The Call Up: Part 2

The MLB playoffs trigger me to think about one of my passions, baseball. Anyone who knows me understands how much love and respect I have for the game of baseball. Equally, it's known how I try to apply what I have learned on the ball field to both my personal and professional lives. 

I want to share an update that uses baseball nomenclature. For over 30 years I have worked very hard to show I can play baseball. I played positions I have never played before, I felt awkward and out of place at times, I swung and missed many times, and ultimately I would lose my fair share of games over the years. There were times where I wondered, do I have what it takes to play at the big league level and ultimately, asked will I ever get a chance to play in the big leagues?

There were times when I doubted myself. Fortunately, I had many coaches and team mates who believed in me and encouraged me to keep at it. To all of those coaches, I want to say thank you for teaching me the game and investing in me so I could learn from disappointment and my failures.

For all of those team mates who supported me and never doubted me, even when I missed that easy ground ball which allowed the go ahead run to score, leading us to lose the game, I want to thank you too.

It was your support that kept me coming back to the plate and swinging with all my might. Sure I missed the ball a lot, but I also hit the ball a time or two helping us to win some big games. All the while, I was showing just maybe I can play at the big league level after all. So I continued to play hard and prepare for the day when I would get the call to play in the big leagues knowing when I got there, I would know exactly what to do.

Recently, I got my call up to the big leagues. I'm excited, a little nervous, but also confident I'm ready to contribute and help our team win. I realize I'll continue to swing and miss from time to time but I also know, I'll make contact and put the ball in play more often than not. I'm inspired by all the knowledge and experience we have on our team but above all the support I have received so far has been unbelievable. It's been heart warming to be welcomed like I have been to this team.

I am excited to help our team win many games, and ultimately have a chance to play in the World Series. Hard work and persevernce pays off, but also the hard work never ends if you want to continue to play at highest level. I will continue to work hard and show I am worthy. The last thing I will remember is what one of my former umpire mentors taught me long time ago. That is to work every game like it is the 7th game of the World Series. That way if you get asked to work that game, you'll be prepared and ready for anything which comes your way.