Smart Talks. Cold Drinks.
Presenting THINK & DRINK – where the curious gather. This ongoing lecture series delivers a wide array of topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. These community-driven events are powered by a collaboration between UMKC, Linda Hall Library, The Third Place Historian, and Casual Animal Brewing Company.
Your RSVP is appreciated to help us preset the room and accommodate as many seats as possible for interested attendees. You will also receive at least 1 reminder email about the event when you RSVP.
May 7:
Fueling The Show: Inside the Nutrition Strategy of Major League Baseball
speaker:
Erika Wincheski, Director of Sports Nutrition, Kansas City Royals
Most people think professional baseball players have unlimited resources and perfect nutrition. The reality is far more nuanced. From coaching a minor league athlete transitioning into the big leagues, to navigating food superstitions before a game, to answering constant questions about protein — this job isn’t just about meal plans. Sports Dietetics is about performance strategy, psychology, logistics, and trust. Erika Wincheski is a veteran in the world of performance nutrition for Major League Baseball and she’ll take you inside the clubhouse to show you what fueling elite athletes actually looks like.
Speaker Bio: Erika Wincheski is in her ninth season with the Royals and fifth as the Director of Sports Nutrition. In her role, she supports all levels of the organization, develops and maintains nutrition standards and helps players maximize their performance and recovery through enhancing nutrition. She is a Licensed Dietitian and Board-Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics. She’s also currently serving as Vice President of the Professional Baseball Dietitian Society.
She had spent the previous five-plus years working at EXOS in Phoenix, Arizona. During her time with EXOS, she worked under contract with the San Francisco Giants in Major League Baseball as well as the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Coyotes and U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team.
Wincheski received her bachelor’s degree in nutrition from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif., while she did a postgraduate dietetic internship through the University of Maryland.
