does.”
⚠️ “You’re going to fail. What you do next is what counts.”
⚠️ “The best closers have short memories.”
⚠️ “If you dwell on mistakes, you’ll make more of them.”
He didn’t let failure stick around.
Bob Wickman’s Humor and Straight Talk
Wickman was also known for his blunt humor:
🎯 “I throw fastballs. If they hit it, they hit it.”
🎯 “I’m not here to impress scouts. I’m here to get outs.”
🎯 “Fancy pitches are great, but outs pay the bills.”
🎯 “If you want entertainment, go to the circus. I’m here to win.”
No fluff, just facts.
Final Thoughts
Bob Wickman’s quotes are a mix of toughness, wisdom, and humor. His approach—simple, direct, and effective—applies beyond baseball. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone looking for motivation, his words hit home.
📝 Key Takeaway: Success isn’t about being flashy. It’s about consistency, confidence, and doing the job right.
Which quote resonates with you the most? Drop your favorite in the comments! ⚾
