On August 21, 2018, in the Atlanta Braves' game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, young star Dansby Swanson hit two home runs to complete his first career multi-home run game. Swanson joined the Braves club in 2016 as the club's highly anticipated top prospect. For the past two years Swanson has been the starting shortstop for the Braves producing good, but not great, stats at the plate.

However, in the recent breakout season for the Atlanta Braves, Swanson has become a key component to the middle infield and the middle of the lineup. After his personal record night, Swanson was interviewed by Atlanta's field reporter Kelsey Wingert. In the short interview, Swanson said three subtle phrases that revealed a healthy foundation to the Braves' recent successes.

"Being able to do whatever I can to help the guys and help the team succeed"

When Wingert asked how Swanson felt as he watched the second ball go out of the park, he expressed his gratitude that he had for "being able to do whatever [he] can to help the guys and help the team succeed." This revealed a selfless component to the player and the team's values. Instead of expressing excitement for his new and improved stats, Swanson admirably puts the team's successes above his own.

"I am just trying to help us win"

Similarly to the quote above, Swanson again shows his devotion to the team. Many players in the MLB, especially because it is such a high-dollar league, play each game in order to better their personal stats and earn more money. Of course, all competitors want to be the best at their craft, but if the team is not succeeding, neither is the individual. Swanson shows that he plays every game for the better of the team and goes up to each at-bat with a team-first mindset.

"Give credit back to where it is due"

Lastly, Wingert mentions how Swanson immediately went up to his hitting coach after the second home run left the park. Swanson responds by crediting his coach for putting in countless hours of work with the player while he went through struggles at the plate. It has always been said that players would be nothing without the people that coach them, and I believe that was the point Swanson was making by giving the credit back to those who deserve it.

Although each of these phrases is subtle, Swanson reveals a fresh mindset the Braves club has adopted this season. Among all the success this club has received this season, it is refreshing to see a star player putting the team before himself.