season end

The 2011 season is nearly over and as the Mets have made some progress that progress is not reflected in our record. As I was a member of the Mets’ team in the early 80’s, I have seen this trend before. In other words, the 86 Mets team was a byproduct of the early struggles with young inexperience players. So for one more year, we must cherish the memories of a happier time. For all Mets fan, this year is the 25^th anniversary of the 86 World Series Champion Mets. Bill Buckner has jointed me in recreating one of baseball’s more memorable moments though a work of art. The original painting can be viewed in the Mets hall of Fame at Citi Field. But if you wish to own your own private piece of Mets history, a framed copy of this piece of art work can be purchased at www.theplay86ws.com.

Thank you for following Mookie’s View this year. I will continue to update with small article during the offseason.

Thank You and May God continue to bless you.

Mookie

Evolution of Baseball

The Evolution of baseball

Just like most things, baseball has evolved. No matter what phase baseball has gone through, the objectives remain the same; scoring runs for the offense and preventing runs for the defense. Unlike the other two major sports, basketball and football, time is not a factor. The evolution of baseball can be compared to the fashion industry. People design different style and looks and if others like what they see, people will wear it and it becomes a fashion craze or fad. Baseball has a tendency to follow the same pattern. If one team does something that show a certain degree of success, other teams will eventually adopt the same philosophy creating change.

    Many changes have been made in the passing years for various reasons; to promote safety, speed up the game, promote more offense or to bring the level of competition between the pitcher and hitter closer just to name a few. Some view these changes as being intrusive and unnecessary while other see it as progress improving the game. There are some who contend, to some degree, that these changes have contributed to the declining use of some of the game’s most exciting skills: base stealing, base running, bunting and complete games while promoting others such as the home run, strike outs and relief pitching.

   The changes in the game have affected the way players perform, managers manage, and coaches instruct. Marketing of teams has affected the way team dress and owners run their organizations. For better or for worst, the game has survived all of our interference and tinkering.

    Some of the most obvious changes are in the offensive schemes of more teams. Teams have shifted their focus to relying more on power, even those that once was known for their passion or dependence on speed, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland A’s and let’s not forget the New York Mets. Positions that once were considered defensive positions are now asked to have a heavier offensive impact. The arts of base stealing and bunting have dwindled but appear to be making a comeback. Where speed was once a priority is now a luxury. Pitching has become more specialized and bunt defensives have become more sophiscated where bunting itself is used less. As bigger, stronger athletes claim their influences on the game, smaller ballpark has forced many of these changes as well. Accept for Sunday afternoon, day games are a rare occurrence. However, Sunday afternoon games are often being adjusted to night games because of TV. For marketing purposes, teams are regularly changing color schemes. Teams once owned by families now have corporate ownership and all of us have noticed the economics of the game. I’m not saying that the changes are bad or good just noting the changes I have seen in my short career.

   Baseball, once only considered the great American pastime and now the life line of many communities, is constantly evolving and I am waiting for the next phase. Until it happens, I will continue to enjoy and promote the great game of baseball.

Evolution of Baseball

The Evolution of baseball

Just like most things, baseball has evolved. No matter what phase baseball has gone through, the objectives remain the same; scoring runs for the offense and preventing runs for the defense. Unlike the other two major sports, basketball and football, time is not a factor. The evolution of baseball can be compared to the fashion industry. People design different style and looks and if others like what they see, people will wear it and it becomes a fashion craze or fad. Baseball has a tendency to follow the same pattern. If one team does something that show a certain degree of success, other teams will eventually adopt the same philosophy creating change.

    Many changes have been made in the passing years for various reasons; to promote safety, speed up the game, promote more offense or to bring the level of competition between the pitcher and hitter closer just to name a few. Some view these changes as being intrusive and unnecessary while other see it as progress improving the game. There are some who contend, to some degree, that these changes have contributed to the declining use of some of the game’s most exciting skills: base stealing, base running, bunting and complete games while promoting others such as the home run, strike outs and relief pitching.

   The changes in the game have affected the way players perform, managers manage, and coaches instruct. Marketing of teams has affected the way team dress and owners run their organizations. For better or for worst, the game has survived all of our interference and tinkering.

    Some of the most obvious changes are in the offensive schemes of more teams. Teams have shifted their focus to relying more on power, even those that once was known for their passion or dependence on speed, St. Louis Cardinals, Oakland A’s and let’s not forget the New York Mets. Positions that once were considered defensive positions are now asked to have a heavier offensive impact. The arts of base stealing and bunting have dwindled but appear to be making a comeback. Where speed was once a priority is now a luxury. Pitching has become more specialized and bunt defensives have become more sophiscated where bunting itself is used less. As bigger, stronger athletes claim their influences on the game, smaller ballpark has forced many of these changes as well. Accept for Sunday afternoon, day games are a rare occurrence. However, Sunday afternoon games are often being adjusted to night games because of TV. For marketing purposes, teams are regularly changing color schemes. Teams once owned by families now have corporate ownership and all of us have noticed the economics of the game. I’m not saying that the changes are bad or good just noting the changes I have seen in my short career.

