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How Do You Practice? Actually Do You Practice?

Monday, August 30th, 2010

The other day I was driving around and actually drove past a football field with some kids in it and something looked a little odd. I decided to turn around and take a closer look. I saw a number of groups on the field but the one I was most interested in was two kids that looked about 15-16 playing together. One of the kids was on the 40 yard line while the other one was standing close to the goal line. The one on the 40 was alternating between kicking field goals and punts while the other kid was catching the balls and running back the ball. I watched this for about 15 minutes and was amazed that this was happening WITHOUT a COACH! Just the two boys:

  • Practicing
     
  • Getting better
     
  • Laughing and enjoying a sport they love

To me that was amazing. I don’t see that as much as I did when I was growing up. Lots of kids are inside playing on the web, watching TV or on their iTouch. Good for these kids to be outside and practicing.

It got me to think about how I practice. Here are a few ways:

  • If I haven’t played baseball or softball for a while I will go to the batting cages.
     
  • Before I go into a new business development meeting with colleagues I will review what we want to say and accomplish
     
  • Before an industry presentation I will review the PowerPoint deck for timing, videos and animation

Practicing is how you get better!

Practicing is critical to your success!

  • So how do you practice?

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Music & Sports They Seem To Go Hand In Hand — By Guest Writer Ed Sugar

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

It is a custom of mine to always check the Major League Baseball schedule whenever I have an out of town business trip during baseball season. So when the 2010 schedule was released last November I made a quick check to see if Merrill’s beloved Red Sox were going to be in town during June’s Marketing Research Association’s Annual Conference. Well sure enough they were coming home the last day of the conference to play the Phillies. Thanks to my good friend JM, I was able to get two tickets for Friday night’s game and took my friend GB. GB is a big baseball fan, but this was her first visit to Fenway Park. We got there early enough to walk around Fenway twice, soaking up the pre-game buzz, sample some of the local Italian sausages and spent time in Twin 47. The game was over by the 2nd inning as the Red Sox clobbered Jamie Moyer with 9 runs, but we still had a great time enjoying the views and listening to the crowds carry on with their hard “R’s”.

Then came the middle of the 8th and I realized I had not mentioned anything to GB about Boston and “Sweet Caroline”. For those of you who do not know, at every Red Sox home game, Neil Diamond’s classic Sweet Caroline is played on the ballpark’s PA system before the bottom of the 8th inning and all the loyal Red Sox fans engage in one of the most fascinating sing-alongs known to mankind. Sensing something special, GB whipped out her camera and recorded most of the audio for her family back home.

This incidence got me thinking of the different ways music and sports are connected. As many regular readers of this blog know I have a passion for both.

At first I thought of those classic team fight songs such as “The Notre Dame Victory March” or University of Oklahoma’s “Boomer Sooner”.

Then there are walk out or entrance songs like “Enter Sandman” by Metallica which is played as Yankee ace reliever Mariano Rivera heads out to the mound or Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra (theme from “2001: A Space Odyssey”) which many athletes, like pro wrestler Ric Flair, have adopted as their entrance music.

And of course there are songs about the athletes themselves such as Simon and Garfunkel’s “Mrs Robinson” with its classic line “Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?”, Bob Dylan’s ballad “Hurricane” or The Marroons “Lester Hayes”

I gave this some thought and came up with my three favorite sport related songs.

“Ole Ola” by Rod Stewart. Now you have to be a very big fan of “Rod the Mod” or lived in Scotland during the late 1970’s to know of this song. Though he was born in England, Rod Stewart has been one of Scotland’s biggest supporters. In 1978 before the Scots made their run for the World Cup, the shaggy–haired one released this gem. Definitely up there with his classics “Mandolin Wind”, “Maggie May” and “Gasoline Alley” in my book. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4bqACNrVqs

“D-O-D-G-E-R-S Song (Oh, Really? No, O’Malley)” by Danny Kaye. Pure genius is all I can say. This whimsical song captures Kaye’s love of the Dodgers, details the classic Koufax/Drysdale Dodger teams of the 60’s and their epic battles with their dreaded rivals from San Francisco. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7qYcyUjDPU

“You’ll Never Walk Alone” started out as a show tune from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel. In England, the song’s most successful performance was recorded in 1963 by the Liverpool natives Gerry & The Pacemakers. It quickly became the anthem of Liverpool Football Club and is invariably sung by its supporters moments before the start of each game. In fact, the words “You’ll Never Walk Alone” are included in the club’s crest! I have not attended a game at Liverpool’s home, Anfield, but in 1981 I did see them play in Brighton and was just floored as their fans sang this song in unison without any formal direction. Click here and see for yourself. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1I_crD6Oqsw
So now it is your turn.
Do you have a favorite song associated with sports or athletes?
Are you a fan of:

  1. The Chicago Bears “Super Bowl Shuffle”
  2. “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky III
  3. “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”
  4. “Rock and Roll parts 1 & 2″ by Gary Glitter

Do you have an old college fight song that touches your soul?

