How does a 70-year-old professor of kinesiology help a 20-something Major League outfielder deal with a batting slump? Ken Ravizza found a way. He kept his message simple and to the point. "There was a time when he actually jumped on my back," Cubs outfielder Kyle Schwarber said of Ravizza. "He's like, 'Now, try to hit like this.' It put it in perspective. If you don't let things go, they'll pile up."

Ravizza passed away on July 8, and a celebration of his life will be held on Sunday in southern California. It will be a tough day for Cubs manager Joe Maddon, who worked with Ravizza for more than 30 years, beginning with their days together in the Angels' organization. Ravizza led the Cubs' mental skills department.