The sixth tool, matching expectations to effort, and always being yourself
Life lessons through sports.
4.3.23 | by Coach Mike Deegan
Our baseball season is over a third of the way to completion. Like all journey’s, it’s been full of ups and downs. I’ve learned to embrace and enjoy the challenges. If it were easy, everyone would do it.
Here are three things which have my mind firing…
The Opener
On March 22nd, The Athletic published an article by Ryan Lavarnway who decided to retire from baseball: Ryan Lavarnway: As I retire from baseball, lessons learned in a decade in MLB
Ryan made it to the Big Leagues, but he spent most of his time as a minor league player.
In his 15 years of baseball, he was demoted, sent down, traded or released 26 times. You read that right, 26 times!
Ryan was never a true prospect. His skills and athleticism were average at best when compared to other professional baseball players.
So, how does a non-prospect with average ability make it to the Bigs and play for 15 years?
Ryan credits his “sixth tool” which is:
“I am really, really good at not quitting.”
The Set-up
I enjoy Shane Parrish’s work. Among many things, he hosts the Knowledge Project podcast and writes the Brain Food newsletter. Recently, Shane posed a question on Twitter: “Do my expectations match the level of effort I’m giving?”
As a coach, I often hear from athletes that they want to, “start or be an All-American.” However, their process isn’t aligned with the lofty goals.
More importantly, Parrish’s question forced me to reflect: How is my process for being a great father, husband, and coach?
I spare you the details, but I realized I have a lot of work to do.
The Closer
In 24 seasons, Gonzaga head coach Mark Few has led the team to the NCAA tournament every year. They have appeared in the Sweet 16 the last eight years (the longest streak in Division I basketball). That level of consistency is hard to imagine.
Success leaves clues. After their season ending loss to UConn star player, Drew Timme, spoke with the media. He gave us a peek behind the curtain of what produces such an amazing culture.
“I’m so thankful for a program and a place that took me as I was. They didn’t ask me to be anything but myself.”
– Drew Timme
Share this week’s Play Ball
Simply copy & paste this link:
https://www.coachmikedeegan.com/the-play-ball-newsletter-4-3-23/
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!