Some of the most meaningful memories I have of my childhood are the ones of my dad and I playing baseball together. My dad loves the game and nothing brings him more joy than sharing that love with others. I grew up with a mitt on one hand and a bat in the other. He played catch with me on Saturdays, taught me how to play every single position, and helped me perfect my slide. He was at all my games, practices and tournaments. I now realize that many of the lessons he taught me on the field can also be applied to life. In honor of my favorite coach, here are a few lessons to help you win the big game.
1. You don’t have to swing on the first pitch.
As a batter, I was so incredibly eager to hit the ball. So eager in fact, I found myself swinging on the very first pitch, no matter how bad the throw was. The ball could be soaring over my head or rolling in the dirt and I would still be swinging. My dad taught me to be patient and wait for the right pitch. Just because it's the first pitch thrown at us doesn’t make it the right one. Wait for the right opportunity instead of swinging at a pitch that you know doesn’t feel quite right.
2. Don’t feel like you have to hit a home run every time you are at bat.
Every kid who has played baseball understands the overpowering desire to hit a home run. It is one of the most glorious moments in all of baseball and I wanted that moment so badly. My dad, however, understood the big picture. He reminded me that small steps can lead to a big result. Although, my single would not produce the same reaction as a home run, I still helped the team score. Sometimes swinging for the fences is not the most effective way to bring in a win. A series of small steps coming together can produce great results.
3. Always hustle.
If my dad had an official mantra it would be “hustle”. The man said it every day without ceasing. I heard him urging me to hustle to beat a throw at first base and when he called our team into the dugout. Now I hear it when I am working on a big paper, when I am turning in a resume and when I am serving others. My days on the field are gone but his earnest reminder to give 100% in all I do will stick with me forever.
I thought that my dad was teaching me how to be an athlete all of those years. In reality, he was teaching me invaluable lessons like patience and persistence. Thanks to his coaching, my performance improved on the field and more importantly in my life. Thanks Coach, I’m still hustling.
