I’m reading Dan John’s latest book, 40 Years With a Whistle: Life Lessons From the Field of Play. I like Dan and I really enjoy his writing. One chapter in particular—Chapter 8: Achieving a Goal versus Achieving Success—struck a chord with me, so I want to reflect on Dan’s message and share my take. Humor me.
Achieving a goal vs. achieving success
Dan writes that achieving a goal and achieving success aren’t the same. My life is full of goals I’ve hit: earning an athletic scholarship to play college baseball; building a career that pays the bills and doesn’t make me want to smash my head against a brick wall; finding a life partner who fulfills my love tank; and yes, getting the perfect abs.
Conversely, there are goals I never reached: playing professional baseball (so close); asking out Nicole Kot; becoming the third member of the “Bash Brothers.” The core idea of Dan’s chapter is that many of our high points in life aren’t about accomplishing a single goal—whether realistic or far-fetched. They come from soaking in life’s ongoing successes.
Here are my top 10 moments in sport (and a few life moments):
1) 1996–97 – Named Team (Pitching) MVP
Not many kids from Groton, NY reach the high school level I did. I played two years of JUCO baseball at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, which had a highly competitive program. I chose a community college to maximize playing time early on. I was named the team pitching MVP in both my freshman and sophomore years. That mattered a lot, given many teammates came from bigger schools, while I was a small fish in a big pond.
2) April 25, 1996 – OCC: 9, MCC: 1
Our league rival at OCC was MCC. I started that day nervous. The first pitch I threw was lined for a single to right. I then tore the back of my pants. I went on to pitch a complete game, earning a decisive 9–1 win. It was a good day.
3) 2017 – 600 lb Deadlift
Technically, this counts as a goal, but the real kicker is I hit this lift after turning 40 and during my first year as a father.
4) 2006 – Being Intentionally Walked in a Beer-League Slow-Pitch Softball Game
When Eric Cressey and I were trainers in Ridgefield, CT, we joined a local slow-pitch softball team. Eric batted lead-off and I batted fourth. In Game 1 of the best-of-three series I was intentionally walked in… slow-pitch softball, no less. We ended up losing in the third game, but the moment will live on. My grandchildren will hear about this for generations.
5) ~1984 – Unassisted Triple Play in a Kickball Game
Fifth grade recess. I was playing in the outfield behind second base when a liner was kicked my way. I caught it in mid-air (Out #1), stepped on second base (Out #2), then threw to retire the runner at first (Out #3). Not today, motherfucker. I was king for a day.
6) 2019: This Past Sunday – Julian Displaying His Rap Skills
Mommy was away on a weekend trip. Early Sunday morning, Julian and I had a few hours before gymnastics class. I turned on the Sonos, KRS-One came on, and Julian riffed along. Proud daddy moment.
7) 2008 – Striking Out 20 Batters in an Over-30 Baseball League Game
I joined an over-30 league as we were growing Cressey Sports Performance. I tried out for the Framingham Orioles and felt I was throwing harder than in college. That year I had moved in with my then-girlfriend; she broke up with me, and I used that heartbreak in a big game, striking out 20 and allowing one hit. Heartbreak, rage, and the right focus can unlock a strong performance.
8) 1995 – Passing My Driver’s License on the Third Attempt
Three tries to pass. The third time I nailed it.
9) 2015 – Not Flubbing My First Dance
Lisa and I married in May 2015. We hired a choreographer for our first dance and practiced weekly, plus plenty of home “flash rehearsals.” We crushed it on the big night.
10) 1995 – Hitting a Home Run Off a Future First-Round Draft Pick
In 1994 our varsity team reached the Section IV Finals against Matt Burch of Edison High. In 1995, I faced Matt again in the IAC All-Star Game. Batting second, I worked the count to 2–2, swung with my eyes closed, and somehow connected for a home run. I called my coach right after the game.
In closing, here’s a line from Dan’s piece: If you’re chasing only goals, I might not always be able to help. Your DNA, discipline, and luck might matter more than two sets of five. But true success? I’ve always valued health, fitness, longevity, and performance as part of my life. What you see on my list spans six decades of competition, but the trophies pale beside the friendships, the love, and the fun. And I didn’t need my AK.
