One of my coaches in High School told us the story of this man. The point was to encourage everyone not to take a play off…ever. You never know when your performance might make “the” difference in the game. Go hard all the time so you don’t miss the opportunity to be the catalyst to help the team. You could end up being the hero your team needed. Who’s story inspired this motivational analogy?
If you’re a big sports fan then you’ve probably heard the story of Wally Pipp. In the first half of the 1920’s decade he was a very productive 1st baseman for the New York Yankees. In June of 1925 he complained to his manager of a headache & was replaced in the line-up. The fact the Yankees weren’t having a great season that year adds to the mystique of the story. These days taking a day off has become common-place to survive a 162-game season but back then it was uncommon.
Never heard of him? That’s not so surprising as he played almost 100 years ago now. To be fair to his side of the story, he did get beaned in the head by a pitch the very next day after taking his now infamous day off. He was hospitalized for 2-weeks. Understandably, my coaches didn’t tell us this part of the story as it would’ve ruined their point.
NEXT MAN UP
As you’ve probably figured out by now Wally Pipp was replaced by arguably one of the best 1st basemen ever to play the game, Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig. After replacing Pipp he didn’t come out of the lineup for almost 15 years. He broke the consecutive games played streak playing an astounding 2,130 games in a row over that time.
In sports earning valuable playing time is hard work. In our working lives it’s just as hard to position ourselves for that special assignment/project that stretches our abilities & propels the enterprise forward. If you’re recognized as a “go-to” performer these development opportunities will come your way. As commitment grows, trusting you to deliver will follow. Always come to “play” because we can all get replaced by the next man up who tackles their responsibilities with passion.
Bring your best every day for yourself & the team….tomorrow isn’t promised!
All the best,
Karl
*Photo of Wally Pipp from Pinterest.com
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