Between Innings - Balancing Fresh Ideas and Veteran Insights
Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act
This past weekend, while driving up north to visit my parents, I listened to Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act on Audible. Rubin talked about how beginners sometimes succeed by doing things differently simply because they aren’t tied down by the usual rules. He shared a story about AlphaGo, the AI developed by Google, which made a surprising move in a match against a Go master—a move no human would have made because it broke the norm. It got me thinking about ignorant or fresh types of innovation—the kind that happens when someone isn’t constrained by tradition.
"Between Innings" is my newsletter connecting baseball and business in a real, raw, and unapologetic way. It's about how my passion for the game has shaped me, the lessons I've taken to the business world, and the struggles and triumphs along the way. This is my journey. I'm aggressive, and I know that approach might not be for everyone, but it's authentic to me.
But there’s also wisdom driven innovation—the kind that comes from years of practice, knowledge, and understanding. Both are crucial. One challenges the status quo, while the other builds on wisdom to navigate challenges effectively.
One of the best examples of fresh innovation in baseball is when the Tampa Bay Rays used an “opener” instead of a traditional starting pitcher. They experimented and found success by asking, “Why not try something new?” This is what fresh innovation is about—questioning the way things have always been done. In business, this kind of thinking can be seen in startups like Uber or Airbnb. These companies ignored the old rules and redefined their industries.
Young professionals entering the workforce bring this fresh and ignorant perspective. They often question why things are done a certain way, and they aren’t afraid to try something different. That’s why it’s important to give them the freedom to experiment and make changes, instead of pushing them to conform immediately. Just like a rookie in baseball making a bold play, young employees need room to take risks.
On the other hand, experienced innovation relies on the knowledge that comes from years of doing something. After the Houston Astros' sign-stealing scandal, they needed stability. They hired Dusty Baker, a manager with decades of experience, to guide them. Dusty wasn’t there to reinvent everything—he was there to provide leadership, wisdom, and stability, which led them to a World Series win in 2022.
In business, companies that have been around for a long time also rely on experienced innovation. Apple’s move from the iPod to the iPhone wasn’t about taking a wild risk; it was a step forward based on years of understanding technology and consumer needs. This kind of innovation uses deep knowledge to make smart choices.
The best outcomes come when fresh innovation and experienced innovation work together. In baseball, it’s about the rookie who tries something bold and the veteran who guides them. In business, it’s about encouraging new hires to bring their ideas to the table, while also relying on experienced mentors to provide guidance.
A young professional might see an opportunity to improve efficiency or use new technology. A good company will let them lead a project, try things out, and see where it goes—while also providing support from experienced employees who know what pitfalls to avoid. This balance is where real progress happens.
Whether in baseball, business, or life, combining fresh perspectives with deep experience is key. It’s about having the courage to question what’s established, while also knowing when to rely on what has worked. It’s recognizing that both new ideas and time-tested wisdom are valuable.
The beauty of innovation lies in this balance—mixing the old with the new, the bold with the steady. When we make room for both, whether on the field or in the office, we find the true magic of progress.