Cleveland Indians outfielder, Jake Clement, surprised fans and teammates alike when he hit a three-run homer in a recent game against the Detroit Tigers. What made this feat even more impressive was the fact that Clement had spent his off-day practicing his golf swing rather than taking extra batting practice.

When asked about his unexpected success at the plate, Clement credited his time on the golf course for helping him improve his hitting. “I think the rhythm and timing of my golf swing really translated well to my baseball swing,” he explained. “I was able to stay relaxed and focused at the plate, just like I do on the golf course.”

This isn’t the first time that a baseball player has found success by incorporating golf into their training routine. Many players, including Hall of Famers like Mickey Mantle and Ken Griffey Jr., have credited golf with helping them improve their hand-eye coordination and overall swing mechanics.

In fact, some teams have even started incorporating golf into their training programs as a way to help players improve their hitting skills. The New York Yankees, for example, have a designated golf day each week where players can work on their swings and relax away from the pressures of the baseball diamond.

While not every player may see the same results as Clement did, there is no denying the benefits that golf can have on a baseball player’s performance. So next time you see a player spending their off-day on the golf course, don’t be surprised if they come back to the field swinging for the fences.