Sports

The power of hustle.

I am happy to report I will be working at least 62 baseball games this summer. In my role as a broadcaster for high school baseball and as a public address announcer for a minor league baseball team, watching the great American pastime is a terrific lesson on how to perform at a high level at work and in life.

• Always hustle to first base
• Live in the moment – one at-bat at a time – let go of the past failure
• Keep an eye on the competition, but put in the reps necessary to be best prepared
• There will be players who showboat and bat flip when they homer. Their runs count just as much as the sluggers who expect positive outcomes and do it without the flash.
• Learn new pitches. Adjust your pace and location. Adding new skillsets will make you better at your job.
• The best teams count on each other to cover the base in critical times
• Focus on what you can control. Your actions. Your Attitude. Your Preparation.
• A tremendous coach is an advocate for the team.
• Learn from teammates with more experience
• Listen to the hitting coach, but find your authentic swing
• When choosing the soundtrack of your life, make sure you pick a banger of a walk-up song and enjoy the journey

Play ball!

Instant reaction to the first 90 minutes of the NFL draft with the Mel Kiper Jr. of Sioux City East High – Brayden Stafford

Big East Love letter – just in time for the madness of MSG

This past week, something amazing happened during the Marquette at Creighton basketball game in Omaha, Nebraska. A return visit to the broadcast proved what I thought I saw. On a glorious Saturday afternoon in March, continuous and beautiful basketball was played where no fouls were called. Additionally, no stopped clock whatsoever from 14:03 remaining in the first half until a timeout was signaled by Shaka Smart at 8:22. 341 seconds. No stoppages. No turnovers out of bounds. Just hoopin.’  Then, it happened again in the second half from 11:56 to 5:34.  388 seconds. Now, could there have been fouls called? Probably. Officials Greg Evans, Tim Clougherty and James Breeding did something that is rare in today’s game – they let them play for two teams in the Big East who traditionally do not foul. It was a direct contrast to other games I’ve seen where it turns into a free throw shooting contest and the best players are parked on the bench. If you’re a fan of beautiful basketball just like Dr. Naismith drew it up, this was it. Free flowing. Athletes doing their thing in front of a national broadcast on Fox TV. Buckets! Transition game. 7 foot 1 dudes gasping for air. It almost brought a tear to the eye.

Big East basketball, baby!

The experts like Joe Lunardi, Bert Torvik and others predict 5 teams will be dancing. I’d love to see seven squads. Villanova and St. John’s could prove as lethal to the favorites just like Ali Farokhmanesh back in the day bringing down blue blood Kansas in 2014. Of course, when it comes to Big East royalty, Nova and New York City’s Red Storm conjure up tough battles making the folklore of the league mysterious and powerful.

Then, we must chat about the team from Storrs. They have a real opportunity to repeat as back-to-back champions. That hasn’t been accomplished since Florida pulled off that feat in 2006. UConn’s roster is filled with dynamic playmakers who all can dazzle. Dan Hurley must watch tv. The league is better because of the Huskies. No doubt. To coin a SEC football brilliant slogan, hoops just mean more in the Big East. This was recently drilled home to me when I posted Coach Greg McDermott should be in the Top 20 finalists for Coach of the Year. About 10 minutes after I posted a reply to a list posted on X, I received a direct message from a UConn fan “Hey man saw you’re celebrating beating UConn in regular season game. Are you hanging a banner up next to your National Championship ones?”  Ouch. I loved it! A Midwestern Jays fan was receiving hate from the East Coast. Creighton has finally arrived. Opening salvos like this from Wichita or Carbondale don’t pack the same punch. When I visited the Big East tourney, I loved listening to the die-hards from UConn and Nova. It just means more.

I’d put the coaching fraternity of the Big East up there with any conference. Hurley, Mac, Smart (who also doubles as a defender on the court), Pitino in his all-white suit, Holloway, Neptune, Miller, English, Cooley (in re-build mode) and Thad Matta. Name a better group. And what pressure for DePaul to match those leaders in coaching this off-season. Optimistically, they can poach the surprise hot coach who always seems to surface after March Madness. If they can sell the dream of building the Blue Demons into a player in the league…a mighty task for sure.

