HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah – -- MLB alumni teamed up with Hill Air Force Base, the Utah National Guard, and local first responders June 13 for "In the Open," a candid, small-group discussion focused on mental health and resilience.
Held at the Salt Lake Bees ballpark, the panel featured Master Sgt. Rebecca Anderson, 775th Explosive Ordnance Disposal section chief, alongside former MLB players Sean Casey, John Buck, Jason Giambi, Scott Spiezio, and Jeremy Affeldt.
During the 90-minute panel, participants took turns navigating questions about stress, hardships, and the demands of their professions, offering candid perspectives shaped by years of high-pressure experience.
Anderson was selected to represent Hill AFB due to her experience in the EOD career field, where precision is critical. She was able to speak to the demands of military service and the importance of resilience.
The closed-door session brought together a unique crowd of more than 100 participants, uniting Hill AFB Airmen, Guardsmen, and local first responders.
The conversation highlighted the striking parallels between professional athletes and service members. Both are expected to perform flawlessly under immense public scrutiny, often at the expense of time with family. With thousands of people counting on them daily, both groups can struggle to find a moment to stop and ask themselves, “Am I okay?”
John Buck, "In the Open" founder and retired MLB All-Star catcher, said he recognized the need for this discussion through his own experiences. After losing both his mother and brother to mental illness, he made a decision to speak out.
"I think going through life thinking that you will be unfazed is unrealistic," Buck said. "We all have challenges. How we gain resilience through those challenges is what forms us and develops who we are. If we process that in a healthy way, we can actually fall forward into mental wellness, instead of falling back into the stigma that having a mental health issue scars you for life."
Anderson echoed this sentiment, as she reflected on her own experiences.
"There is a [music] band called Motionless in White, and one of their lyrics says, ‘I was rebuilt by what broke me,’” she said. "I think everybody should have that mentality, because if you don't, you are wasting your struggle. And a struggle is a terrible thing to waste."
Ultimately, the goal of the day was to use the game of baseball as a bridge to start these dialogues and share tangible wellness resources with the community.
Throughout the day, vendors surrounded the concourse, offering attendees direct access to community resources, wellness information, and family support services.
After the panel wrapped up, the focus shifted to the field for two Pro-Am baseball games.
The friendly competition began with a matchup between the police and firefighters, followed by Hill AFB taking on the Utah National Guard, where Team Hill came out victoriously.
After the games, the event ended with a special showing of the classic baseball film The Sandlot on the stadium's big screen.
For Anderson, the importance of this day could not be overstated.
"I was taught early in my career that you just shove everything way down, because the mission always comes first, and you just keep charging forward," Anderson said. "It has caused a lot of strife in my life. I want to do better for the next generation by allowing them to talk about things, and deal with the stuff they are going through in a healthier manner."