Lesson to Young Brokers - Say Thank You

When I was nine years old, my baseball coach was Nick Bowness. He taught me and my teammates intricate aspects of the game that allowed us to win…a lot. He was also the first coach who handed me a baseball and put me on the pitcher’s mound. As my father recently reminded me, in my first game, I pitched three innings and struck out nine batters. I threw strikes and gained Mr. Bowness’ trust.

I played for him for three years and he was a no-BS coach. He pushed us to be better, we were taught to respect the game, and there was no goofing around. I deeply wanted to pitch and play well for him, to gain his approval and his praise which he didn’t give out lightly. While he had a tough exterior, it was always clear that he cared about each and every one of his players.?

The confidence that I gained playing for him carried me not only throughout my baseball career but to other aspects of my life. I don’t remember a time that I ever felt more confident than when I was on the mound.

Maya Angelou said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Mr. Bowness made me feel like I could beat anyone, like a champion.

Every teammate, in sports and in business, and every player I have ever coached owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Bowness.

He later went on to coach at Seton Hall University where he mentored a young hitter named Mo Vaughn. I found out recently that Mr. Bowness had a similar impact on Mo and that he was the reason that he chose #42 when he got to the majors .?

Last summer, I was coaching my daughter’s 12U softball team during the all-star season. At the time, she was 11 (about to turn 12) and it dawned on me that she was the same age that I was when I last played for him. I thought about that time of my life, how great it was and how much playing for him impacted my life. Coaching softball is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I knew, in many ways, I owed it all to him.

In July, towards the end of an amazing season, I sat down with a pen and a piece of paper and I wrote him a letter. I wasn’t sure that I could really express how thankful I was in a phone conversation but I knew I could get it down on paper. I wanted him to know that the lessons he taught me were still with me and how much I appreciated everything he taught me. I asked his son, Brian, for his address and dropped it in the mail.

A week or so later, I got a call while I was coaching a game from Mr. Bowness. I knew he wouldn’t want me to pick up during the game so I let it go to voicemail. He thanked me for my letter, told me he appreciated it very much, and said, “take care of yourself kid.” Again, his approval and praise meant so much to me all of these years later.

A few months ago, he was diagnosed with ALS which robbed him of his strength. When Brian and his sister cleaned out his car, they found my letter. Clearly, it meant something to him the same way it meant something to me.?

Mr. Bowness died earlier this week . I listened to the voicemail again and his words made me feel like a champion.

I wanted to write a tribute to Mr. Bowness but also wanted to share a lesson.?If someone has made an impact on your life, thank them. There may come a time when you can’t. I am truly thankful I took the time to do so when I had the chance.?