The Big East tournament is far and away the cream of the crop for the conference championships. Elite playmakers, coaches that know exactly what the tendencies of the other team are and all of it inside the “world’s most favorite arena”! Gus Johnson, Tim Brando and Bill Rafferty add to the soundtrack of the event.  Can’t wait! Seeding is still up in the air for spots 2 through 9 with five leagues remaining on Saturday. Those match-ups will be appointment television at MSG.

We are never going back to the physical play of the bad boy Detroit Pistons in the 90’s. However, Big East hoops is as physical as it comes. On the court and in the direct messages.

Send them my way below in the comments section or @baldandwitty on X.

A Masterclass in coaching

As I pen this essay on a sunny and rather mild afternoon in the upper Midwest – a long two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to MLB spring training, I am hit with the stark realization of how much I love sports. It’s funny how certain memories stick out to me like a gaffe in miscommunication in the recent Lions vs. Niners NFC game. For some reason, I vividly remember my 8^th grade basketball coach looking at me directly in the eyes and saying “Enjoy this moment. Not all of you will be able to play for your high school teams. Give your all because you may not have the opportunity in the future.  Hustle. Live in the moment.”  Man, it’s like he KNEW I was going to get cut from the high school baseball, basketball and gold teams. He had a wicked knowledge or perhaps he saw my physical limitations.  That’s a discussion for another day. And another paragraph if you keep reading.

These past few months have been high drama in college football, the NFL, college basketball and volleyball. Sorry.  I am not counting the mid-season tournament in the NBA. I believe I’d rather watch televised pickleball. For all the chicanery of picking the final 4 teams in the CFP, those two games were masterpieces befitting a big national stage. In a day where big, televised events are few and far between, those two games delivered big ratings numbers and dominated chatter on X. 

Upon further review, this past month has fortified my respect for the CEO’s leading these teams into battle just like Jim Etter did for our spirited yet not so physically gifted 8^th grade basketball at Holy Cross Elementary in Omaha, Nebraska.

Here are some of the coaches that have stood out and why:

Matt Rhule – Although the games on the gridiron did not produce the kind of outcome Husker fans would cherish, it is fascinating to see him try to build a culture conducive to college football in 2024 and beyond. You would be hard-pressed to find major college programs with less attrition this off-season that good ole Nebraska U. With NIL and transfer portal, the fact (by my count) only 8 players have entered the portal.  The goal to create a “One of Us” mentality based upon a positive culture and growing the individual is a winning approach in today’s climate. It’s hard to replicate the will and desire of players like past stalwarts Grant Wistrom, the Peter boys and Suh…but this climate gives them a shot. You hope there is a big-picture mentality that will attract motivated talent to 10^th and Vine. As we have found out in the past week, that uphill battle may be easier than building a winner at the Carolina Panthers. The best thing about Rhule’s new boss is that he is unlikely to toss a drink at a fan. So, “Cheers” to that.

John Cook – It must be a blessing to have a coach who understands the playmakers and mental edge it takes to play at the next level in the office down the hallway in Lincoln. Cook and Alberts had a big dream in August. The team got better every week of the season until a road trip to Madison, Wisconsin. They fought adversity with the Krause injury while growing young players in a “With Each Other, For Each Other” atmosphere. At the end of the season, you can’t lose focus on the building blocks of those seven letter words “serving and passing”. Cook is smart.  He evaluates weaknesses with an eye to the future. It would have been easy to run it back without much change. The addition of Taylor Landfair from Minnesota will be interesting to watch. The best coaches embrace competition.  Now, the march to the Yum Center in Louisville for the 2024 Final Four will be without star middle blocker Ally Battenhorst as she chases a masters program and new challenges at USC. Cook the CEO will have a challenge to keep the chemistry of the team while adding new incoming talent.  If he can work his magic, a new 7 letter word will appear….WINNING

Kristen Bernthal Booth – Just down I-29, a leader in the sport has emerged at Creighton. Nebraska is a volleyball state and her role as president of the AVCA will be fun to watch. Cook and Bernthal Booth get it.  They know the power of the sport.  The tv ratings are up dramatically without many promos and sizlle from ESPN and ABC. Just imagine if the promoted this glorious sport with as much passion as the new Bachelor?  Bernthal Booth’s recent interview about building a culture where the volleyball player feels respected and loved is the kind of template that works. In a world of early portal exits and greener NIL deals down the highway, the upside of creating culture is key.

