I know that most of you probably don't watch baseball, but something happened last night in Game 1 of the World Series that is worth talking about. Cliff Lee, the starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, had a "best-ever" type performance against the New York Yankees. It was the biggest game of his life, and he pitched one of the best games of his life.
After the game, he made some very insightful comments about his mindset and how he was able to stay relaxed and confident under such intense pressure:
“About being cool or whatever, I’ve always been that way. This is the same game I’ve been playing my whole life and this is the stage I’ve wanted to be on since I was a little kid. Now that I’m here, I’ve already put the work in, so there’s no sense in being nervous and worried. It’s time to go out there and let my talents and my skills take over and execute my pitches".
Here is a video of Cliff Lee from Game 1. Check out how relaxed and confident he looks as he "gets his swag on".
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
On senior night, play for each other
As we discussed today, you’ve acknowledged that Friday’s game against Cal is not just “any other game”.
You are aware this game will be special and different: It’s a night game in front of friends, family, and alumni; you’re playing against Cal; you’re playing as the 12th ranked team in the nation – the highest ranking this program has achieved to date; the outcome has implications for conference standings; and, it’s senior night. You’ve acknowledged the existence of many external influences on this game that aren’t usually there.
As you approach this game I ask you to revisit your team values – the words that describe your team identity so strongly you chose to include them in your mission statement: Close-knit, relentless, and underestimated. One particular value that is especially pertinent to the senior night game on Friday is “close-knit”. Yours is an especially close-knit team. The senior players are a primary reason why your team is so close-knit. Your team embodies this value very strongly.
Senior night is special for all teams – changing the normal pre-game routine to formally recognize and celebrate the contribution of teammates makes it so. But for your team, senior night will be even more special. The senior players on this team have put forth three-and-three-quarter-years of effort and sacrifice to bring this program to where it is today.
Being “close-knit” is at the core of your team spirit. So, embrace senior night.
Build a wall around yourselves. Don’t let external influences affect how special this night will be for your team. This night belongs to you, and you alone. On Friday night you are not playing to beat Cal or live up to a ranking. You’re not playing to satisfy your family or your friends or your coaches. Friday night represents an opportunity to play for each other, to support each other, and to trust each other. This alone is where your attention should be.
Individually, you are responsible for getting yourself mentally prepared. Come ready to play with trust, alertness, poise, and freedom. In preparation, think about the great things that will happen. Visualize yourself getting to your own best level of intensity – not too high, not too low. See yourself executing confidently, and quickly moving beyond your mistakes.
As a team, resolve to be as poised as you ever have. Be tough. Have killer instinct. Trust your preparation and believe in your collective ability. It is superior to that of your opponent.
On Friday night, play for each other. Everything else is less important.
You are aware this game will be special and different: It’s a night game in front of friends, family, and alumni; you’re playing against Cal; you’re playing as the 12th ranked team in the nation – the highest ranking this program has achieved to date; the outcome has implications for conference standings; and, it’s senior night. You’ve acknowledged the existence of many external influences on this game that aren’t usually there.
As you approach this game I ask you to revisit your team values – the words that describe your team identity so strongly you chose to include them in your mission statement: Close-knit, relentless, and underestimated. One particular value that is especially pertinent to the senior night game on Friday is “close-knit”. Yours is an especially close-knit team. The senior players are a primary reason why your team is so close-knit. Your team embodies this value very strongly.
Senior night is special for all teams – changing the normal pre-game routine to formally recognize and celebrate the contribution of teammates makes it so. But for your team, senior night will be even more special. The senior players on this team have put forth three-and-three-quarter-years of effort and sacrifice to bring this program to where it is today.
Being “close-knit” is at the core of your team spirit. So, embrace senior night.
Build a wall around yourselves. Don’t let external influences affect how special this night will be for your team. This night belongs to you, and you alone. On Friday night you are not playing to beat Cal or live up to a ranking. You’re not playing to satisfy your family or your friends or your coaches. Friday night represents an opportunity to play for each other, to support each other, and to trust each other. This alone is where your attention should be.
Individually, you are responsible for getting yourself mentally prepared. Come ready to play with trust, alertness, poise, and freedom. In preparation, think about the great things that will happen. Visualize yourself getting to your own best level of intensity – not too high, not too low. See yourself executing confidently, and quickly moving beyond your mistakes.
As a team, resolve to be as poised as you ever have. Be tough. Have killer instinct. Trust your preparation and believe in your collective ability. It is superior to that of your opponent.
On Friday night, play for each other. Everything else is less important.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Play for Your Reasons
Play for your reasons. Play to your standards, play for your satisfaction, and for your cause.
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