The "it" factor

There is a great article that was recently published on ESPN.com.


It focuses on the rare ability of special players and coaches to elevate themselves above all others. Even though the article focuses on baseball, it certainly holds true within the sport of softball.


The interesting part, as it relates to softball, especially at the pre collegiate level, is that we all can identify these special people by the energy they create. We have catchphrases for their quality...


intensity … hustle … passion.



But none of those words quite define what this is about.


Anybody can crank it up for a day. But baseball and softball is a game you play every day. So to play with energy every day, to maintain concentration every inning, to hustle on every play requires a level of excellence, commitment and competitive inferno that most human beings can't even comprehend, let alone reach.


We have had a few come through NC.......

We all know their names.......
You hear their names whispered in ballparks, by young girls and parents who come to watch them play.....


These special people have one goal in mind. -- that it's not acceptable to play a game where if you win it's OK and if you lose it's OK -- .


How many of us have the "it" factor?




Here's the article for all that are interested.....

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview10/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=5036408

 

Fantastic article

Thanks CD! This is a very good read.

 

super nice read.... and so very true. Intensity works to make any skill level better

 

Awesome & Irony

Thanks for the great read. It really defines what I call work ethic. To add one more thing to it is those great ones are still performing with intensity … hustle … energy … passion when NO ONE is looking.

The reason I mentioned Irony was I got home from hitting practice Sunday evening with my DD and she saw "Rudy" was on TV. She asked me to sit down and watch it with her. This was after we had a disagreement on the way home about going out with some friends on a Sunday night. So I was pleasantly surprised when she asked me to sit down and watch it with her. We both have seen the movie numerous times but it puts things back in perspective real quick. You don't have to be the superstar to show intensity … hustle … energy … passion. It can even be the non-starter that may never make it to the big dance. I have always tried to instill those qualities in her. Those that know me and my DD know that she may not be there 100% of the time but she really tries and it has shown the last couple of years.

 

Excellent article!

Those that know Charlie Dobbins know that he can be a Charlie Manuel when necessary--even on a Sunday after returning from a road-trip, poor-effort game.

Love Coach Cragan's signature quote: “Hard work beats Talent....when Talent doesn't Work Hard!!!!!”