James Wood's Understated Approach to Baseball Leads to Sky-High Expectations

James Wood, a 23-year-old New York Mets outfielder, is making a low-key impact on the team with his surprising talent for chess, often using games as a way to relax and focus in between plays. The young player was spotted studying a 64-square checkerboard in the visitors clubhouse at Citi Field during a lull in his afternoon activities. Despite not drawing much attention to himself, Wood's strategic mind is yielding impressive results on the field. His chess skills are seen as just one aspect of his well-rounded game and mental approach to baseball.