Article May 19, 2014 ISSUE

All-star thinking and acting

Lois Herr

Have you ever watched a baseball game and seen how the pitcher intently leans in toward the catcher to pick up the signal for the next pitch? Sometimes he gives a quick little head-shake that says, “No.” Then he leans in again, looking for a different signal. If it still doesn’t feel right, he will give another authoritative “No.”

Pitchers have to make immediate decisions about a catcher’s suggestions. Catchers will advise, but it’s always the pitcher’s call when it comes to deciding which signal to act on. When a signal finally comes that the pitcher can agree with, he will straighten up, set himself, and throw the baseball with full commitment.