Creighton University basketball coach Greg McDermott is the man. I saw him speak at the Bishop’s Dinner in Sioux City back in 2017. It was clear he fits like a glove in Omaha and has the ability to make magic on the hardwood. The best aspect of his wizardry is how the team gets better as the calendar turns to February and March. Similar to the Tom Brady led Patriot juggernauts that peaked late in the year, it’s fun to see the improvement in key players from week to week. Two months ago, Steven Ashworth looked lost at times on the defensive side of the ball. Maybe it’s just Big East basketball, but he played even better after getting a cut over his eye against Seton Hall in the game of the year triple overtime thriller.  Alexander finds his sweet spot in the midrange – a shot that is quickly going away in D1 hoops. I don’t believe Ryan Kalkbrenner has reached his potential.  That’s a scary sentence for whoever they match up against in the big dance. As a society, we like to focus on the result. There’s a beauty in the development. EVERY year, the Jays show improvement over the course of the hoops season.  Now, that’s coaching.

I made a run at coaching an 8th grade basketball team in 2019…just like Jim Etter did for me in 1989. The teams they played against had a lot more experience and hoops knowledge. It was a thrill to see our team come together, out-hustle the competition and shock a few on the scoreboard too. Those hoopers are now getting ready for high school graduations where naysayers will put obstacles in front of them. I am heartened by the fact they can accomplish great things.  I saw it play out on the court.

I can’t wait to see how they will excel in life.

To me, diving for loose balls is always more fun than a 6 foot 7 all-star with a pretty jumper.

Give me the grit.

A LinkedIn Lesson from Husker Football

So, what do Husker football fans do on a FREE weekend without their beloved football team on the field? You hang out the Big Red N flag and cheer on the Volleyball team on Friday and Saturday night.  John Cook has built a great foundation for excellence and playing at the top of their potential at the sport that is the envy of coaches everywhere on the court…and beyond. 

Husker head coach Matt Rhule is trying to build that mindset 1.3 miles away at a football structure celebrating its 100 years of existence. Clearly, the program has seen better and days since 1970. I watch every snap.  Haven’t missed one play since I went to the movies with my buddies on October 25, 1986, and Colorado upset #3 Nebraska 20-10.  My parents had to be so disappointed in my fandom.  Although, 1986 was a great year for movies. So, not entirely my fault.  Blame Hollywood.  And John Hughes. I’m sure it was Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.  I saw that so many times.

Husker football has felt a bit like “Groundhog Day” over the past 2 decades, but there’s an interesting storyline coming out of Lincoln that goes beyond the wins and losses on the field.

Rhule along with Athletics Director Trev Alberts and the rest of the crew are trying to build a culture.

It reminds me of a CEO trying the re-store the name of a failing brand with a new bold strategy. I am here for it like a tv reporter trying to cover the groundbreaking ribbon-cutting with the local Chamber of Commerce. Here’s a dirty little secret with the re-build. It’s more exciting than what is revealed over 4 hours on a Saturday afternoon on the football field.

Here’s some interesting takeaways so far EARLY in this company re-boot of Husker football. I do not cover the team in person daily like the professionals.  I do have access to YouTube.