Or have a heavy metal favorite that is played as your favorite player enters the game?

I look forward to hearing what is on your hit parade.

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Do You Always Try Your Hardest Or Are There Times You Do Try A Little Harder?

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Another day in Dallas and another day that the weather approaches 100 degrees. I will admit I truly love the heat and dislike cold weather and HATE snow! As I am getting dressed and stretching for my softball game tonight I am a little more excited than normal. I have a little more bounce in my step than most other days. Why you ask? Because I have an early game and my son will be watching me play for the first time. He has become a really good baseball player and I watch him as much as I can and now he gets to watch Dad, the old man and see if I can play this game.

I didn’t realize how much I would enjoy having him there, cheering me on. It was cool to be in the field and see him in the dugout. He was actually watching me, trying to understand the game a little more and NOT playing his iTouch! That in itself was a shock.

I pride myself on always giving my all, trying 110% every time I am playing a sport but I realized that might not be the case! Ugh I found myself digging a little deeper, running a little harder and concentrating a little more because my little guy (thanks J) was watching, cheering and hopefully was going to be a little more proud of me and my athleticism.

Do you try a little harder when:

  • Your friends or family are watching?
     
  • You are playing the first place team?
     
  • You are playing a team or person you lost to a few weeks earlier?

I thought I always played hard and at the same level and intensity game after game but actually that doesn’t appear to be true.

  • Is it true with you?

PS – This story isn’t about how I did – but if you are curious I had a really good game and went 3 for 4, drove in a couple of runs and played well in the field.

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Sign A Contract – Honor The Contract! Is That Too Much To Ask?

Monday, August 16th, 2010

As I read the sports page or an online article I read another story of an athlete who is asking to be traded! Yes he is under contract but for some reason he doesn’t want to play for that team anymore. Then I flip the page and read another article that Lane Kiffin is being sued by Tennessee for luring away Kennedy Pola who was under contract with the Tennessee Titans and by the way had only been with them for 5 months.

I don’t understand! Please help me understand all this! Please shed some clarity on all of this! This post isn’t about the examples I gave you but really about follow through! If you sign a contract, honor the contract! Isn’t it as simple as that? I get that athletes and to some extent coaches only can play or coach for so long and they need make as much money as they can. Honoring a contract is something you should think about prior to signing and certainly when you have a pen in your hand. I am getting very tired of professional coaches who are under contract jumping ship, going to another team! If you always wanted to coach for your alma mater than here is an idea (not that creative) put that in your contract. Sign a five year deal plan to stay for 5 years and if for some reason you teams don’t do well and you get fired then that team will pay you the remainder of your contract.

I really don’t get it!

  • Am I the only one tired of this?
     
  • Does anyone have any answers?
     
  • Am I looking at this the wrong way?

I look forward to hearing from you!

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Are You Kidding Me…..!!!! Why Didn’t I Use My Hat To Catch The Ball?????????

Friday, August 13th, 2010

So there I am at the ballpark, eating a hot dog TRYING hard not to get mustard on my shirt. The weather is beautiful and I am getting ready to watch two teams go at each other for 3 plus hours while one of them goes home with a victory! Aw!

In the past month this same story has actually happened three times! Yes three times! I can’t believe I didn’t learn from at least the first two times but no I didn’t …. Ok I know you have no idea what I am talking about but here guys. In my mind I am a pretty good baseball player, I grew up with the game (thanks Dad) and still love playing and going to this day. In the past month I have had a shot at catching a foul ball — yes three times. All three times there was NO ONE SITTING in front of me and all THREE times I didn’t have a baseball glove handy! And by the way all THREE times I didn’t get the ball! I booted it! Error on Dubrow! Nice catch is something I didn’t hear! Why you ask because I never got the ball! Not even close — all THREE times the ball was in the hands of someone else! The funny thing is after I booted the first two I realized I had a hat on and should have used that to catch the ball. If I had I would have gotten all THREE balls for sure!

