In the 2023 World Baseball Classic, Japan was set to face the USA in the finals. This was one of the most anticipated games in baseball history, in large part because of the star power on both teams. One of the possible pitchers for Japan was Rōki Sasaki, a young phenom whose fastball averages around 100 mph. The designated hitter for Japan was Shohei Ohtani, arguably the most talented player ever. Team USA was filled with Major League all-stars, and were led by their captain Mike Trout, one of the players in the argument with Ohtani for the best ever. Not only that, but Ohtani and Trout were teammates during the regular major league season for the Los Angeles Angels.
Before the game, the Japan players wanted to meet Mike Trout, who is a legend of the game in the states and abroad. Ohtani arranged a meeting with Trout and the Japanese players where Trout took pictures and signed bats and gloves for them.
After Trout left, Ohtani gathered the team together, and with one simple statement he put them on a collision course with greatness.
“You can’t beat them if you admire them.”
That night, Ohtani came in to close the game in the 9th inning. With two outs and a full count, he struck out Mike Trout to win the game and the tournament for Japan.
When you spend enough time with high achievers, you realize that they have the same thoughts, fears and anxieties as you do. What these people do better than most is recognize this is true for others, and they avoid putting anyone on a pedestal.
They look at other great people and see in them pieces of themselves, good and bad. They understand no one is immune to losing, and there is no inherent monopoly on winning. No single person has all of the answers.
Once you realize no one is special, you understand that if it can be accomplished, then you can accomplish it.
Braden Bristo’s - The Journeyman’s Path 