Strategize with the Big Picture In Mind

Earl Weaver, former manager of the Baltimore Orioles, had a rule that no one could steal a base unless he gave the steal sign.

This ruling upset Reggie Jackson, who felt he knew the pitchers and catchers well enough to judge when he could steal.

One day he decided to steal without a sign. He got a good jump off the pitcher and easily beat the throw to second base.

As he shook the dirt from his uniform, he smiled with delight, feeling he had vindicated his judgment.

Weaver later took Jackson aside and explained why he hadn’t given the steal sign. The next batter was Lee May, a major power hitter. Because first base was open, the opposing team intentionally walked May.

The batter after May hadn’t been strong against this pitcher, so Weaver had to send in a designated hitter. That left their team without the bench strength they might have needed later in the game.

Jackson had seen a stolen base as involving only the relationship between pitcher and catcher. Weaver was calling signals with the entire game in mind.

Are you taking shortcuts, or are you playing the game with the whole picture in mind?