The most exciting words to a baseball fan at the end of a long winter is undoubtedly, “pitchers and catchers report!” As players start arriving next week for Cactus League season, DJ Peterson, business development lead at Stevens-Leinweber Construction, answers three questions about how his background in baseball prepared him for success in construction.
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How did your baseball career prepare you for construction?
Being a professional athlete requires consistency, discipline and the ability to perform under pressure. Problem-solving was also crucial. These same traits are essential in construction. Baseball taught me how to handle high-stress situations, stay composed and make smart decisions even when the stakes are high. That experience built a strong foundation for managing challenges and maintaining focus, and will serve me well in my new role at SLC.
What baseball habits do you still use at work?
I actually have two important habits that have stayed with me from my playing days. The first is maintaining a routine and staying consistent with it. A solid routine creates structure, but it also requires adaptability … being able to adjust while still sticking to the process. The second is teamwork. Playing with 25 teammates from different backgrounds taught me how to communicate, collaborate and support others as we moved toward a common goal. Success in baseball and construction depends on building trust, fostering a positive culture and helping the team win. These are things I still focus on daily.
What are the parallels between sports and construction?
The biggest parallel is competitiveness. In baseball, every game is a battle — against the opposing team, the pitcher and even yourself. In construction, we’re constantly competing with other companies for projects and opportunities. Earning success in both fields requires preparation, reliability and delivering on what we promise. Just like in baseball, staying consistent and striving to improve every single day keeps you in the lineup.
