"The way to make coaches think you're in shape in the spring is to get a tan"

Whitey Ford's quote recommends that physical look can be a crucial factor in how coaches view a professional athlete's level of physical fitness. By having a tan, an athlete can provide the impression that they have actually been training and striving in the spring. This could be advantageous for athletes who might not have had the chance to train as much as they would have liked due to weather or other circumstances. It might also be beneficial for professional athletes who may not have the physical capabilities to perform at a high level, but still want to make a good impression on their coaches. Ford's quote suggests that physical look can be just as essential as real physical conditioning when it comes to making a good impression on coaches.