Don't be surprised when you see a woman in the dugout the next time you watch a Kansas City Royals game. That's Melissa Lambert, Director of Behavioral Science/Major League Mental Performance. Since 2020, she has supported the players and coaches with their mental performance and any mental health issues they may experience.
Raised in New England, Lambert has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Easter Connecticut State, where she was also an outstanding player on the Warriors' soccer team. She received her Master's of Education in clinical mental health counseling from Springfield College in Massachusetts. Before coming to KC, she was an EAP and Mental Skills Coach with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization.
Lambert agreed to share her thoughts about being a part of such a male-dominated industry.
Q: So what's it like being a woman in a Major League Baseball dugout?
A: There are pros and cons to this. I didn't initially believe you need a psychologist or therapist in the dugout all the time, but it gives me credibility and an understanding of what these players go through. Navigating their experiences and understanding what it's like from start to finish is essential. There are times I won't be in the dugout because the needs differ; sometimes, players aren't in the game, and we can have conversations elsewhere. But overall, understanding their experiences and truly learning the game has helped me be a part of it in the dugout.
Q: As you started winning over certain players, did others begin to understand your purpose and appreciate your presence?
A: I would say the process was neither fast nor easy. In the first year, we had a new Major League staff and a very young, inexperienced team. It took a full year to understand how we support each other and build trust. The main challenge was balancing coach needs and player needs. I learned that focusing solely on players probably wasn't the best way to go about it. Our coaches need just as much support and help to educate them on what our players need and how to navigate certain situations.
I think what's been exciting about coming into year three is that everyone sort of knows how I operate. I don't get in everyone's way. It's just, "Hey, if you need me, I'm here."
I will say that this has been the most player engagement I've had since we started. As a team, I believe we're moving in the right direction.
Q: What are some of the most common issues players talk to you about?
A: I would say that anxiety is the number one issue, but I also believe that, in general, anxiety levels in society have risen significantly, affecting both the general population and athletes.
There's a difference between mental skills and mental health. Mental skills are more about maintenance. They act like a Band-Aid for performance but never actually reach the root of the issue. I think the next level of education involves understanding that if you've had a traumatic background or an unpredictable childhood, anxiety will manifest differently for you. If you don't get to the root of the cause, relying solely on mental skills isn't going to fix that. Knowing how your experiences and temperament shape who you are can drive optimal performance.
A topic I wish we could spend more time on is helping players as they approach retirement. When players know their careers are ending, they often avoid discussing it because it's difficult to face. I've spoken to several retired players who struggled in the first few years, adjusting to family routines and losing their baseball identity. Some had financial security, but many faced mental health issues within two years of retiring. Substance abuse and depression are common, similar to challenges faced by military personnel returning to civilian life. Despite available resources, retired players rarely reach out. I think the next level is how to continue to get those players' resources and provide that support.
Q: Now that you're on this stage, what surprised you along the way about yourself?
A: What surprised me most was my ability to navigate a male-dominated environment. I'm pretty easygoing, and personality-wise, I can navigate and understand the needs of men. I think I've learned a lot from men's mental health. I think that part surprised me. In psychology, it's a lot of women who are therapists, and it's a more female-dominated environment. I've learned to go with the flow, ask questions, and use available support systems effectively. The international exposure to the diverse backgrounds of coaches and players has broadened my perspective and made me a better person.
Q: How does having more women in professional sports teams improve the game?
A: Including women has created a more level playing field and highlighted their strengths. From an inclusion standpoint, I think it shows that the opportunities are endless. Research indicates men often prefer talking with women, which adds valuable perspectives. Women bring unique skills and have enhanced respect and credibility, showing they can excel in diverse roles. Women aren't just looked at as moms and wives. The more women stepping into these positions demonstrates that the opportunities are limitless.