Think & Drink: Fueling the Show: Nutrition Strategy of Major League Baseball
May 7 @ 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm CDT
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.
Don’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.
When: Thursday, May 7, 2026, 6:00 pm
Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1721-1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO
Tickets: Free admission but registration is required. Click here to register.
About Erika Wincheski
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.
About Think & Drink Lecture Series:
Think & Drink is an exciting new kind of event that combines educational topics with social gatherings. This one-hour lecture program was launched in July of 2025 by Casual Animal Brewing Company, a microbrewery in the East Crossroads area, south of downtown Kansas City. The lectures are held on the first and third Thursday of every month and bring together experts, academics, and curious minds for evening talks on topics that generate fresh perspectives, ideas, and discussion. No topic is off the table.