   Baseball, once only considered the great American pastime and now the life line of many communities, is constantly evolving and I am waiting for the next phase. Until it happens, I will continue to enjoy and promote the great game of baseball.

Freqently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

As professional athlete and member of a championship team, I am asked to attend many functions. It is not uncommon to be asked to speak to the audience. The topics are usually predetermined by the organizers. Part of my presentation requires me to allow the people in attendance to ask questions. This is always the highlight of the evening. I will take this opportunity to answer some of those frequently asked questions.

How did you get the name Mookie?

Contrary to a previously publicized explanation, I did not get my name because of not being able to pronounce the word milk nor did my grandmother give it to me. I don’t know how I got the name and I don’t know what it means. To my knowledge, it has no specific meaning. Sorry, that’s the best I can do.

Do you miss playing?

Most players will not admit it but they are some that would love to turn back the clock to get one more chance to play the game that they love. This is not to say that they miss playing but they miss the competition. When you get to a certain age, playing is easy but preparing to play is what becomes difficult. No, I don’t miss playing but I do miss the thrill of competition.

What field was your favorite to play on?

Every ball player prefers playing at home because he always has the fan behind them and playing on the road can be difficult because of the fan factor. That being said, there are ballparks that have great playing surfaces, good hitting backgrounds and perfect lighting. Wrigley Field was that park for me.

What manager did you enjoy playing for the most?

During my career, I played for 5 managers but for discussion purpose, I will only name the 3 that I had for a length of time, David Johnson, Joe Torre, and Cito Gaston. All were very good managers that communicated well with their players. Because of his coaching style, I must say Cito Gaston.  He seemed to embrace the running game more which I enjoyed the most. It must also be noted that I was a little older at this time and was more accepting to the managing and coaching philosophy. In other words, I had a better understanding of the game and the manager’s job.

Do you ever see or talk to Bill Buckner?

People ask this question a lot and they appear surprise when I give them the answer. Bill and I have become very good friends over the years and we either see or speak to each other quite often. As a matter of fact, we are currently working on a joint project that will hopefully be announced in the near future.

How often do you get asked about the Buckner play?

I’m asked about that play very often.  If it is baseball season, the topic comes up every day.

What were you thinking when you hit the ball to Buckner?

Because of censorship, I can’t say what I was thinking, just trust me, you don’t want to know.

Would you have beaten Buckner to the base?

I would love to tell you yes because it would work wonders for my ego. In all honest, I don’t know. Bill and I have talked about this many times and we both agree that it would have been interesting to know what would have happened.

Do you feel sorry for Buckner?

I do not and he doesn’t want me or anyone else to. I do regret that both of our careers have come to be defined by one play. If you are a baseball fan, you must know how good of a player Bill was.

Would you like to manage in the future?

Yes! I don’t think that there are many coaches in the majors or minors that would not want to try managing at some point. As coaches, we must keep in mind that all good players and coaches do not always mean that you will be a good manager but I think that I can handle it.

The questions can go on for hours but just like at most events, I have to stop at some point. See you next week.

Safe Haven

Safe Haven

Many of us have been or seen people react to fear, uncomfortable situations or the grind of daily pressures. I remember watching my daughters cover their heads with the blankets on the bed when they were afraid. Getting under the bed itself is a popular reaction in the movies. I never really understood why but that was a place where they felt safe from whatever was outside the covers even if it was in the same room.

As adults, we have those places where we feel untouchable and it is comforting to know that you have that one place where you can go to feel safe. A place you come to know as your safe haven where your mind can be at peace free from distractions and pressures. This place is not a place produced through the consumption of alcohol or other mood changing substances. A place created through the consumption of mood changing substances does more than remove you mentally from the realities of your circumstances but also the realities of life.

Athletes have a common place they call a safe haven. For me and many other athletes, our safe haven is the clubhouse. The clubhouse is a place where athletes feel isolated from the outside world realizing that it still exists but is unaffected by it for 2 to 4 hour of the day. For this short period of time, players can be exempt from the normal rules and pressures of the outside world and only those whom they choose may enter into this paradise of peace.

