Whatever it takes ...

... to do my part to be as good as we can be in 2013.  That's what I hope is the answer to the question I posed in the last post -- "So, what are you working on this off-season?"  We talked about a number of ideas.  So, what are you doing?  What more are you willing to do? Fall Training is right around the corner, and a new crop of Mustangs will be hitting the field to work for roster spots and positions.

As for me, I am doing a number of things, including reading a couple of books (as we discussed at the last summer game at Cooper) and going over my notes from last season to incorporate some new training exercises in our fall program. Actually, there is a lot going on. 

Then there is something else ... Back in June and along the way to my 30th high school reunion, I was contacted by some old teammates who challenged each other (and me) to a weight-loss contest.  To make a long story shorter (and less painful) the deal is ... well, I was the heaviest of all of these guys, including our HS nose guard.  I had become the fat guy ... "Jabba the Rut" is what they called me.  Ouch.

So, with some impetus from these guys (okay, well, really some serious and relentless ribbing), I got started.  And then when I realized that I really was committed to doing this, I decided to cement my plans.  I told the Mustangs, and the rest is history.

So, now I feel compelled to finish the job.  My goal is 200 lbs. by Opening Day (that would be 2/14 vs. Northland Christian).  That will make 50 pounds total. As a stopping point between now and then, my goal is 220 by Fall Training.  And that will enable me to be sprinting with the Mustangs this fall, like olden times.  I think this will help me be better on a lot of levels.  I am looking forward to that very much ... and our baseball season.

I am learning a lot and being reminded again of some important things on this journey.  Here are some of them:

1) We all have things we want to do, but a lot of times we need a push to get going.

2) But keeping going after the push is hard.  I've wanted to quit a few ... no, more than a few days.  But remembering what my old teammates said, but more importantly what I said to the Mustangs has been key.  I gotta do it. The Mustangs have helped me be better on many, many days through the years.

3) Goals are huge.  When we get separated from direction, purpose, and goals ... we drift.  I sure do.  What about you?

4) Accountability is key.  We need people around us.  We need teammates.  You Mustangs have teammates. And knowing you are out there keeps me going (and getting better), as well.  If you want to go somewhere you need to go, call upon your teammates to walk alongside.

5) In the end, though, we really do have to walk alone ... into the gym, on the field, into the batter's box, to the mound,  etc.  It's a personal decision as to how badly you want your life and game to change.  How badly to you want to take your game and life to the next level?  Your decisions, and ultimately your actions, will answer the question.

Progress ... and excellence ... are hardly natural. They are intentional.

It is time for all of us ... each Mustang ... each coach ... every one ... to really dig deep to make excellence happen each day ... each pitch ... each play.

See you on the field (and sprinting) and Fall Training,