Buy me some peanuts and CrackerJack....

Yesterday proved to be a rather interesting day! I was pleasantly surprised when a friend of mine, who I've known since I was a child, messages me and asked if I was available to go along to the local minor league baseball game last night. The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs are the AAA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies and they play ball in Allentown, PA, roughly 20 miles from my home! She knew I was an Erik Kratz fan. Erik Kratz had been the catcher for the Iron Pigs for a few years before getting the call up to roster for the Phillies. He has remained my favorite player since his Pigs days! A few weeks ago, Erik underwent knee surgery to repair an injury suffered during a Phillies game. Last night, he returned to the Lehigh Valley for his rehab assignment before going back to the big leagues! I was tickled pink to be able to go and see my favorite IronPig turned Phillies play ball again! And guess where my friend's season ticket seats are located???? Yup! Right behind home plate!!!! Needless to say, I was in my Erik Kratz heaven last night! And he even wore his old Iron Pigs number, too! Ahhhhh,

I grew up on baseball, having two younger brothers who played for the local little league teams. Many spring and summer nights during my late childhood and early teenaged years were spent trekking up the hill to the local field to watch one of my brothers play ball. Add to that mix, my uncle played minor league baseball for the Minnesota Twins as well as the then Houston Astros. Baseball is in our family's blood! My uncle was recently indicted into the Carbon County Sports Hall of fame for his baseball accomplishments during high school and beyond. In fact, I do believe he was one of the youngest players to get his start in the history of Bowmanstown baseball. Yes, a love for baseball has been ingrained in us! And honestly I do not mind one bit.

The game of baseball can teach us so many important things about life, whether we are the coach, the player, or the fan:

1) Appreciate the moment. Always remember that the most important thing to do in the midst of any kind of excitement, intensity, and pressure (whether it be of life itself or of some sort of competition) is to enjoy and be grateful for the experience right now. Whether you are involved in a T-Ball game right on up through a major league game or just the daily humdrum of life, APPRECIATE THE MOMENT.  It is all over in the blink of an eye. Don’t wait, worry, and miss the opportunity to experience something wonderful!!!!

2) Take it one step at a time. Most things in life follow the motto, "Take things one step at a time." The better you are at letting go of what just happened, not worrying about what's coming up, and staying in each moment of your experience as it happens, the more likely you are to enjoy yourself and perform at your best. I have said many times over in my blog posting, you cannot spend time worrying about events in your life. You have to acknowledge it, accept it, and move on, whether you can fix the situation or not. And fear of the unkown, while a very relevant fear, is a needless worry, because in the end, you never know how things are going to unfold, and you don't want to get too far ahead of yourself.  Worrying about the “what ifs” down the road only leads to ulcers and stomach problems!!!

3) Focus on what you can control. How many times have I uttered this thought: We cannot control what other people think, say, or do. We can only control our reaction to them. Remembering what you can and can't control, and putting your attention on your attitude and responses are key elements in staying focused and positive, and in reducing stress and negativity. When you shift your focus to what you can control (your attitude and responses), you truly have empowered yourself! Be empowered!

4) Failure and losing is all a part of life. There is so much failure in baseball, even when you're a really good player or team. Even the best players in the MLB strike out, miss a play, drop a ball, and teams lose. It’s life. Not everything you attempt in life will make you a winner. Failure is an essential part of the game of life. It can help us let go of unnecessary fear, worry, and self judgment.

5) Swing for the fence, just in case you hit it. Our fear of failure and embarrassment often holds us back from really going for it. Always set your goals high! Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you will still be among the stars. Swing for the fence!!!!!! Imagine what your life and career would look like it you weren't afraid to fail or embarrass yourself.

6) No one likes a bandwagon jumper. We live in a culture that loves winners and makes fun of losers. People shifting team allegiances just because of their record, or the hottest players, or what their friends say about the team they cheer on. Being a bandwagon jumper in the reality of life can be quite damaging in business, relationships, and life. Keeping it real with yourself and others and not being a bandwagon jumper is critically important to creating authentic success and fulfillment in life.

7) NEVER EVER EVER GIVE UP. This is so true in baseball and in life. So often individuals and teams are confronted on a daily basis in life with opportunities to give up, give in, and quit. Don't give up; you never know what's going to happen, as we're continually reminded about through the great game of baseball and the great experience of life. Just when you think the game is over, that late inning, over the fence homerun with bases loaded might just come along and surprise you!!!

It truly doesn’t matter whether you are a fan of the sport or not to experience the life lessons and realize that in anything you involve yourself in, the key is to always keep a positive attitude and be thankful you are in the game to begin with!!!

Make it a great day! Swing for the fence!!!!