The clubhouse, unlike the covers or bed, is not a hiding place. It’s a place where athletes can go to temporarily escape, gather their thoughts and be revived for the next day’s challenges. It is shared by others who see it as that place and welcomes the fellowshipping with others in search of that common peace. Everyone who shares the clubhouse is not in search of that safety or therapeutic value that it provides but they do respect the space and time it represents and understands its importance. However, since sports has progressed so has the demand for more access to the athletes forcing management to make the clubhouse more accessible to outsiders, mainly the media. Athletes are now looking to find refuge within their safe haven. Places, such as the player’s lounge, weight room and training room which are off limits to ever one except players and management, become regular hangouts. Occupants of the clubhouse are annoyed when their space is invaded by outsiders; people they feel do not belong. The clubhouse is more than the work place. It is a safe haven and that’s why it is guarded and protected with the strictest of rules. There are clubhouse rules, protocol and clubhouse etiquette that must be adhered to assure the sanctity of its existence.

Outside The Classroom

Outside The Classroom

Sports have been a part of many cultures for centuries serving a multitude of purposes. In earlier years, sports were mainly used as entertainment, some rather cruel displays of competition. Yet, people assembled to watch. Today, sports still serve as a major form of entertainment but the participants are viewed quite differently. Most of today’s athletes are considered celebrities or heroes. In addition to entertainment, sports are the life line of many families, communities, cities and states. Of course, this aspect of sports is limited to the professional and collegiate levels. Sports, being a cash cow in many respects, is often disregarded or disposed of at the lower levels where it does not produce income. States, cities and schools appear to deny or fail to realize the other values of sports. Convincing, our political and educational leaders that there are some things more important than the dollar, can be an almost impossible task.

The sporting arena is a melting pot where participants of all races, sizes, religions and sexes can come together to learn and display their athletic abilities and wits. Since everyone is not what we consider a true athlete, it is important to realize that sports provides a place where kids of all ages can experience more than the thrill of competition, the celebration of victory and the agony of defeat. Sport teaches as many lessons including some of the very virtues we hope our children will process at some point in their lives. I’ve always viewed sports, particularly baseball, as an extension of life giving all who play an opportunity to experience, learn, build and display life’s realities and virtues.

Sports provide an opportunity to experience the joy of success and victory as well as the disappointment of failure and rejection while learning the value of compromise and communication necessary for success as they realize that determination and patience is needed to overcome the feeling of failure and rejection. As we build character and relationships, we become confident in our ability to compete, never forgetting to display humility, acceptance, cooperation or trust.

With an understanding that there is an economic factor involved, I still feel that we are not taking full advantage of the opportunities that sports can provide. It’s very disturbing to hear that whenever budget cuts are mentioned in our cities and schools, recreational and sport programs almost always are at the top of the list and looked upon as having no real positive impact on the development of our youth. We constantly state that our children are our future but in my opinion, we fall short of completing the task preparing them to be successful in carrying the torch of leading or competing in a demanding environment. We are making a mistake in thinking that everything needed to succeed is learned in a classroom. I do not intend to imply that sports are more or just as important as an academic education but I am suggesting that there are many valuable lessons to be learned outside the classroom; lessons that can only be learned through experience, lessons that sports will expose our children to daily. I’ve played sports baseball all my life, in fact, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t playing baseball or some other sport. The experiences, through baseball and other sports, have helped me to overcome many of life’s cruel realities: failure, rejection, prejudice and disappointments while achieving a level of success with determination, patience, acceptance, cooperation and trust. Through these same experiences, I’m better prepared to handle many of today’s opportunities and accomplishments. The most important of all the lesson learned were humility and that there is reward in failure. Without question, I can say with confidence that there is plenty to be learned outside the classroom.

Coaching

Coaching

With the weather finally appearing to be stabilizing, baseball season can be enjoyed in the comfort of warmth. Thousands of leagues with millions of kids are engaged in competition and hopefully some fun. However there is no denying that many kids will be looking to gain an edge by looking for some added coaching or instructions. Sound coaching is at a premium this time of year. Knowing the importance and demand for good coaching, it should be the responsibility of every coach and parent to provide the best instructions available. I realize that coaching at most amateur levels is a matter of choice. However, it does carry a certain degree of responsibility. After playing baseball for 30 years, amateur and professional, I did not think that anything could satisfy the competitive hunger that dwelled in me. However I’ve been involved in coaching since 1994 and find it to be very rewarding and satisfying, not to the level of playing but certainly a great substitute. As a matter of fact, with 13 years of coaching experience in addition to my playing experiences, some may consider me an expert. As this is a flattering compliment, I question if anyone is an expert when it comes to coaching. There are numerous books and videos claiming to have the answers taking the guess work out of coaching. Many of them promote generic philosophies and techniques. Based on my experience, most of them fall short of explaining sound coaching techniques.  Even as I may be considered an expert, I do not have all the answers needed to master the art of coaching nor do I claim that other information is useless. I do have some advice that may help: (1) There’re no absolutes in coaching (2) Never demand more of an athlete than is physically possible (3) Coaching style such be tailored to the level of players (4) decide whether your coaching will be instructional, development or for winning. Whatever your coaching style will be, patience will always payoff. In a sport full of ambiguous terms, getting your message across can be challenging. It would be to a coach’s advantage to use terms that are easily understood. Avoid or full explain terms like level swing or squash the bug, which is used frequently at the lower amateur levels, can lead to misinterpretations of instructions. Coaching is more than instructing. It involves giving options in techniques and mentally preparing athletes to perform.

