Caught some of this tonight. Just like the first time I viewed it back in 1993, the series, narrated by the late John Chancellor, just pulls you in. Tonight was the "5th Inning: Shadow Ball". Great to see the video clips of Satchell Paige and Josh Gibson "the Black Babe Ruth" as he was called.
Once read Paige's biography "Maybe I'll Pitch Forever". According to his estimates, Paige pitched in over 2,500 games and won 2,000, pitched "hundreds" of no-hitters. I suspect a bit of embellishment there. His friend, Buck O'Neill, often stated that Satchell threw of 100 mph despite not having radar guns in those days. Nevertheless, he was great for the Negro Leagues.
The final line of this biography read: "Maybe I'll pitcher forever. Some folks say I already have." Satchell was a lot of things, including very deep and philosophical.
I have often thought about one day researching and writing a book on these great playeers of the Negro Leagues and entitle it something like "Destiny Denied" or "Playing in Shadows". Might make for an interesting read. Would certainly be fun to research.
Customer Service...if there ever was a time for it
At one time, Ukrops was well regarded as the gold standard in customer service in the Richmond area. In time, that level of service declined. Some would say that as our prosperity increased, customer service, along with many other things, fell by the wayside.
Recently, however, some of my work colleagues and me have noted about improved customer service at places like Lowes, Food Lion, and Taco. Food Lion and Taco, long the bastions of customer indifference, now being more helpful and friendly -- are you kidding?
Perhaps it is the economy or perhaps the leaders of these companies see such customer attention as the potential differentiator between them and the competition. Regardless, I do enjoy the friendlier and more helpful treatment.
With the continued trend toward using impersonal communication media such as e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, text messaging, etc., I still believe there is much value in the personal touch, the face-to-face interaction, the exchange of handshakes and smiles.
I am not sure whether this personal touch will even be important to the generation raised on this impersonal media. I do believe that the personal touch is the potential differentiator now and it puzzles me why many in our business and retail world today just seem to ignore this opportunity.
Recently, however, some of my work colleagues and me have noted about improved customer service at places like Lowes, Food Lion, and Taco. Food Lion and Taco, long the bastions of customer indifference, now being more helpful and friendly -- are you kidding?
Perhaps it is the economy or perhaps the leaders of these companies see such customer attention as the potential differentiator between them and the competition. Regardless, I do enjoy the friendlier and more helpful treatment.
With the continued trend toward using impersonal communication media such as e-mail, instant messaging, blogs, text messaging, etc., I still believe there is much value in the personal touch, the face-to-face interaction, the exchange of handshakes and smiles.
I am not sure whether this personal touch will even be important to the generation raised on this impersonal media. I do believe that the personal touch is the potential differentiator now and it puzzles me why many in our business and retail world today just seem to ignore this opportunity.
The basic human need to be helpful...
We humans have this innate need to help one another. We are wired that way. When we hear of adversity or tragedy that has impacted another, our immediate reaction and desire is to help in some way. This particularly becomes evident when friends and colleague deliver meals to those who are ill or have lost a family member. At times like this, we just feel so helpless and overwhelmed with the need to do something.
The other day, I heard of a longtime friend's job loss. My heart immediately went out to him and I began thinking of people I knew who could use someone with his background, skills, and work experience.
Recently, I was purchasing gas at Parrish Grocery Store in Goochland. I aspied a woman and man talking at the front entrance. The woman was asking for directions to a place with which I was familiar in the Goochland Courthouse area. The man sensed that the woman was not very unsure of herself. Thus, he went into great details as to landmarks and repeated the directions numerous times. Finally, the woman appeared to have understood, thanked the man, and left. Upon leaving the store, I saw man walking back to his truck with a happy gait and whistling.
Not only do we have this need to help people, it makes us feel good about doing so.
The other day, I heard of a longtime friend's job loss. My heart immediately went out to him and I began thinking of people I knew who could use someone with his background, skills, and work experience.
Recently, I was purchasing gas at Parrish Grocery Store in Goochland. I aspied a woman and man talking at the front entrance. The woman was asking for directions to a place with which I was familiar in the Goochland Courthouse area. The man sensed that the woman was not very unsure of herself. Thus, he went into great details as to landmarks and repeated the directions numerous times. Finally, the woman appeared to have understood, thanked the man, and left. Upon leaving the store, I saw man walking back to his truck with a happy gait and whistling.
Not only do we have this need to help people, it makes us feel good about doing so.
Empathy is not tantamount to approval
I often receive feedback from others, particularly supervisors, who empathize with my tendencies and shortcomings. They further stress their empathy by conveying that they, too, struggle with the same issues.
What they are saying is that they understand. In turn, what I hear is that are saying that my behaviors okay. In realty, they understand but do not approve or condone.
Thus, empathy does not constitute approval.
What they are saying is that they understand. In turn, what I hear is that are saying that my behaviors okay. In realty, they understand but do not approve or condone.
Thus, empathy does not constitute approval.
Almost Perfect....last thoughts
Without the help of Google, I can name only 3 pitchers who have thrown perfect games in baseball history: Don Larsen; Jim "Catfish" Hunter; and, Kenny Rogers (not 100% sure on the last one). I would be hard pressed to name the others. I would be merely guessing.
However, in my humble opinion, I will always remember Galaraga's as a gracious young man who acted with such class when robbed of something he had earned fairly.
He may not have been credited with the perfect game he threw, but I will always remember his countenance when seeing the awful call made at first base. Constrast that quickly to George Brett's angry burst and spring from the dugout when his HR was erased due to excessive pine tar on his bat.
Mr. Galaraga: you acted in a way and manner that is so lost in today's society. I greatly respect your "grace under pressure". I wish you continued success and a great baseball career. I hope that the 'Sox fan greet him warmly when he pitches in Fenway. Just don't pitch a perfect game against our beloved 'Sox!
However, in my humble opinion, I will always remember Galaraga's as a gracious young man who acted with such class when robbed of something he had earned fairly.
He may not have been credited with the perfect game he threw, but I will always remember his countenance when seeing the awful call made at first base. Constrast that quickly to George Brett's angry burst and spring from the dugout when his HR was erased due to excessive pine tar on his bat.
Mr. Galaraga: you acted in a way and manner that is so lost in today's society. I greatly respect your "grace under pressure". I wish you continued success and a great baseball career. I hope that the 'Sox fan greet him warmly when he pitches in Fenway. Just don't pitch a perfect game against our beloved 'Sox!
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