We've had a tough spring in Philadelphia. Though the Flyers and 76er's made good playoff runs, the Fightin' Phils have stumbled and bumbled along. There are many reasons which begin to sound like excuses after awhile. Among the wreckage, our 2nd best pitcher, Cliff Lee, has yet to win a game. This is incredible on so many levels. He is arguably one of the top 10 pitchers in the Major League. He has been dominant for the last few years. This year, Lee is 0-3 in 11 starts with a 3.48 earned run average. For his first few starts, he was the victim of poor hitting and fielding. But in his last two starts, he has given up 3 run leads late in the game. A pitcher of his caliber should hold a lead of three runs. Over his last six starts, his earned run average is a pedestrian 4.87.
It seems to me that Cliff Lee is reading his own press clippings. In other words, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. He appears to be a man doomed to not getting support. Baseball is a mental game and you need to be mentally sharp to be your best. Cliff Lee has not brought his "A" game recently.
Another leadership lesson for all of us. There is a saying I heard many years ago, "the harder you work, the luckier you get." I don't know the author, but they were very wise. The moment we become resigned to a fate based on others performance, we lose control of our goals and who we are as a person. Good leaders look for these red flags and help those in such a situation. I hope Charlie Manuel, manager of the Phillies, is that type of leader and gets Cliff Lee back on track. Are you watching your team ? As individuals, we need to find a way to make our own luck. The stakes are too high not to make the effort.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Happy Father's Day
I had another post in mind for today but figured it could wait. Today is the annual celebration of Fathers, in whose fraternity I proudly serve. Athletes of both genders have traditionally had supportive fathers throughout their careers. Fathers serve as coach, mentor, disciplinarian, and ultimately admirer. This week I was watching the Phillies play the Twins and Jim Thome's father was in the stands watching proudly as his son hit two home runs. Last month, Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood, retired after striking out his last batter. As he left the mound and received a standing ovation from the Cubs faithful, his son ran out to give him a hug. Father's have played a prominent role in many of today's athletes. Some good, and some bad, but they are lessons nonetheless.
I am fortunate to have my father alive and doing very well. He is 82 but very active. He served as a good role model for me. Like most good fathers, he instilled into me the virtues of being a good citizen, how to support your family, how to mentor your own children and how to treat a spouse. I know I'm a better man by being his son. My boys are in their early 20's. We are entering a new phase of support. I hope that I've been able to pass on my father's lessons in a positive way. I hope they have the tools to succeed as men and citizens and they will treat their spouses with respect and dignity. Hopefully that day is a few years off.
My friend, Dan LaPerriere, has recently written a book entitled, "A Common Purpose, Using Your Homegrown Values to Improve Your Life and Business." In his book, he calls upon the lessons his parents taught him growing up in a household of 12. He recounts often the role his father played in the development of his family. I know that Dan has learned well and does a great job relating these lessons in his book (http://www.a-common-purpose.com/).
To all those who are fathers, Happy Father's Day. To those who have fathers, reflect on the lessons learned and thank them for all they've done.
I am fortunate to have my father alive and doing very well. He is 82 but very active. He served as a good role model for me. Like most good fathers, he instilled into me the virtues of being a good citizen, how to support your family, how to mentor your own children and how to treat a spouse. I know I'm a better man by being his son. My boys are in their early 20's. We are entering a new phase of support. I hope that I've been able to pass on my father's lessons in a positive way. I hope they have the tools to succeed as men and citizens and they will treat their spouses with respect and dignity. Hopefully that day is a few years off.
My friend, Dan LaPerriere, has recently written a book entitled, "A Common Purpose, Using Your Homegrown Values to Improve Your Life and Business." In his book, he calls upon the lessons his parents taught him growing up in a household of 12. He recounts often the role his father played in the development of his family. I know that Dan has learned well and does a great job relating these lessons in his book (http://www.a-common-purpose.com/).
To all those who are fathers, Happy Father's Day. To those who have fathers, reflect on the lessons learned and thank them for all they've done.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
12 Letter Man
It's unusual these days to find a student athlete lettering in 3 sports. It takes a lot of discipline and focus to participate in three sports a year, hold down a part-time job and go to class. This is tough for a kid in high school. But it still happens. The young man I speak of lettered in football, wrestling and baseball all four years of high school. Quite an achievement!
He has moved on to college now. For the last two years, he has served as bat boy and cheerleader in charge of the West Chester University baseball team. His team won the Division II championship last night over Delta State. He had work commitments which forced him to miss the semi-final game. He and his family traveled down to Cary, NC yesterday and got there at game time. Just in time to put on his uniform and participate. I'm sure no one was prouder than Timmy Hoge, the gentleman I write about today.
As you can tell, Timmy is no ordinary person. He is 22 now and I've had the pleasure to know him the past 10 years. You can always find him around a sporting event. His parents, Fred and Kathy, make sure there is balance in his life. They always have. You see, Timmy has Down Syndrome, but it hasn't kept him from doing what he loves and making a difference to all he meets. At Unionville High School, he was the manager of each sport mentioned above-always lettering. He was there as much as work and his schooling would allow; always with a smile, a pat on the back, and a positive comment. He has helped teams win and brings out the best in people.
Some would say that Timmy was dealt a tough hand at birth. You can't tell me that. In his own way, he has motivated a community. He has made a bigger difference than many leaders through his example. He is a winner. This is what leadership is-making a difference for the good of society. Timmy Hoge is a leader and I'm proud to say, he's my friend.
He has moved on to college now. For the last two years, he has served as bat boy and cheerleader in charge of the West Chester University baseball team. His team won the Division II championship last night over Delta State. He had work commitments which forced him to miss the semi-final game. He and his family traveled down to Cary, NC yesterday and got there at game time. Just in time to put on his uniform and participate. I'm sure no one was prouder than Timmy Hoge, the gentleman I write about today.
As you can tell, Timmy is no ordinary person. He is 22 now and I've had the pleasure to know him the past 10 years. You can always find him around a sporting event. His parents, Fred and Kathy, make sure there is balance in his life. They always have. You see, Timmy has Down Syndrome, but it hasn't kept him from doing what he loves and making a difference to all he meets. At Unionville High School, he was the manager of each sport mentioned above-always lettering. He was there as much as work and his schooling would allow; always with a smile, a pat on the back, and a positive comment. He has helped teams win and brings out the best in people.
Some would say that Timmy was dealt a tough hand at birth. You can't tell me that. In his own way, he has motivated a community. He has made a bigger difference than many leaders through his example. He is a winner. This is what leadership is-making a difference for the good of society. Timmy Hoge is a leader and I'm proud to say, he's my friend.
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