An amazing life lesson from last night's Home Run Derby...

It just seemed to me that last night’s MLB Home Run Derby had a relevant lesson for business...actually life in general.  It took me a bit by surprise...

I sat down to watch the Derby for the first time with my five year old son, who has gotten more interested in baseball, and I left with a confirmation of a life-long lesson that left a mark on me...and hopefully him. 

Forget the fact that historic MLB records were SMASHED. 

Forget that the previous record for HRs in a round was 20...and that last night multiple rounds saw closer to 30...and with bonus round 40 (fans love the long ball). 

Forget who actually won the Derby (ahem sorry Pete Alonso). 

What left a mark on me was the performance by Joc Pederson.

For those that didn’t not see it - Vladimir Guerrero Jr., a 20 yo in his first Derby, launched 29 home runs in ROUND ONE. He didn’t just BEAT the previous record, he CRUSHED it. He was sending them well over 450 feet with ease. Then he came back and did it AGAIN in round two. 

Who is going to beat that, right? The king has spoken. I remember feeling bad for Joc - sitting there watching greatness. Then Joc took the plate and quietly launched his first few while the crowd was still reeling, and not really paying attention. They were not entertained, yet. 

Joc cleared 20

Joc cleared 29

Joc forced an extra round 

Joc forced a three swing off 

Joc forced a second swing off 

Yeah he lost - but that’s not the point. The point is even in the most extreme times, with the odds against him - Joc not only met the challenge, he challenged history. He didn’t get rattled, he dealt with what was in front of him. He did not let the moment eat him alive. He stayed within himself.

History likely will not recount Joc. It will remember Alonso’s win, or Guerrero’s record rounds. But I, for one, was happy my son saw it. 

When in doubt - grind it out. Stay focused and stay hungry. Stay within yourself.