Most of my life I have visualized what I wanted to do, rolled up my sleeves, burned the midnight oil, jumped right in, worked hard and all the other analogies that equate with taking a risk to accomplish a goal, fulfill a dream. There were times it didn’t work out, but work-wise? So far, so good. In fact, that was the case when I quit my job at KNSD to join Cox in 1996 to eventually help create Channel 4 Padres… Channel 4 San Diego. The start of the ride of a lifetime. Falling in love with baseball. Creating a show allowing us all to get to know athletes on a more personal level. Being part of the sports and community landscape and exposed to so many good and positive things. Yes, even in the tough seasons, I understood why baseball, especially, has stood the test of time. There’s “always next year.” That’s part of the reason I ventured into the book project, capturing not only the stories of the many athletes I had interviewed, and sharing my own journey, but also, to memorialize those experiences and the stories of Padres and Chargers many have cheered for and admired. You can’t change history, and these journeys are lessons we can all learn from.
The 15 year deal between Padres and Cox to carry games and cover the team ended after the 2011 season. My job ended as well. I was there from start to finish. From a risk, to an experiment, to the time of my life. 15 years. 100 shows. Thousands of memories. I believed professional sports needed some heart and soul, and still do, now, more than ever. Now it’s “next chapter” time. This website is one vehicle I’m using to build on my experience, love of television, storytelling, behind the scenes coaching and my “One on One” brand. Another blog will explain why I call that a “brand”… and how that might apply to you and your brand, too. (Ahh… I’ve learned so much!) For now a few more thoughts on my motto.
As I was preparing to launch my book, I wanted a charitable event to celebrate what the book and TV show embodied over the years. The mantra came together: Perpetuate the Positive. Be Part of “the Good Sports Story.”
Let me break that down. Perpetuate the Positive. That doesn’t mean there aren’t obstacles, tragedies and difficulties we all face or have to overcome. There are. And it’s good to talk about them. Certainly some pro athletes do bad things, and their actions may need to be revealed and examined. However, without sugarcoating, let’s not overlook those athletes who think, speak and act positively. I’m not the only one who believes this, of course. But, I maintain we need to share and celebrate their stories and actions, as well as making similar efforts ourselves. When we do, we perpetuate the positive. After all, we all are our TWA: Thoughts, Words and Actions.
Be part of “the Good Sports Story.” My intent is not just to “tell” a story, but to encourage others to BE part of it, too. Whether it’s supporting an athlete doing good things, and acting the right way as an example to kids and the community. Or perhaps taking part in coaching, teaching, or mentoring young people who also enjoy sports. Or cheering on someone finding his or her way in life, with sports or their enjoyment of a hobby or career that could be related to sports. Or simply incorporating the lessons we learn from athletes about hard work, drive and determination into our own passions and professions.
I was never a sports fan growing and am not an athlete. But I have learned how important both participating and being on the sidelines rooting for a team or a player can be. How a big tough guy or an underdog, and everyone in between, can be an influence, and often times, make a difference off the field as much doing their job in uniform. The encouraging thing is, we can all be that influence. We can all make a difference. We can all Perpetuate the Positive… and Be Part of the Good Sports Story.
So, here we go. Are you with me?