Bligh Madris Discusses Core Value of Perseverance and His Power Increase

ST. PETERSBURG – Perseverance was the random word I picked to describe the 2022 season from Bligh Madris.

He had good numbers last year in Triple-A, hitting for a .786 OPS. He followed that up with strong numbers this year in big league camp, but didn’t make the majors. That didn’t seem to bother him, as he hit for a .904 OPS in his return to Triple-A, ultimately resulting in a shot in the majors.

Perseverance. That’s how I see it. You could make an argument that Madris should have been up earlier. That didn’t stop him from persevering and maintaining his production.

Upon mentioning the word, Madris simply turned over his arm to reveal the word “Perseverance” tattooed on his arm.

“Right there, baby,” Madris said, displaying the tattoo.

Bligh Madris Tattoo

“It’s a core value of mine,” Madris continued. “You’ve got to have family who support you, you’ve got to have friends who support you, you’ve got to be mentally and physically strong, and you’ve got to be willing to persevere though the bad times and just get to the good times. Because nothing good comes without hard times.”

There haven’t been many hard times for Madris on the surface. He has a .314/.314/.514 line in his first 35 plate appearances of his MLB debut, including his first home run, hit at PNC Park.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience so far,” said Madris. “I love being up here with this staff, with all of the guys. It’s been fun traveling. Opening up at PNC, it’s been fun playing there, It’s a dream come true. I’m excited to be here. Excited to play hard.”

A big thing that stands out for Madris over the last two years has been his power increase. He had a .118 ISO in Double-A in 2019. That jumped to a .162 ISO in Triple-A in 2021, and a .215 ISO this year at the same level, prior to his promotion to the majors.

Madris chalks the power increase up to a mix of approach and minor swing adjustments.

“Nothing too crazy, just getting into a better position earlier,” said Madris. “Getting a better chance to see stuff up. Just really honing in on hunting pitches up.”

The 2017 9th rounder has shown an advanced approach so far. In his outing against Tampa Bay Rays starter Corey Kluber, Madris struck out his first time up. He followed by making an adjustment to pick up multiple hits against the veteran starter.

“It’s all about reacting, and processing what they’re trying to do,” said Madris. “It’s even harder when the ball is coming in at 96, with cut, run. It’s extremely hard. It’s all about making those in-game adjustments, and having the mentality of not being too stubborn, but being stubborn in your approach.”

Madris has the ability to stick in the majors, at least as a solid fourth outfielder, if not more. The improvements he’s seen with his control of the mental game — and the power that has come partially as a result of that — indicates that he could remain in the majors long-term.

“This game is big on the mental side,” said Madris. “Mentally, it’s just the research you do, and how you think they’re going to attack you. Playing that cat and mouse game. That’s just what this game is sometimes.”