Page 6 - Fully Equipped Playbook
P. 6
HUMILITY
That growth and maturity is the reason I was able to handle my role as a platoon player in the big leagues. I was an everyday player my entire life, from T-Ball to Triple-A. Transitioning to playing just against lefties, was tough, but I didn't want to become a cancer to the team, just because I felt I should be out there every day. I had to learn to accept the role big league coaches felt I was best equipped for. Mentally I was up for the challenge, and figured out through trial and error how to prepare for part time play. Once the mental game was conquered, I found what worked physically, and that's when I found success. I know without a doubt if I hadn’t put the work in to be a better all-around person, my career would have been much shorter.
I'm proud of my reputation in baseball. Take a look at the testimonials on my webpage. If you ask any of my former teammates they will tell you, “He was a great teammate we could count on each day to be consistent, who played all-out, all the time, and did whatever it took to win.” I put a lot of work into being a person of high integrity and humility. That's why my reputation amongst my peers means so much to me and is one of the things I am most proud of in my career. People can and will always criticize parts of my game but one thing they can’t criticize is the person I was and the way I played the game.
IN CLOSING, PUT IN THE WORK AND EQUIP YOURSELF WITH HUMILITY AND EVERYTHING THAT IT STANDS FOR. AT THE END OF YOUR CAREER, YOU'LL BE REMEMBERED MORE FOR YOUR REPUTATION THAN YOUR SLUGGING PERCENTAGE.
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EXERCISE YOUR MIND: Take some time to reflect on a moment when you could have been a better teammate. What were the circumstances? How did you handle yourself? Did others feel your energy? Write down ways you can change the outcome the next time that situation arises. What would you do differently? Take these answers and apply them next time!
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