It’s going to be all about numbers this week on the blog. Big ones, small ones, and all tied to significance and meaning. It will all be clear by week’s end.
First up, it’s a handful. Five to be exact, the five Orioles players who are heading to New York to play in the All-Star Game Tuesday night. Five O’s. When is the last time that happened? I didn’t even look it up, who cares? Enjoy the moment. Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy, Manny Machado, Chris Tillman, and the guy they call Crush.
Damn, is Chris Davis good or what? We are witnessing what could possibly be the greatest season ever by an Orioles player. And maybe, just maybe, the only American League player to break Roger Maris’ single season home run record, 61. It was accomplished by three National League players, but never an American League player. Besides we all know “the juice” played a role in those three other guys who hit more than 61 in a season, whether they ever admitted it in public or not. Davis could be the first legitimate player to get the job done.
The Orioles are in a better position this year than last, at least record wise, at 10 games over .500. Last year they were five games over at the break and we all know how last season ended, so close, but yet so far from the ultimate prize. This year the magic continues, thought it’s more of a workman-like effort, but all with the end in mind. I’ve actually heard the words uttered by several players and the manager in the past week… World Series. I’ve talked about this before, (see Unfinished Business https://markbrodinsky.com/2013/06/29/unfinished-business-its-just-about-life/), so no need to repeat myself.
My point today is we’ve got five Orioles players at the top of their game, and recognized as such by the fans. My point is this kind of success is worthy of a moment to pause and to celebrate. It’s a privilege not a right. You don’t just get to represent your team as one of the best, you earn it. Day in and day out you do what it takes to overcome the obstacles and fight through the failures that are part of a marathon season and this great game.
Much like life, it’s the little things: the drive, the discipline, the hours of practice behind the scenes, when no one is looking, when no one else is cheering you on, when it’s just you and your heart in tandem, focused on a single goal, with a mindset to be the best, to tap into your G-d given talent and then give it your all, that’s what makes the difference. Do the things no one else wants to, or are unwilling to do and do those things consistently over an extended period of time and watch what happens. It’s called the compound effect, the small changes, the small disciplines, the little extra that takes you from good to great, from ordinary to extraordinary, from better to best.
From just another player, to an All-Star.
Until next time, thanks for taking the time.
Mark