Commitment is unbreakable. It’s a steadfast conviction vetted by adversity and affirmed by success. It instills a mental toughness that silences critics, eliminates doubt, and inspires confidence.

A league MVP award and numerous individual accolades have provided Andrew McCutchen with the confident mindset he brings to every at-bat.

“I believe confidence is something I’ve always had with the help of my parents and my family growing up,” McCutchen explained. “They’ve taught me so many different things in life, and confidence was always a part of that.”

For McCutchen, many of those life lessons came from baseball where your level of confidence is directly proportional to your level of commitment.

“Work hard, train hard, and that will make you confident,” McCutchen said. “It’s hard to have confidence if you’re not prepared.”

As he mentioned, confidence was something McCutchen always had going all the way back to his high school days in Fort Meade, Fla. In his first season on the varsity baseball team, McCutchen earned a starting spot and responded with .591 batting average.

He was in eighth grade.

Being the youngest player on the team didn’t intimidate McCutchen. Instead, the confidence gained through hard work allowed him to overcome that obstacle and accomplish a remarkable feat. From there, confidence continued to breed more confidence and lead to even greater success.

During his senior season in 2005, Cutch batted .709 with 16 homers and 42 RBI. That summer he was drafted 11^th overall by Pittsburgh and his professional career began.

Throughout his nine seasons in the Big Leagues, McCutchen’s confidence hasn’t wavered. His lifetime batting average currently sits at .290, while the five-time All-Star has collected nearly 1,500 career hits and over 200 home runs.

In 2013, McCutchen was named MVP of the National League after batting .317 with 21 home runs, 84 RBI, 38 doubles, and 27 stolen bases.

After nine seasons, much has changed for McCutchen, but some things remain. Lessons learned from an early age are still applicable, and confidence can still be found in the commitment to hard work and preparation. The result is a mental toughness, a mindset, an identity.

“Confidence gives you an edge,” said McCutchen. “When I step out on the field, I want people to know I am confident. It’s what carries me and makes me who I am.”