Coaches have the task of motivating players. It is the hope of every coach that the thrill of competition is enough to motivate every athlete but this is not always the case. Most athletes are visual learners therefore are motivated by the appearance of results. It is the desire of every athlete to be the best, accepted, experience the thrill of competing and victory. The fulfillment of these is among the highest motivators, however, the lack of either can cause an athlete to lose confidence in the coaching and, eventually, the motivation to continue trusting and practicing the techniques. An important fact for any coach is to remember that the majority of athletes are result driven and it is this fact t can make it difficult to get athletes to understand and trust the process. Therefore, a relationship of trust must develop to maximize a coach’s efforts. The athlete must trust the coach even when the results are not immediate.

Since players don’t always respond to the teachings of the coach, coaches need motivation as well. They need to see some positive results of their efforts, some measure of success. For a coach, there are many variables that determine success and unfortunately, for coaches, success is measured by victories. Recognizing and managing variables such as; physical ability, mental awareness and knowledge of the game just to name a few, will increase your chance of success. Above all, you must have patience.

What's in a Name

What’s in a Name

    Baseball has many things in its history that it can proud of. A past that can claim ownership of having influenced the cultural diversity of sports and our society. As some may consider many of baseball’s moves as political, I view it as simple business progressions, improving an existing product.  Baseball has always been unique in the ways it operates and promotes itself. Part of baseball’s uniqueness is its use of nicknames to identify its participants. We all have names, first, middle and last names. We even have nicknames, extending the explanation of who we are. These nicknames are given to individuals, groups and teams reflecting their character, skill, purpose or religion.  Baseball is famous for its variety of nicknames. However, it is becoming more difficult in today’s game to find a player with a professional name other than his given name at birth. I will not begin to explain why this has occurred. What I will say is that the culture of game has change in a way that does not promote individuality.

    Baseball names have served the game well, promoting and representing the game and individuals for decades. These names identified some of the greatest players who ever wore a uniform or managed the game. Many of these names are nationally recognized and others were household names to a city or region. Names like the Babe, The Wizard, Doctor K, The Rocket, the Big Unit and Charlie Hustle brought national attention to the game and the players creating excitement and anticipation of what these players were able to do. In baseball, a nickname is more than an AKA. It’s a personality. It’s who he is. It stands for what he represents. It stands for what fans expect to see out of a performance from that player. It should be noted that a nickname doesn’t always describe a physical skill. It may describe an emotion or physical characteristic. In any case, a nickname becomes the primary name of identification; The Babe also known as George Herman Ruth, The Unit also known as Randy Johnson, The Rocket also Known as Roger Clement, The Wizard also known as Ozzie Smith, The White Rat also known as Whitey Herzog and Mookie also known as William Heyward Wilson. There are many other names, some more recognizable than others, having had a great impact on the game as well as individual careers.

    The association of nicknames was not limited to individual players. Teams enjoyed the recognition that nicknames provided. The Bronx Bombers, The big Red Machine, The Lumber Company were all good and well known teams respected for their dominance in a specific era of the team and baseball history. Just as anything else, names can reflect the good, bad or indifference and in all honesty, some nicknames are not very flattering.  Whether you agree or disagree with the names, their meaning or suggestions, they have been a valuable part of baseball in its effort to reinforce its connection with its fans.  Do you recognize this names? Murders Row, The Ripper, The Kid, The Hit Man, The Bash Brothers, The Big Unit,  The Lumber Company, The Big Red Machine, The Rocket, Crime Dog, Spaceman, Nails, Toy Cannon, The Thrill, Rock, Say Hey Kid, The Georgia Peach, Sarge, Puge, The Bull Dog, The Barber,  The Big Cat, The Yankee Clipper, The Bull, The Hawk, Stan The Man, Oil Can, Stretch, The Penguin, Strap Iron, The Cobra, Pops, Rooster, The Mad Hungarian, The Splendid Splinter, The Family, The Gas House Gang, The Wiz Kids, The Miracle Mets, Go Go Sox.  If you do not recognize all of the names don’t be alarmed, after all, what’s in a name?

Baseball and Religion

Baseball and Religion

In life, we are taught that, there are somethings that do not mix, oil and water, cats and dogs. In baseball, just as in life, there are things we were told don’t mix, weights and baseball and baseball and religion. Of course these two myths are based on nothing more than the ignorance of a misinformed culture.

As far as weights are concerned, I was one that believed that weights were bad for my profession. It was my understanding, again out of ignorance, that lifting weights would only be harmful for my career. I was afraid of losing flexibility and range of motion which would eventually cause me to lose the skills, speed and throwing, I depended on to excel in my sport. Of course, I was wrong.

