Johnny Damon, the two-time World Series champion, is stepping into the business arena with the same passion he had on the baseball field. At 51, he is better known for his time with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees than for anything else. He famously played a crucial role in the Red Sox’s historic 2004 victory, which ended their 86-year championship drought. Damon hit two home runs, including a grand slam, in the pivotal Game 7 against the Yankees.
After his time in Boston, Damon helped the Yankees claim their most recent championship in 2009. Now, he’s turning his energy to a new venture: A-Game, a hydration drink he launched in 2022. You can find A-Game in several grocery stores, including Meijer and Piggly Wiggly.
“You always have to bring your A-game,” Damon explains. “Our drink has no artificial flavors, colors, or harmful chemicals. It’s all about proper hydration.” He was inspired to create this drink after witnessing tragic events in Florida in 2012, where young athletes faced grave risks due to dehydration.
A-Game focuses on clean ingredients and aims to be a healthier alternative to sugary drinks. Damon runs the company from Clermont, Florida, where A-Game has gained traction in local markets like Winn-Dixie and Shaw’s. “We’re competing with the big names, and sales are going well,” he adds. “It feels great to be part of the movement pushing for healthier choices.”
Damon has enlisted support from other athletes, including Bo Jackson and Caleb Downs, to help promote A-Game. He hopes to become the official drink for college sports teams, recognizing Gatorade’s longstanding dominance in the industry. Recently, A-Game sponsored The Hula Bowl in Orlando, further raising its profile.
“Getting a share of the market will be tough,” he admits, aware of the challenge Gatorade presents. Still, he is optimistic about A-Game’s potential. “If we can capture 10% of the market, that would be fantastic,” he says. “We’re leveraging our past successes in baseball to gain traction.”
Damon also looks to successful figures for guidance, including his former teammate Alex Rodriguez. “A-Rod was a savvy businessman even while we played together,” he recalls. “He invested in many ventures, and seeing his success inspires me.”
As he dives deeper into entrepreneurship, Damon emphasizes the importance of teamwork. “Being a good teammate translates well into business,” he explains. “You learn to connect with various people, understanding their backgrounds and working together toward shared goals.”
Looking ahead, Damon sees 2025 as a pivotal year for A-Game. He aims to team up with Tyler Adams, a former U.S. Soccer Player of the Year, as the World Cup approaches in 2026. He knows that building relationships is key to success in sports and business alike.
Overall, Johnny Damon’s journey from baseball superstar to budding entrepreneur reflects his resilience and ambition. Just as on the field, he’s determined to succeed in this new venture.
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Johnny Damon,MLB,Boston Red Sox,New York Yankees,World Series,A-Game
