On this Thanksgiving eve, let’s take break from the offseason training to reflect upon what we are grateful for in this life. Both on the field and off. In this day of the technological age, judgement occurs more than ever. Thus it is important to be grateful for your character. It is something that no one can ever take away from you. No matter how hard they try, only you can alter it.

As it is November, this is the time to build up strength and skills towards a DOMINANT 2019. Since there is no competition going on right now, contemplation upon teachable moments from last season I am sure are entering your thought process regularly.

Even the worst of the worst experiences have a silver lining to them. That is the charm of this great game. The feedback speaks volumes. In both short and long term effects. Everything from an immediate in game adjustment to a situation which may occur 5 years down the road…and everything in between. Sure winning is more fun and it is why you play the game. However, you learn a lot more about yourself from losing.

 

Be Grateful For Your Character
Good Coach/Bad Coach

We have all had both ends of the coaching spectrum influence us. There is the man who had the ability to inspire, get the most out of our ability, and challenge us to enhance our character, all while having our back every time in battle. That coach still means the world to us. In return, we clinged to his every word in adoration of his knowledge of the game and bought into his system. Many good times ensued because of this synergy. The positive influence these coaches have on us, lasts a lifetime.

On the lesser hand, we have all had a coach or two, or three, who can’t remember our name, doesn’t care about development and casts blame at our struggles. All he cares about is winning. Comically, that is his mantra. Yet, he is unable to make the necessary connection that you need the former to achieve the latter.

Be Grateful For Your Character
Overcoming Adversity

Very rarely, are we able to choose our coaches. Certainly, the unknown and unexpected from them are out of our control. A poor playing environment of this sort can create massive setbacks upon a player’s advancement. Although, handling the pressure from this negativity is part of the progression for a successful player. Through thick and thin, a player and team still need to put on their spikes and go to work. Overcoming adversity is a constant aspect of baseball. It is never totally avoided. The best players/teams embrace the difficulty with a game plan and desire to come out on top.

As the great coaches cannot stay with you forever, their influences can. When times get tough in this game, as they often will, draw off of their teachings and demeanor. Stay calm when the game speeds up. Be aggressive when there is an opportunity to succeed. Remain upbeat when the game looks grim. Don’t let up when victory is within reach. Once these intangibles are ingrained in the character, they never retreat, regardless of who makes out the lineup card.

 

Be Grateful For Your Character
Transition to Off Field

 

If you have been with Slider Domination for some time, you have heard me share:

 

Baseball is an Extremely Rewarding Game
to Those Who Fully Dedicate Themselves.

This goes for both on and off the field.

Recently, I attended the European Baseball Coaches Association Convention. All the speakers frequently touched on character of ball players. Whenever a current or former MLB player whom one of the speakers referenced, from knowing them personally, there was always a common theme. When they first discussed said player, it was never about their talent or results.
It was always to the tune of:

He is an Incredible Human Being!

This plays big in baseball. Especially, at the professional level. As coaches and players have to work together every day for up to 8 ½ months, character is important. It creates a symbiosis necessary to get through the tough times together and move forward with the best intentions. Players who lack good character often are exited out of the game earlier than their talent says so. If one is not coachable nor a good teammate, they are replaceable. Simple as that.

Be Grateful For Your Character
Opportunities

With that good character comes opportunity. When people like how you handle yourself, they are more inclined to make you offers of many sorts. That goes well beyond baseball. When your resume shows that you got the job done in the classroom and on the field, it is a double bonus in the eyes of those who make decisions over you. You have proved to the world that you can handle a heavy load and succeed. This accomplishment stands out amongst your peers.  Good character in addition to that is the cherry on top!

If you have these positive character traits which were just touched on, be grateful, be humble, and be appreciative of what they can create for you. Nonetheless, never stop improving your game and your character. It is an on going development. Consequently, work everyday to be the very best version of yourself. The rewards are handsome.

Be Grateful For Your Character
Improvements

If you have a few loose ends in your overall approach, they can be cleaned up. There are more chances. People are willing to work with others when they show that they are fully dedicated. To get to the next level(s), examine your behavior and consider if it is representative of who you would like to be as a person and a competitor. ^[1]

Now the maturation process can involve parts which you are not internally thrilled about possessing. Once you out grow and learn from them, it is on to the next challenge.

During the process of figuring out yourself, don’t compare your status to that of others. It is only going to make you miserable. You are setting the bar on a path which is not intended for you to take. Absolutely, surround yourself with people of positive influence. However, understand they all had different routes to get to where they are now. You have strengths that may equal or outshine even those above you. Allow for those strengths to lead you in the right direction in helping you develop more positive qualities necessary to succeed in baseball and in life. Be grateful for the learning experience!

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Keep Dominating!!!

 

 

 

^[1] Dorfman, H.A. “The Mental ABC’s of Pitching,  A Handbook for Performance Enhancement”
Lanham, MD: Diamond Communication. (2000). pp. 48-50