Two Lessons From a MLB All-Star

On August 17^th, Oakland A’s all-star pitcher, Chris Bassitt, was hit with a 100-mph line drive in the head. When the incident occurred, Chris’s 3.22 ERA was amongst the leaders in the American League. In addition, with 42 games to go- the A’s were 2.5 games behind the Astros in the AL West and 1 game back in the Wild Card race. 

The video was hard to watch and it is a reminder how dangerous the game can be. He ended up having surgery for a facial fracture on his right cheek.  He was lucky.  His right eye and right orbital bone were not fractured.  He set his sights on returning as soon as possible.  In fact, the morning after the incident he sent this text to announcer Dallas Braden, “Bullpen in a few weeks.  The show goes on.”

Fast forward to September 23. The A’s, now 9 games back in the West and behind five teams in the Wild Card race, were virtually eliminated from the playoffs.  Bassit had beat the odds and was cleared to pitch against the Seattle Mariners.  With his team out of contention and coming off a major injury he decided to take the ball. 

Many people thought it would be best for him to just take the rest of the year off.  Why risk it? Here was the post Bassit made on Twitter:

Why did I come back? What’s the point? I’ll tell you why…We are the green and gold.  Bob Melvin is my manager.  Don’t make excuses and get your ass to work.  The org turns you into a better person and I’m grateful. 

Bassit’s route to being a MLB all-star was not easy:

• He was academically ineligible for a full year in college.
• He was a 16^th round draft pick of the White Sox, signing for a minimal signing bonus.
• He was a closer until AA, when they switched him to a starter to increase his trade value.
• The first time he made it to MLB spring training he broke his hand and was shut down.
• He had a solid first MLB season, then got Tommy John surgery.
• After TJ, he was up and down from the big leagues to the minor leagues.

At the time of the injury he was one of the best pitchers in the American League.  If he didn’t throw a pitch the rest of the year, he’d be in a tremendous position to earn a lucrative contract. There was little to gain by returning.

Returning to pitch made no rational sense.  Or did it?

Two Powerful Takeaways:

I have two major takeaways from this story. First, in order to achieve something special we have to do things that make no sense to others.  People who don’t get it will quickly point out the rational choice.  But here’s the thing, we’ll never do anything special playing it safe and small. 

Using Bassit as an example, there’s no way he’s thriving in the big league if his mindset isn’t extreme: 

• Shouldn’t he have quit baseball and focused on school after being academically ineligible? 
• Shouldn’t he have gotten a real job instead of playing minor league baseball for little pay?
• He wasn’t a prospect: shouldn’t he have called it a career after TJ?

What seems rational to some is ridiculous to a high-performer like Chris.

The second takeaway is a leadership lesson: 

 “We are the green and gold.”

“Bob Melvin is my manager.”

“This org turns you into a better person and I’m grateful.”

I’ve learned to never minimize what individuals will do for teams and organizations when they feel loved and respected.  Chris Bassitt came back because he loves the people in the A’s organization.  For years, he has worked shoulder to shoulder with the players, coaches and front office to create something special. 

I’m convinced most people do not leave an organization for money.  Sure, sometimes it happens but not as often as we think. 

It’s much easier to leave or be apathetic if:

• You don’t feel cared for. 
• If you are made to feel easily replaceable. 
• If you are not uniquely seen. 
• If your needs are not heard. 

Organizations often demand loyalty, but they fail to do the hard work of connecting with their people. 

Final Thought:

If we are going to do special things we must do things that make no sense to the masses.  We must learn to love this delusional mindset.  In addition, if we want to build strong teams it’s our responsibility to ensure those within our care FEEL our appreciation. 

I’ll conclude with Bassitt’s teammate, Mark Canha’s, response:

You came back for the boys. Cuz your all about the boys and you’re a damn gladiator! You already had my respect Bassmaster, but the work you’ve done over the past few weeks culminating in the return today took it to a whole new level.”

Continue doing things that make no sense to others.  Continue loving and supporting those you lead at a deep level. 

I’ll bet it leads to something special.