On the other hand, religion, which I believe in, was looked upon in a different light. It was not thought of as causing or promoting any physical restriction. Baseball people, who fronded on religion as being part of a player life, believed that religion served no useful or rational purpose. The impression was that it had a damaging affect on players in regards to the way they approached and played the game. Players, managers, coaches and fans seem to be attracted to players that displayed aggressive, confrontational behavior. The thoughts were that religion caused players to be less aggressive, too passive. Managers, coaches and fellow players felt that these players, who express their religious beliefs, did not display the aggression and anger that should have accompanied feeling of disappointment of failure. The term Jesus freak was used as a negative description of a person’s calm demeanor when they were known to be active Christians. For these reasons, players were once reluctant to confirm their religious beliefs.

In the past, although I think this is no longer the case, some viewed religion as crouch for its believers to avoid accountability. A place to shift the responsibility of his career and actions. Out of ignorance, religion and its practitioners have endured the stigma of being passive, emotionless and even weak athletes.

However, in recent years, more sport figures are willing even elated to publicly confirm and display their religious beliefs. I am a Christian; in fact, I am studying to become a minister. It was my faith that helped me survived the hardships of the minor leagues. It is my faith that enables me to endure the disappointments associated with the baseball profession. It is my faith that helped me to overcome the temptations attached to fame and success as a major league baseball player. It is my faith, my religious beliefs that give me the strength to remain focus on my life and career. Christianity, just as other religions, is a way of life, accepting who you are while respecting others and allowing oneself to be strong and confident. I may be mistaking but isn’t that what every team would like to see from its players?

The Best Team Always Win

The Best Team Always Win

I posted two articles addressing some issues I felt were important to discuss. The first article was entitled A Winning Team and the second entitled Baseball’s Great Debates. The first related to the choosing of players to form a winning team and the second was to bring to light some of baseball’s debates between players, fans, analysts and management. The intent of these articles was to spark interest and conversation about baseball, its operation and relationships between fan, players and management. In doing so, I made some statements that may have raised a few eyebrows. This article is a continuation of two previous writings.

Though I have  made many statements in some of my articles, there is one that caused some interesting conversation among my peers and other associates and I believe this particular statement is worthy of your opinions and insight. Let me start by giving a little review of Mookie’s View. It is the hope of every organization to choose the players that will produce a winning team. In accomplishing this task, we must understand that a winning team is more than a collection of talented athletes motivated by selfish agendas and accomplishments. It has been proven over the course of time that having good athletes alone does not guarantee having a winning team. If nothing else, the game of baseball, in spite of the results, can teach us valuable lessons when observed objectively.

Regardless of our efforts, your expectation, the history, personnel or evaluations of any team, the best team always win. I do not make this statement from statistical numbers or expectations but from experience. This is an open and personal statement worthy of a debate which I’ve had with others. Some disagree giving a few understandable if not valid reasons for their opinions and others agree without conviction or understanding why. It would be interesting to hear what you have to say on this statement.

Jackie Robinson Day

April  15^th 2011

On April 15^th, Major League Baseball honored the accomplishments of Jackie Robinson. Every Major League Baseball Player wore number 42 in his honor. Many well produced documentaries were heard and seen throughout the country, all doing justice to a great man. I’m not a professional writer and I’m certainly not an authority on Mr. Robinson’s life. I may not be able to fully explain what Jackie Robinson must have felt or experienced or even what his accomplishments mean to me. However, I do have an understanding. An understanding validated from my own experiences of segregation, back entrances to doctors, restaurants even refused services and housing. As some of us have shared in a fraction of what Jackie endured, we now enjoy the fruits of his labor.

During this celebration, we acknowledge and worship the significance of this event in baseball history that changed the face of sports and influenced the attitudes of change in America. The signing of Jackie Robinson, an African American, to contract to play professional baseball in the Major League was a surprisingly bold move. This was significant because Jackie would be the first African American to play in a league that was reserved for white players at that point in history. The signing of Jackie represented the beginning of an end to an era that tolerated injustice, social and cultural bigotry. He also represented the beginning of a new era where diversity and equality is not a gift, compromise or sacrifice but a right given to all men embedded in the foundation of this country. Although the signing of Jackie did not mean the end of what was wrong with baseball or society, it did represent the willingness of people to acknowledge a great injustice and a desire for change.

Acknowledging that playing in the Major Leagues is a great honor, we celebrate and salute Mr. Robinson for his sacrifice, patients, wisdom, courage and strength. It was his bold and courageous efforts that enabled people of color to participate in the great American pastime, baseball. Let’s not be misguided in thinking that the signing of Jackie Robinson was solely to give African Americans an equal opportunity to play in the Major Leagues. They were other economic, political and social benefits that motivated such a bold move which was nothing more than an experiment at the time, an experiment requiring a special person such as Jackie Robinson to be successful, to accomplish the vision. This experiment proved to be more than showing the ability of a Black man to compete in a hustle environment. It would change the face of sports and lead to the restructuring of a protected culture.

