Tigers Outfielder Admits To Mental Health Issues; To Sit Out Rest Of Season

When you're a professional athlete, it takes a lot of guts to admit that mental health problems are getting in the way of your game. But after a very trying season, Detroit Tigers outfielder Austin Meadows has done just that, posting a message on social media, and revealing that he won't be returning to play this season. 

A.J. Hinch on Austin Meadows: "I commend him for doing it, very proud of him, it's not easy in this sport, as an athlete, as a competitor, to admit when you need help outside the normal scope of baseball. ... We’ll offer him all the support we can, and we have been." https://t.co/ql5Pd39H4X

— Cody Stavenhagen (@CodyStavenhagen) September 2, 2022

"This season has been an unfortunate struggle with injuries and illness," began Meadows. 

"What I have also told very few people is that I have also been struggling with my mental health in a way that has extended my time away from the game that I love so much. I've been dealing with this privately with a great team of professionals.

"While I've been back in the clubhouse the past few weeks, and plan to remain with the club through the end of the season, I am still not ready to return to the field."

Tigers manager AJ Hinch said he is proud of Meadows for coming forward with this. "I commend him for doing it, very proud of him, it's not easy in this sport, as an athlete, as a competitor, to admit when you need help outside the normal scope of baseball. ... We’ll offer him all the support we can, and we have been."

Meadows thanked his friends, his family and the organization for their support, and said he hopes that his revelation can help at least one person to get the help they need.

We wish Meadows well in his recovery. 

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports, Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK