leadership: does it matter that much?

[Thedatch]

was watching baseball tonight and they were saying that they yankees were missing guys like Sheffield and Bernie Williams because they were vocal leaders in the clubhouse, got people together and said: step up!

so how much do you think that matters? I mean do these guys really need a "talking to" like a bunch of kids? don't you think they know what's at stake?

I don't buy it, but what do you guys think?

[Rockin Robin]

I think that it absolutely makes a difference in many clubhouses. A leader to keep everybody's head level, to keep egos in check. It's one of the intangibles that give a club an edge.


What does your signature mean??

[Thedatch]

it means nice to meet you! :)

and I understand the keeping ego's in check argument, I think that makes sense. but say in the case of the yankees where they are losing, do you think a "firm talking to" would help them get back on track?

[milky_way]

I can see them mentioning Sheff, but Bernie Williams a vocal leader???? Bernie barely said anything, and if he did he whispered it. Bernie was a lead-by-example guy, which is the most effective type of leader there is.

Keeping egos in check and all that rah-rah stuff is what the manager is for. IMO good leadership is much like good chemistry: it's really just a different way of saying that a team is winning. If a player/team's failure was due to lack of effort, then maybe a lack of leadership should be taken into consideration. But 99% of failure in baseball is not due to lack of effort.

I really don't put much stock into 'leadership'.

[Rockin Robin]

...in the case of the yankees where they are losing, do you think a "firm talking to" would help them get back on track?

I hope not!!! :tongue:



Actually, yes, I think it would help. Certainly couldn't hurt.

[Thedatch]

I can see them mentioning Sheff, but Bernie Williams a vocal leader???? Bernie barely said anything, and if he did he whispered it. Bernie was a lead-by-example guy, which is the most effective type of leader there is.

Keeping egos in check and all that rah-rah stuff is what the manager is for. IMO good leadership is much like good chemistry: it's really just a different way of saying that a team is winning. If a player/team's failure was due to lack of effort, then maybe a lack of leadership should be taken into consideration. But 99% of failure in baseball is not due to lack of effort.

I really don't put much stock into 'leadership'.

I knew I wasn't alone :thumbsup: and they mentioned jeter as a guy who leads by example, which I understand. Not sure why bernie was mentioned as a vocal leader but...

[milky_way]

Here's another question: what does it mean to "lead by example"?

Anyone who plays hard technically leads by example. And that's most of major league baseball. hmmmm...

[Thedatch]

Here's another question: what does it mean to "lead by example"?

Anyone who plays hard technically leads by example. And that's most of major league baseball. hmmmm...

I suppose there is a tendency when you are slumping to maybe give up a little? stop running out the pop ups or ground outs, etc etc. Leading by example I guess is showing that you should give it your all, no matter what the situation, whether it's running out a ground ball, just to put more pressure on the defense.

[milky_way]

Perhaps, although I suspect most major league players run hard and play hard 9 out of 10 times.

I think 'lead by example' is the term attached to players who are neither strong leaders nor bad leaders. Therefore they are labeled with the amazing power of being able to lead inadvertently.

Just a thought :D

[Rockin Robin]

Perhaps, although I suspect most major league players run hard and play hard 9 out of 10 times....

Unfortunately, I disagree. So many guys phone it in way too often.