The signing of Jackie Robinson revealed that opportunity brings change and change is not always welcomed but necessary. Change brings suffering, compromise and tolerance. America is the land of opportunity when opportunity is given.

Baseball's Great Debates

Baseball’s Great Debates

Baseball is a fascinating game sparking interest of many people some played the game and others are just fans.  For as many that enjoy the game, there are just as many who think the game is too slow.  The concept of the game is unlike many other team sports. Out of the three major team sports in America, baseball is the only one where the defense controls the ball and the tempo of the game. Although a baseball game is divided into segments called innings, basketball and football divided into timed quarters and halves, time is not assigned to any inning. Because of these differences and many others, and the fact that baseball is played nearly every day, there is always something to debate, analyze and criticize. The debate between baseball fans and non fans centers on baseball being the ultimate team sport. This is a question that can never be answered to satisfaction therefore the debate will continue. Baseball is a team sport that depends heavily on the skills, both offensive and defensive, of the individual players. It is more difficult for a single player to dominate a game because the opportunities to impact the game are distributed equally among the nine players offensive and defensive. Every player shares the burden of the outcome.

Other interesting debates occur between the fans of the game as well as between baseball people, the one who play and manage the game and let’s not forget the game TV and radio analyst. No matter who is involved in the debate or conversation the questions discussed are the same; which is the best team? Does the best team always win? Who is the best player? What is the most important offensive stat?  What’s the most important stat for a leadoff hitter? Who is the best pitcher? What’s the most important pitching stat? Who is the best manager? While these questions can never be answered with absolute certainty, they do test your knowledge and insight toward the game.

The best team is not always determined by the more gifted athletes on the field. The ability to make quick decisions, adjustments and execute a desired task with consistency usually reveals the best team. The best team is established on day to day bases. The best team always wins.

The argument of who is the best player can go on for hours because opinions are usually based on tangible numbers but for this debated, other things should be considered; decision making, value of each hit, run, homerun, stolen base, strikeout or defensive play. Generally speaking, as most offensive stats mean little by themselves in a team concept, run production is the true value of an offensive player.

It’s long been stated that good pitching will always beat good hitting. In my opinion, this is not altogether true. What they are really saying is that a good pitching will beat the best hitting a particular team has to offer on a given day. Besides, only two or three hitters on a team will be considered good all-star caliber hitters. In other word, it is my belief that a team of good hitters has just as much of chance of beating a good pitcher on any given day. To my knowledge, no pitcher, all-star or Hall of Famer, has gone undefeated. Because hitting is so difficult, good pitching will always beat good hitting is a safe statement to make.

Debating players is all about stats. Stats that is understandable to the most casual of fans. This brings us to the discussion of managers. Managers are rated on one tangible number, victories, season or championships. My argument is that victories are not a true measure of a manager. Stats are the orchestrators of many baseball debates. As these stats are important and serve a valuable purpose, era, hits, strikeouts, stole bases, victories, etc only give part of the equation to generate an energetic if not valid argument.

Defined by your past

Defined By Your Past

Spring training has ended and the 2011 season has officially begun. Every team has the same goal to be better. In doing so, every team most contend with its past, its history, some of recent years and others can go back for decades. The pressures of past successes, the agony of past failures and the perceptions of questionable character are the driving forces out of spring training. Teams with unflattering past, regardless of the circumstances, are focused on getting their players and fans to replace past perceptions of passionless quitters with the perception of excitement in the promise of a new season and bright future.

History is a collection of events that occurred in past days, months or years. Our futures are influenced by events which happened in the past regardless of the nature, positive or negative. We tend to hold on and cherish anything in our past that is fairly positive and build upon it. On that part of our past, motivation comes easy and for the most part we can cope with turmoil with a fair amount of ease.

However, when your past is filled with an assortment of failures, disappointments, unfulfilled goals and negative perceptions, most of our lives and careers are concerned with trying to get back on track. Hours and days are spent just trying to catch up putting things back in order, prioritizing. Most of us have misfortunes in our past and dealing with that misfortune is not always as easy as forgetting about it. When other are involved, it is considerably more difficult.

Because a team must deal with its past as a group, it is always more difficult to live up to or overcome its past. Each member of the team has his own issues as well as the team’s issues and each member handles his past in a different way. There is no question that the team’s past effects the members and the fans. Fans are a big part of any sports organization and constantly reminds the team of its flawed past increasing the pressure on the players and team to make a change. A team’s greatest task is overcoming the negative label placed on it by its past.

