The Batter's Box (part 2)

Evan Gattis is the back up catcher for the Atlanta Braves.  He started the season in that role.  He wouldn't have had the opportunity without the off-season surgery of the Braves' starting catcher Brian McCann.  The Braves now have a good problem on their hands.  McCann is a multi-year All Star.  Gattis happens to have worked his way into the most valued batting position in the line up, fourth.  Gattis has already hit several home runs this season and seems to be on a streak.

Those who knew Gattis before he was a Brave didn't think this would happen.  Gattis was an outstanding high school baseball player.  When he didn't get drafted to play for Major League Baseball in 2004, he went into somewhat of a tailspin.  He moved around from job to job not even looking at baseball.  Encouraged by a family member, Gattis played college ball at a small school.  He was noticed by the Braves and drafted in 2010.  He was probably never thought to be more than a "fill-in" player.

Now when Evan steps into the batter's box each time at bat, thousands of fans have the highest confidence that this man will hit a homerun.  The great thing also is that Evan feels the same way.

Do you have confidence that you can get the job done?  Others have the highest confidence in you.  Don't think of failure.  Consider your opportunity and hit a homer.

The Batter's Box

Baseball is such a great sport.  I had the opportunity to play baseball as a child.  My eleven year old son is playing again this season.  I enjoy watching the game being played.  There's something special about watching teams of youths giving such great effort to play.

Many baseball movies are successful because of this same theme.  The main character may be in a slump or the team may be struggling going into the post season and someone mentions the idea of play.  The person or team suddenly remembers how the game can be fun and success is inevitable.

All of us can really do the same.  In my situation, an elementary school administrator, I sometimes think of the great memories of my childhood school.  It helps me remember how certain adults were always there for me.  I also remember that I wasn't always such an angel either and use my moments with children wisely teaching them how to make good choices.