The funny thing is I have caught one foul ball in my life and actually got a number of other balls but those were thrown to me by players as they were entering the dugout — not sure really that counts.

Ok most of you are probably now chuckling a little bit but I want to know:

  • Have you ever dropped a ball at a baseball game?
     
  • Have you ever caught a foul ball
     
  • What about other sports — have you ever got a football or basketball in the stands that you had to give back
     
  • And of course what about a runaway bat that slipped out of someone’s hands?

I look forward to hearing from you and hopefully other people who have dropped and fumbled foul balls.

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Attention Sports Fans ARE YOU KIDDING ME!

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Are you kidding me:

  1. Terrell Owens (TO) showed up late for his first practice with his new team!
     
  2. Billy Hall (11) has more home runs than Manny Ramirez (8)
     
  3. Albert Haynesworth has flunked how many conditioning tests in a row!
     
  4. Fenway Park has had over 600 sellouts in a row!
     
  5. Bengie Molina is listed at 225 pounds!

Your turn:

  • What makes you scratch your head and say ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
     
  • What do you think of my list?

I look forward to hearing from you.

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How Does This Happen Is It Too Much Success Too Soon?

Monday, July 26th, 2010

I just got off the phone with a client and went to the web and one of the lead stories on my home page was:

Jennifer Capriati Recovering From Drug Overdose

A spokeswoman for Jennifer Capriati says the former top-ranked tennis player is recovering from an “accidental overdose” of prescribed medication. Lacey Wickline told The Associated Press on Monday that the 34-year-old Capriati is stable and a full recovery is expected. She declined to identify the medication.

The spokeswoman says Capriati was rushed to a South Florida hospital early Sunday morning. Wickline would not say how Capriati was found or who called emergency services. Capriati won three majors in a career that was sidetracked by personal troubles.

Yes this story is about Jennifer Capriati but we just as easy could take her name out and insert thousands of other athletes’ names.

  • How does that happen?
     
  • Did her parents push her too hard?
     
  • Is it too much success too soon?
     
  • Does she have too much money?
     
  • Did she peak too early in her life?

So I ask you:

  • How does this happen?

I truly look forward to hearing from you.

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Attention Sports Fans Were You Surprised The Lebron James Events Turned Into A Circus?

Friday, July 16th, 2010

At times I can look at a situation and see where it is heading or at least have an idea of the reaction of people. I was so wrong on the Lebron James signing it isn’t funny. First of all I thought he was going to end up in Chicago – wrong! Second of all I thought announcing it on live TV was a good idea and would draw lots of attention to the NBA. Well I guess it did BUT I’m not sure all of the attention was positive. In fact in my opinion this turned into a circus! And ultimately hurt a lot of people.

Here are a few things I saw or read:

  • Fans in Cleveland burning Lebron James shirts
     
  • People threatening his family and friends
     
  • Dan Gilbert - Owner of the Cleveland Cavs basically attacking the character of James
     
  • A huge celebration in Miami welcoming the new superstars
     
  • Numerous releases by other owners basically taking shots at James
     
  • Mark Cuban sticking up for Dan Gilbert
     
  • Charles Barkley saying if you can’t beat em join em – that never would have happened when he played is a joke!
     
  • Otis Smith said he thought James was more of a competitor

Wow – the list doesn’t end.

The question is what do you think?

  • Did you think James was sincere?
     
  • Did you like the idea of the press release?
     
  • Specifically what did you think of Dan Gilbert’s remarks?
     
  • Do you think the Heat will win the NBA crown this year?
     
  • Do you think Lebron should have called Dan Gilbert before telling the world his decision?

I really look forward to hearing from you.

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Did The Sports World Just Lose One Of Their Best Owners Of All Time?

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Yesterday I read an online story that George Steinbrenner passed away. I paused for a few seconds before sending out an email to about 15 friends saying how sad the news was and how upset I was. Growing up in Boston at Fenway Park I loved going and seeing the Sox play the Yankees. Over the years I had seen so many games and met a number of professional athletes. In fact one day I met George and he introduced me to Lou Pinella which was a funny story. George couldn’t have been nicer and he actually gave me an autograph which I still have 37 years later.

