One of the perks of being an actor is to get to meet athletes that you respect. Especially who played before my time. Brooks Robinson is one of those athletes; they just don't make them any nicer.
It's fun to play a character who lives on the edge, who is an ethical and moral mess, and is paying the price for some of his actions.
I am a lefty, though I bat right-handed... When I was a kid I pitched, played first, outfield and shortstop as well. Now it's mainly softball with some friends.
I don't have a grand master plan, but I try to be thoughtful when I can and also silly. It's part of the fun.
There's a touch of the gambler in anybody really competitive and somebody that's willing to concede that to succeed, sometimes you need to cut corners and to make bold choices.