A Matter of Prespective

Delivering in the clutch is something all spectators root for during the struggle of an athletic contest. Witnessing a two out - two strike - RBI single, in the bottom of the ninth to win, is electrifying. However, what exactly happened? Did the pitcher make a great/bad pitch? - Did the hitter make a great/poor swing? There are two sides to every event. Most people, including some coaches, tend to evaluate the outcome rather than the effort. This usually results in praise for success and criticism for failure.

Focusing strictly on the outcome does not always tell the complete story. One could miss the life lesson to be taught: that it is possible to do everything right and still not get the desired result. Example: a pitcher, with game on the line, in the bottom of the ninth, hits his spot, against a tough hitter, who fights off an inside pitch and shoves it into right field for the game winning hit. Both have executed their job but only one received the desired outcome.

Good coaches instinctively recognize the moment by going to their pitcher to pick him up. Even recognizing his execution with game on the line. Why? Because they realize this situation could happen again down the road. Making the choice to remain positive instead of focusing on the loss or finding someone to blame is keeping ones perspective on the “Big Picture”, your player and the team.

Remember, when you judge another person, you do not define them, you define yourself.