1. Control the narrative – The first 3 episodes of “GBRewind” on that platform give you unprecedented access to the program. If you are a 5-star recruit, after watching a few hours of this you will know what the general atmosphere is like and what is required to play. You see the great moments like locker room celebrations.  You also see a coach challenge a team that did not put its best foot forward against a top foe in Michigan.
2. What happens when you get kicked in the shins? – I love a good comeback story. The day after the blowout loss to Michigan is a perfect analogy to how the program FEELS right now. You can put your head down and dwell over mistakes or you make changes. This same mindset faces many Fortune 500 leaders when faced with the facts “standard operating procedure” just isn’t working anymore.
3. Live in the present – The goal of the team is to go 1-0 this week. Rhule even addressed the fanbase and media’s tunnel vision on season goals when really the focus should be on the next week.  If many fans and media are obsessed with “the big picture”, don’t you think it seeps into the headspace of players?
4. One of Us – Hey, sometimes the most talented people in your organization may not be aligned with your values.  Conversely, a person with high effort and undertalented can really buoy your workplace. Nebraska’s population is not necessarily built for college football empire building like those in Texas, Florida, Georgia, California, and Ohio. I find it interesting the impact this year by NEBRASKA homegrown talent like Haarberg, the Bullock boys, Reimer, Gifford and Fidone. (Yeah, I know…Fidone is from Council Bluffs – Omaha metro is closer than Florida.  I was rolling.)
5. Yup.  It takes talent too. – Recruit the best.  You need changemakers to be elite.  Just like in an organization, cast the employment net wide and far. Tapping into the intellect of Husker volleyball coach John Cook is wise. When looking for inspiration for your business, look at industry leaders to see if you can learn from them. You saw Cook talk to the team in “A Look N” YouTube series. I loved that!
6. You create your own energy – The best Husker teams (and companies) have self-starters that lead others to do their very best. Wistrom, Peter and Frazier were the Pigskin law firm that did the trick when I was enrolled at UNL. Who leads your energy crew at your work? If you depend solely on upper management, you probably have not inspired the workers well.
7. Have a motto that means something – For the Huskers it’s RDV. For Coch Rhule, an acronym for “Relentless, Disciplined and Violent”.  Yup.  Those three traits have been missing as of late. Having that as a rallying cry is a good reminder to reach potential. In a business sense it’s interesting to take the opposite of your biggest weakness.   If this blog was a massive business for this exercise.  Let’s see.  There needs to be more content.  Readerships as of now is about 100 and material is a bit all over the map.    Write. Tell. Focus.  WTF.  Ok, maybe that won’t work.
8. Focus on the internal   – There will be “haters” of your program and business.  You need to find the internal motivation to reach your own potential and that of the business.  You hear that mindset in some of the weekly pressers in Lincoln. What if you focused on making your business a go-to destination because of focused hard work with a driven workforce?  Naysayers will also be outside your house on your lawn. It takes courage to lead an organization. It’s easier to complain.  Especially, when you don’t really know what’s going on inside the house.
9. Credit those who do the right thing – Like I said, most of this is a guess because I am not covering the team locally.  Just hunches.  However, by all appearances, Jeff Sims is one great teammate.  He was the starting quarterback, got hurt and benched in favor of Heinrich Haarberg. In games I have seen, Sims is there by Haarberg’s side supporting him and doing so with a tremendous attitude. I remember a LONG Time ago when I got passed over for a promotion, my old boss at a former company gave me the best advice.  He said “ask why you didn’t get it and then work on those shortfalls so you will be in a better position when the job comes open again.  Then, help the guy that DID get the gig. That’s not easy coming in as an outsider and working with people that wanted that position. I’ve been there.”  Be like Jeff Sims.
10. Build a culture of joy – Building a football program and a winning company is a tough uphill climb. Embrace the challenge and infuse joy into the process.  Celebrate the wins. Smile while you strive to put forth a better version of yourself. Building a new culture is a grind.  Larry Morey knew this in 1937. Matt Rhule and the camera crew know it today in 2023. WWYW is not as catchy or intimidating as RDV. When the task is formidable, whistlin’ while you work is a good reminder this may take a while like another whistlin’ song by Guns and Roses.

Watch: “GBRewind” and “A Look N” on YouTube.

I’d love to hear what you think down below.

Tony “Michaels” Michalski

Author, Audio consultant, Autism Advocate