More Texas fun!

Tuesday was all about Tulsa Time! My friend and former colleague at KOTV, Terry Hood, interviewed me to get the word about my return and book signing at Steve’s Sundry that afternoon. I so enjoyed seeing several of my co-workers from my three years in Tulsa. Again, the archives tell quite the story — and certainly remind me of all the hard news stories I covered and the challenges of working in heat and cold, along with the serious nature of my beats including Education, City Hall and crime. What a contrast to my eventual world of Major League Baseball and the National Football League, but I am so grateful for those years.  Big Al Jerkens and Coach Pat Jones hosted me on The Sports Animal Tulsa talking about One on One, Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn and more. As for the TV evolution? Here is a little montage of my work in Tulsa 1988-1991.

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The post One on One Boys of Summer: MLB Giving Back – The Good Sports Story appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

No matter where a player or a team ended up, what controversies might have emerged, and the various story-lines we will remember (or forget), I believe it’s important to keep in mind how influential the players are on young people; specifically young athletes. Their influence stems from their performance on and off the field.

That is why for 15 years of interviewing athletes, I have not only explored their trials and tribulations, but how they’ve overcome obstacles and used their platforms. What has continued to impress me, is how much GOOD is happening with athletes. In 2010, when I published my book, I realized that what I had been doing all those years, was telling “The Good Sports Story.” Not that we didn’t address issues or mis-steps — we are all human — but always included the good aspects of their journeys, too.

In a series of segments from Public Eye, to the Positive, to Philosophy and Giving Back… please listen to these players and let them and others know if you appreciate their words and deeds. Let me know, too!

BACK STORY:

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The post One on One Boys of Summer: MLB Positive Focus appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

Listen now to several MLB players answer the question, and perhaps it will offer some insight to both how they approach life and the game, and maybe even get you thinking about your personal philosophy.

Along with my faith, two practical sayings have guided me since I was a child. My mother’s mantra: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And my father’s practical nature encouraged us to “Don’t wait. Anticipate.”

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Simple enough advice from the father of the great baseball player Tony Gwynn. But because Tony took that to heart, to the practice field and to every other place he could prepare and work at his craft of hitting — he not only was one of the most consistent hitters, the 15 time All Star earned 8 NL batting titles and 5 gold gloves,  among other awards, paving the road  into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Whether the players interviewed here received direct advice from Tony Gwynn at some point or not, each has his own story, his own lessons, his own advice to pass along.  I believe it’s important to ask the question and give players an opportunity to share. It’s up to us — and young people, and young players especially — to listen.

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The three are of David Brown along with his guide Roland Slade. Listen to how they work together to train and now compete.  Jeremy Campbell didn’t mention he was throwing the discus for the Paralympics — so I thought at first it was for the Olympics. It seems he doesn’t want the distinction, in some ways, and is determined to be in the Olympics in 2016 in Rio competing with what’s generally termed the able-bodied athletes.The person who set me straight on Jeremy’s status was Chris Clemens, competing in Track and Field. Jeremy’s story is incredible, too. Hint — he served his country and now he’s competing for the USA. Simply Amazing.

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Adrian has also been a good friend and supporter in my efforts off the field, participating in my Book Launch Charity event and being one of three special people (including Dave Roberts and Larry Lucchino) meeting fans and introducing me at a book talk and signing in Boston for the Great Fenway Park Writers Series. With all the demands on his time in Boston, he was loyal and thankful for how my work told his, his brother Edgar’s, and his family’s story over the years.

I share this especially for those who don’t know Adrian — yet — and who want to get to know him now that he’s with the Dodgers. Much has happened in the few years since he found a home at first base with his hometown Padres… and then with the Red Sox. Still, the chapter on him in my book and this excerpt below from the 2007 show at his parent’s home, offer insight into who he is, where he comes from, and his bigger picture perspective.

That he loved to watch Fernando Valenzuela growing up, along with Padres great Tony Gwynn, adds yet another special significance to his baseball journey. Enjoy… and even though you’re in the division rival Dodgers’ camp… welcome back west, Adrian. We’ve missed you.

Get the book on this website on the One on One Store page (signed copies available) or on amazon.com and bn.com

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Please share the site with your sports fan friends, young people you’d like to have hear from their “heroes”, or other athletes to show a mantra and mission to “Perpetuate the Positive. BE Part of the Good Sports Story.”

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