To me George was one of the most passionate owners in sports. He demanded excellence and ONLY wanted to win. He was the ultimate competitor and truly loved the Yankees and probably was only truly happy when they won a World Series. He always seemed to put the Yankees in a position to be successful and win! Isn’t that what we want every owner of a company or sports team to do?

I wonder what George will be remembered for?

  • Great owner?
     
  • His love for horses?
     
  • The fact that he was so passionate that he fired Billy Martin – how many times?

And I wonder was he the greatest owner in professional sports?

I paused for a minute and thought about what 5 sports owners come to mind quickly. My list includes:

  • Al Davis
     
  • Charles Finley
     
  • Bill Veck
     
  • Mark Cuban

And of course George Steinbrenner.

Funny that none of the owners in Boston make my list!

  • What do you think of George?
     
  • Did you like his drive and passion?
     
  • Were you a fan of his?
     
  • Is he truly the best owner in sports history?

I look forward to reading your comments.

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Attention Sports Fans: Have You Ever Wanted To Ask A Question To A Professional Baseball Player Who Won A World Series Ring?

Monday, July 12th, 2010

Moving to Dallas has had a number of surprises and one of the biggest surprises that I have encountered is that I would not only be friends with a Yankee fan but be very good friends with a former NY Yankee who actually won a World Series with them and wears his ring just to irritate me.

His name is Homer Bush. He played for NY Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, San Diego Padres and Florida Marlins. He hit home runs stole bases and played some great defense.

Here are a few questions I asked Homer over the weekend:

What is the one thing people would be surprised to know about you? I am actually a better football player than baseball player. I still hold the Illinois State High School football records for most touchdowns scored in a single season (26) and most receiving yards in a single season (1431). In addition I was named to the All-Century team for Illinois High School Football.

What are the three words you would use to describe Joe Torre? Caring, Responsible, Calm

What was your most memorable experience in baseball? Hitting my first home run in Yankee stadium. The count was 2-0 and Posada and Scott Brosius were on base and I hit a 3 run jack off a knuckleballer from the Anaheim Angels.

Did you end up getting the ball? That’s a funny story. The kid who caught the ball came to the clubhouse and I offered him a Bernie Williams or Derek Jeter bat. He said no he wanted one of my bats! Yes I was surprised and actually gave him all three bats.

Who was your favorite ballplayer you played with? Tim Raines. He was amazing. We really hung out a lot and he taught me so much. How to always be prepared for the game, things to work on and treated everyone like they were his best friend.

You were fast and stole a lot of bases, who influenced you the most? Maury Wills was a coach of mine in Toronto and he taught me so much. He focused on being aggressive, confident and really refined my skills.

Best prank you ever played? I wasn’t a real prankster but I can remember one night I was in the minors and it was about 2:00am and I was with 3 of my team mates and we saw some flowers outside a Winn Dixie and decided to take them without paying. Well within 20 seconds there were 5 police cars around us. Thankfully we told them it was a prank and they were really nice and let us go. If not we may have all gotten suspended or kicked off the team and lost of all our bonus money.

Were there any pitchers that you really loved to hit against? Against there were two. James Baldwin for some reason I always hit him well and you will love this one Merrill, Pedro Martinez. I think I got 6 hits in my first 10 at bats against Pedro and liked hitting against him until one day he threw a ball at my head and luckily I got out of the way and he hit me in the hand. Needless to say I wasn’t comfortable anymore against Pedro.

What are you doing now? I have started a real estate investment company and also giving local kids batting lessons.

Homer is mentioned periodically in a book entitled "The Right Kind Of Heroes" written by Kevin Horrigan. The book details Coach Bob Shannon and the remarkable success of the East St. Louis Flyers football program in 1989 and 1990. Throughout the book, Bush is referenced as the team’s "go to" player, as well as a likeable person. In addition Homer was listed on the "All Nice Guy" team for all of Major League Baseball by Ken Davidoff in 2008.

Based on my personal experience he is a VERY nice guy and would be happy to answer any questions you have.

So now your turn

  • What do you want to ask Homer about baseball?
     
  • Do you want to know how fast he was?
     
  • What round he was drafted?
     
  • How much was his sign on bonus?
     
  • Did he enjoy playing baseball in Australia?
     
  • Who influenced his career?
     
  • How many siblings does he have?

We look forward to hearing from you.

PS – Homer is a special person who has a million dollar smile and heart! He loves to be around people and makes everyone feel that they are important from the second he meets them!

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