One of the most common mistakes made and phrases used is: “We are going to forget about the past.” Besides being virtually impossible to do, it’s never a good idea to forget your past. Denying your past won’t make it go away. It is our past that motivates us to continue the course or change. You can’t change your past. You can only influence the perception of the present and future. Acknowledging and understanding your past, helps you achieve that positive image every team and player desires. Teams are defined by their past.

A Winning Team

A Winning Team

March has two of America’s greatest sporting traditions, the collegiate basketball tournament known as March Madness and Major League Baseball spring training.

Spring training is a time where all 30 Major League baseball clubs gather in their respective cities located in Arizona and Florida. The purpose of this gathering is to put together and condition a group player that will hopefully be a championship team. I’ve been involved in 19 Major League spring trainings as a player and coach and each spring the goal is the same, the best possible 25 players are chosen for the team. In general these 25 players are usually the most talented. However, it’s been my observation and experience that talent is only one component of a championship team. Teams that depend solely on talent usually under achieve.

If putting a championship team together was as simple as picking the best talent, general managers and managers’ jobs would be easy. As there are many components that influences the choice in players, here are a few that are worthy of discussion. In addition to talent, a championship team must have:

25 role players, every player must know, understand and accept his role.

Trust, believe in the system that is in place and teammates. Believe in the process regardless of the immediate results.

Respect, champions have respect for its opponents as well as a mutual respect for each other.

Humility, willing to do whatever it takes to win. The team comes first.

Mental toughness, the ability to overcome adversity, fatigue and bruised egos.

Understanding and acceptance, player must understand that there are 25 different personalities on the team and accepting those differences makes for a harmonious clubhouse.

Acknowledge its strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging these will help you plan and prepare. Most teams plan from their strength and prepare for their weaknesses.

Controlled arrogance, championship teams have confidence in their abilities but awareness of situation that may force them to change their approach or strategy.

A championship team wins in spite of flawed coaching not because of good coaching.

Spring training is coming to an end and we are faced with the daunting task of making the final decisions as to who will be part of a winning combination. A combination that will eventually display most, if not all, of the attributes of a championship team. Let’s Go Mets!

Defining Moments

Defining Moments

During the course of a player’s career and the course of a season for a team, there will be an event, a moment that will define that player or team. As a matter of fact, most of us experience this time in life. During this period, we realize what we want to do in life and what kind of person we want to become. I call these moments defining moments.

For individual players and teams, defining moments tell them what type of players and teams they are. Both, players and teams, have two defining moments, realization and confirmation. The first moment helps them realize their abilities and desires. The second moment confirms who and what they have become. That moment can be an at bat, a pitch, a series, a season. It is these moment when a player realizes that he or she has the talent and desire to perform at the highest level. It is also during these moments that a player gets confirmation or proof that he or she belongs and have achieved what they realized what they were capable of doing.

For a team, these moments help them to realize that it has the players to compete with the elite teams in their league and the confirmation when your team has competed and defeated those elite teams. Confirmation takes more than performing, it also involves handling adversity. Players unhappy with playing time, contracts and other distractions that team can influence the performance of a team.

I’ve been asked on many occasions, when did I know I wanted or could be a professional baseball player? I did not know I wanted or could be a professional ball player until I was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodger in 1976 after two years of college. Although I chose to continued college, it was at that moment, I realized that being a professional baseball player, in the major league, was something I had the talent for and wanted to become. It wasn’t until 1982 that I received confirmation of not only belonging in the major league but also what kind of player I would have to be. It was a regular game against the St. Louis Cardinals when I scored from second base on an infield out that was my defining moment. I did it twice that very week.

As for the team, it usually takes a series or even a season. After the 85 season, we knew we were going to be different. During the spring of 86 the mood and personalities of the players suggested that we had grown, developed, ready for the challenge. We believed that we were ready to take on the rival St. Louis Cardinals. Early in the season we received confirmation by defeating this elite team with an elite manager named Whitey Herzog (The White Rat) at home and in Busch Stadium, a very difficult place to win. Because of this series, we knew we were the team to beat.

Defining moments, moments of realization, gives you hope, goals and desire to dream.

Defining moments, moments of confirmation, gives you confidence and the seal of accomplishment.

Unforgettable Season

Unforgettable Season

    The year began like any other year in spring training. Everyone was eager to get started. Optimism was enjoyed by all teams knowing that the reality of the season will temper this feeling, for many, at some point. This team was different in some way. The reason was not clear at the time but we all knew that something was definite different about the players. The names were the same but the shadow of failure somehow was not hovering waiting to drop what was in the past the misery of defeat. It was hard to tell if it was confidence or the players did not care because they knew what the end results would be.

