Mariners' Kirby Finds Artistic Outlet in Painting to Boost Mental Game

The rising star pitcher has taken up painting as a way to free his mind and stay poised on the mound.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:41am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract expressionist painting featuring dynamic brushstrokes in neon colors, capturing the kinetic energy and emotion of a baseball pitcher in motion, with facial features and uniform details obscured into unrecognizable splatters.Kirby's artistic pursuits off the field have helped the rising Mariners ace channel his competitive drive and stay poised under pressure.Seattle Today

Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby has found a unique way to improve his mental game - by taking up painting. The 2023 All-Star has discovered that the practice of painting helps him let go of pitch-by-pitch frustrations and stay poised, even when facing adversity on the mound. Kirby's newfound hobby has already paid dividends, as he was able to work through a challenging fourth inning against the Texas Rangers without losing his composure.

Why it matters

Kirby is one of the rising young stars in Major League Baseball, known for his pinpoint control and electric stuff. By developing mental skills to complement his physical talents, Kirby is positioning himself to take the next step and become an elite, consistent ace for the Mariners. His ability to channel frustration into a creative outlet could serve as an example for other players looking to improve their mental approach to the game.

The details

Kirby has found that the practice of painting for 20 minutes before games helps him 'free his mind' and not get bogged down by pitch-by-pitch results. This mental exercise paid off on Saturday, when Kirby took a 107.8 mph comebacker off his back, lost a challenge, and issued a walk to load the bases. In the past, Kirby may have let those frustrations spiral, but he remained poised and got out of the jam without surrendering a run. Mariners pitching coach Pete Woodworth noted that the more 'in control' Kirby is of his emotions, the more confident and convicted he becomes on the mound.

  • Kirby took up painting as a mental exercise earlier this season.
  • On Saturday, April 19, 2026, Kirby had 5 strikeouts and helped the Mariners snap a 4-game skid with a 7-3 win over the Rangers.

The players

George Kirby

A rising star pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, known for his pinpoint control and electric stuff. Kirby is a 2023 MLB All-Star who has taken up painting as a way to improve his mental game.

Pete Woodworth

The pitching coach for the Seattle Mariners, who has observed Kirby's growth in becoming more 'in control' of his emotions on the mound.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It just gives you, I don't know, 20 minutes to free your mind a little bit through visualization.”

— George Kirby, Mariners Pitcher

“He's just more in control of himself, his emotions, which makes him more confident, which gives him more conviction. And then that all just cycles.”

— Pete Woodworth, Mariners Pitching Coach

What’s next

Kirby will look to build on this performance and continue honing his mental skills through painting as the Mariners push for a playoff spot in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Kirby's newfound hobby of painting is a creative way for the young pitcher to improve his mental approach to the game, allowing him to stay poised and focused even when facing adversity on the mound. His ability to channel frustration into a productive outlet could serve as an example for other players looking to take their game to the next level.