Between Innings - From Good to Great

Greatness is where talent, mindset, and effort come together.

Here’s the thing—everyone’s got an opinion about success, leadership, and how to rise to the top. But in Between Innings, I’m not here to serve up the same worn-out business platitudes. This is about cutting through the noise, getting real about what it takes to move from mediocrity to greatness, whether you’re on the field or in the boardroom. The hard truth is, no one hands you greatness—you have to earn it. And let me be clear: it’s not about talent alone. It’s about mindset, it’s about effort, and it’s about making the tough calls when others are comfortable sitting on the sidelines. My take? Leadership isn’t about holding hands—it’s about pushing yourself and others to face uncomfortable truths, to grow beyond what’s easy, and to go after what you really want. So if you’re just looking for another person with an opinion, you’ll find that here—but it’s an opinion that’s going to challenge you, call you out, and get you to think differently about how you approach your own path to greatness.

"Between Innings" is my newsletter connecting baseball and business in a real, raw, and unapologetic way. It's more than just insights—it's a pep talk, my inner dialogue as I navigate the struggles and triumphs. I'm sharing my perspective—what's worked for me, and what hasn't. It's about how my passion for the game has shaped me, the lessons I've carried into the business world, and the journey I'm still on. I'm aggressive, and I know that approach might not be for everyone, but it's authentic to me.

People don’t get to just claim greatness. It’s not a title you give yourself—it’s something others recognize in you first. For me, I know I’m good at what I do. Have I hit greatness? Maybe not yet. But what I do know is I’m damn good at spotting potential in others, even when they don’t see it in themselves. And that’s where leadership comes in—helping them recognize it, and showing them how to make it happen.

Take the case of a player who’s stuck in mediocrity. Maybe they’ve got the talent, but they’re just going through the motions, doing the bare minimum. A leader’s job isn’t to babysit—it’s to challenge that person, push them to see beyond their current limits. But here’s the catch: the player has to want it. You can lead, you can guide, but if they don’t choose to step up, they’ll stay stuck.

An average player? They’re consistent. They show up, they’re reliable, but that’s it. If they don’t believe they can do more, then they won’t. It’s like that .250 hitter—they’re content just not striking out. A coach might point out a small adjustment—a change in their stance, better timing—but ultimately, the player has to commit. They have to trust that they can improve and then put in the work. The same goes in any job. Leaders can lay out the plan, but the person has to decide they want to walk that path.

When someone realizes their potential, they start to move from average to good. That’s the first big step, but it’s also where most people stop. Being good feels comfortable. It’s safe. The thing is, greatness isn’t comfortable. The real difference between someone who’s good and someone who’s great? It’s mindset. Great players don’t settle for just being good. They’re driven—they see their own potential and know they can do more. And when the pressure’s on, they want the ball in their hands. That’s something no coach or boss can force. The opportunity will be there, but the decision to rise up? That’s on the player.

Greatness is when talent, mindset, and effort come together. Great players, great people—they see what’s possible for themselves and they chase it. They’re not just in it for the recognition or the reward. It’s about something deeper—a belief in what they can achieve. And when they get to that point, the role of a leader shifts. It’s not about pushing anymore—it’s about showing them the final level: elite. But again, the leap to elite? That’s their decision. Elite performers don’t just play the game, they change it. They inspire others, lead by example, and leave a lasting mark.

So yeah, leadership is more than just pushing someone to climb the ranks. It’s about helping them see their own potential, giving them the tools, and showing them what’s possible. But the drive, the hunger to be better? That’s got to come from them. Whether it’s on the field or in the office, people have to believe in their own growth, and they’ve got to do the work. That’s how you go from mediocre to average, from good to great, and eventually, from great to elite.