    The season started and unfortunately I did not break camp with the team due to an eye injury that occurred during run down drills. As you can imagine, this was enough to drench any optimism I may have had for a productive season and maybe my career. I did survive and fully recovered from the injury. I rejoined the team in May and by that time the team was off and running, winning game after game which was a good thing and they were doing it without me. I was happy for the team but this was truly an ego buster. Common sense should have told me that I would not come in and continue being the everyday player that I was accustomed to. I became a part-time player, a role player, playing mostly against left hand pitchers. I wasn’t happy about the situation but there was nothing I could do about it other than complain, which I did.

    The season continued to roll along without a hitch. We won game after game, series after series. Some, in past years, we truly would have lost. We became the toast of New York and the envy of baseball. We had it all, pitching, power, speed and arrogance. We were the amazing Mets to some and pond scum to others. We cruised into the NLCS against the Houston Astros, a very good team. In fact, they were so good that this matchup, in my opinion, was one of the greatest series I had ever been in including the 86 World Series. We went toe to toe for five games and then came game six which ranks at the top of my list for all time great games. Through lead changes, let downs and momentum swings, many of us wanted that game just to end. Physically and emotionally neither team had much left. However, each team had its own motivation to keep fighting. The Astros wanted to dethrone the powerful and arrogant New York Mets. The Mets did not want a game seven because of a pitcher name Mike Scott. We eventually won the game but it took 16 innings. The thinking was that since we had won this series, the next series would be a piece of cake. We were wrong.

   After a dramatic game six victory in the NLCS, we entered the World Series against the Boston Red Sox at home and quickly lost the first two games. All of a sudden the old feeling that once plagued the New York Mets and its fan, found its way into our thoughts. After a bold move by the manager, David Johnson, not having practice before the next three games which was to be played in Boston, we won the first two but lost the third. The confidence returned just as quickly as it had left a few days before. We were headed back to New York for Games 6 and 7.

    The way the season started for us no one could predict that the events of game six would have such a profound effect on this seemingly unbeatable team. The Mets were down two runs going into the bottom of 9^th inning facing what would be the power arms of the Red Sox bullpen. The feeling of what a waste clouded the minds of every Mets fan and player, at least of those who dare to admit it. After two outs in the 9^th and no one on, things began to change. There was one hit then another then another and just that fast we became the aggressor with a level of confidence that fill every seat in the stadium. In typical 86 Mets fashion, we found a way to overcome claiming victory out of what seemed to be obvious defeat. It was on to game 7 with confidence not even a rainout could temper.

  Game 7 started as many of the Mets games had, down by a few runs early. Just like everyone had come to expect, the mighty Mets came back snatching victory from the hands of a dejected Red Sox team. Looking into their dugout, their faces said it all. The Mets did it to us again. The Mets ended an unforgettable season with a World Series victory.

Limitations and Restrictions

Overcoming Limitations and Cultural Restrictions.

         After giving it some serious thought, it became clear that writing this article is something I really want to do. I came to realize that I have always been one who questioned the usual and unusual occurrences of people lives as well as my own.

       Recently, I decided that I wanted to do something as bold as write a book. This is not all that odd, since I’ve always had this fascination for writing small articles about most anything. The only problem is that my thoughts seemed so erratic that putting them in some legible order was very difficult.  This is an attempt to record, in a readable fashion, my wondering thoughts.

       How did I get to this point in life in spite of all the restrictions and limitations confronting people like myself in the early 70’s? The social and cultural limitations were enough to cause most people to call it quits. Yet! Here I am with a family, two college degrees and a career in professional sports. Don’t misunderstand me as having a sad childhood, just noting that it was a struggle.

        I was black, poor and grew up in a culture that rejected growth. Education was stressed only to maintain an already decaying community. New ideals were not welcomed which limited new opportunities. The powers were content with the way thing were. I suppose that in many cultures there is a fear of losing control among the more influential people.

      There wasn’t much diversity when it came to career choices. The two overwhelming choices were farming and the military. Both are honest and respectable jobs but does not rank high on my, when I grow up list. As a matter of fact, the talk was,” when I graduate, I’m going into the army”, which at the time was an easy choice over being a farmer’s helper.

      Small communities are great in terms of having a close relationship with family and neighbors. The down side is that everyone thinks alike. Whatever limited thinking and imagination is constantly reinforced.

     As small communities are great for raising a family, you sometimes have to weigh this against what I consider as under minding the ideology that America is the land of opportunity. Opportunity is a byproduct of creative thinking, diversity and change.

       Most small towns, at least the one I grew up in, adopted a status quo culture. Culture is important because it give a set of social rules which everyone is expected to live by. However, “The sky is the limit”, “Be all you can be”, were only figures of speech, nothing more.

      These communities give true meaning to the term; “One Horse Town”, one school, one police, one traffic light, one culture, and one way of doing things regardless of race or religion. Communities, whether large or small that adopt a status quo culture is destined to fail. Cultures that fail to promote its’ youth and new ideals prohibits the people from rising above the social and cultural limitations. With education and determination, there is hope to succeed above the expectations of your environment.