SPORTS June 18, 2007 Issue

BASEBALL PROFESSIONAL SHARES SOME LIFE-LESSONS

PETE PACIOREK

I THINK I'VE LEARNED more about the fundamentals of baseball—and about myself—since I stopped playing and took up coaching. There's nothing more satisfying than helping to instill a strong work ethic and high moral fiber into players of all ages.

When coaching people of faith, I've gone even further, making the point that God can play a key role in their development on and off the field. I've suggested that whatever they're doing—whether attempting to hit a 90-mile-an-hour fastball, job-hunting, running a business, parenting, flying jet aircraft, painting portraits, or engaged in any other occupation—God-based principles play a vital part in their success and well-being.

One of the topics that regularly comes up for discussion is perfectionism. Because athletes train so hard, they often feel overwhelmed with the need to be perfect. They're actually afraid of not adding up—just not being good enough. I explain that it took me almost my entire career as a professional athlete to overcome my fear of failure. And I didn't win until I began to step up to the plate with God, fully appreciating that He alone could restore my confidence and sense of peace.

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