Monday, October 07, 2024
Monday Inspiration - Charlie Hustle
Coaching in most sports these days has a very intense focus on something called a mindset. Nobody is really sure what that is and how it works, but way back in the 1960's one baseball player had it figured out as well as anybody. He revealed his secret in the title of his 2019 autobiography called "Play Hungry".
Peter Edward Rose only knew one way to play the game - all out, all the time - and earned the nickname of "Charlie Hustle".
Rose played professional baseball for 24 years, accumulating 4,256 hits - the highest total ever in the history of baseball. He was obsessed with winning, playing for three World Series Championship teams, he was an all-star 17 times, and he won Rookie of the Year and MVP awards. He defied the unwritten rules of baseball by running to first base when he was walked, and he outright owned the head-first sliding style that became his trademark. He hit at least .300 in sixteen seasons, he played more games (3,562) than any other player, and had more at-bats (14,053) as well.
He summed up his success by saying "You make your own skill by working harder and trying harder than anyone."
Today's athletes would do well by emulating the work ethics displayed by Pete Rose.
Rose passed away in Nevada on September 30, 2024 at the age of 83, from a heart condition.
But, unfortunately, the story does not end here - you might have noticed that I did not mention that Pete Rose was a member of the Baseball Hall Of Fame.
To baseball players and fans, the HOF is one level above heaven, and in 1989 Major League Baseball declared Pete Rose to be permanently ineligible - it was found that he had bet on baseball games while he was playing and managing with the Cincinnati Reds.
So the controversy rages on - one of the most accomplished baseball players EVER is not in the Hall Of Fame. You had a great run Charlie Hustle and thanks for the inspiration, but rules are rules.
Have a great week everyone!
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Michael Gauthier
Owner, Pickleball Strokes
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