The fox and the hedgehog

I heard a good story the other day and, of course, I saw a baseball angle.  I wrote about a similar concept in a previous post which is linked HERE.

The fox and a hedgehog.  Here’s how it goes. (there are other variations as well)

A fox is wandering around the forest looking for some dinner and runs into a hedgehog.  The hedgehog instinctively curls up into a ball which sticks its spines outward and just sits motionless.  The fox, who is good at a lot of things but not

really great at any one thing, decides to go right at it and gets its nose pricked.  Because he is fairly quick, he decides to run around to the other side of the hedgehog and attack it from the other side.  Same result.  Because he is a pretty good digger, the fox then decides to dig a hole and attack the hedgehog from underneath.  Same result.  After feeling exhausted and frustrated, the fox gives up and leaves.  Eventually, the focused, patient hedgehog uncurls and goes about its day.

Analysis: The fox is good at a lot of things but not great at anything.  The hedgehog is terrible at most things but singularly great at surviving.    

Baseball connection:  So many players try to be good at all areas and end up not being great at anything.  The higher you go in the game, the more there is a need to be “great” or “best” in at least one thing. 

One thing every player should know is what their strength is in the game.  Is it running speed?  Arm strength?  A curveball?  Bunting ability?  What is the one area that stands out among others?

Find that area of the game and become GREAT or THE BEST at doing it.  Being good is fine but chances are high that others are good at those same things as well.  “Great” and “best on the team” always have value and therefore so will you.

Examples:

Ted Williams – ok arm, ok speed, ok defensively, BEST hitter ever.

John Kruk – bad body, poor speed, ok fielder, ok range, GREAT hitter.

Randy Johnson – couldn’t hit, bad runner, ok defensively, GREAT arm.

Pete Rose – ok arm, ok bat, ok speed, ok defensively, BEST competitor.

If you are not naturally gifted and good at many things, focus on being GREAT or BEST at something.