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What it is all about......

Just got into a rain delay in a day game here in Lakeland, and for some odd reason, inspired to write a few words. The Flying Tigers are currently in last place in the North Division of the Florida State League with 2 games left in the 1st half. Come Thursday, we start 0-0 for the second half with a chance for the playoffs
Managing in the minor leagues can be frustrating at times. Lots of issues to deal with. Road trips, hotels, player moves, reports, and the rain and heat in Florida present their own issues as well. But this last month has been a bit of an epiphany for me. I have realized what it is all about. Guillermo Moscoso and Alfredo Figaro make their major league debuts in June, both of which pitched for me both the years I have managed. It is a thrill to see them in the big leagues and know that their dreams have come true. There is a feeling of accomplishment that I had a small part in helping them along the way. As well, Nick Franklin, from Lake Brantley High School, was taken in the 1st round by the Seattle Mariners in the June draft. Nick has been a private baseball student of mine for three years and to know that I had a small part in his development as a player, is incredibly gratifying. The dream of being a pro, a big leaguer, a first rounder, burns inside of all young players. And young players need advice and instruction to help them along the way. The smart ones are able to apply the information and let their talent shine. Mo, Figgy and Nick are all on their way to big careers and their dreams are becoming realities. All three have talent, no doubt. But more than that, they all share a love for the game and a desire to be the best at what they do. Dreams, desire and work ethic, with some talent, ordinary people can accomplish extra ordinary things. Figgy was my opening day starter in Oneonta, NY two years ago. Mo, pitched a perfect game for me that same season in 2007 and Nick has busted his tail to refine his game to be taken with the 27th pick overall! What a thrill for me to see those guys having success. It is what it is all about. It is not about me, it is about them. It is very easy to get caught up on personal issues and money you didn't or haven't made. Money, success, and all that mess comes and goes. But the impact that we as coaches and instructors can have on player's lives is something that cannot be measured. To hear the euphoria in the voice of Nick's dad on draft day when I called to congratulate was priceless. To see Figgy get his first big league win on Saturday and the smile on his face was unforgettable. To see Mo, pitching for the Texas Rangers, when he barley made a team two years ago, is a thrill. So, it is easy to feel sorry for myself being in last place. Financially, not where I want to be in life. But, to know that I have the power to impact lives is a treasure that I will cherish the rest of my days. It is not about wins and losses. Championships are special, no doubt, but being a part of dreams coming true is something else. Until next time…...

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Comment by Kyle Grucci on July 1, 2009 at 7:23pm
Great post, Andy. It's very cool to be able to feel a sense of accomplishment and be truly happy for someone else. As for the season, forget about the first half and take it one game at a time. After a bad first half myself, I plan to do exactly that!
Comment by ted smith on July 1, 2009 at 7:32pm
Andy,
Came across your blog and noticed The Flying Tigers. My uncle was an original Flying Tiger and shot down and lost his life in China. Wondered if any connection. Also know that Nick signed with Auburn as did my son but sure Nick will be going pro. I wish him luck.
Ted
Comment by Mike Henzley on July 2, 2009 at 6:50am
Nice piece. thanks.
Comment by Mark Chesshir / NBTA on July 2, 2009 at 8:03am
Great post Andy! As a trainer it is so fulfilling to see players get to their next level of play...and so gratifying. You may not reap the financial rewards as you deserve, but being a mentor and a faithful friend is worth more than a pot of gold. Keep up the great work!
Comment by Bill Stanton on July 2, 2009 at 12:15pm
Andy- Great stuff as always.

What are some of the biggest adjustments you see players having to make as they go from high school or college to pro ball? You don't have to answer here, that could be your next blog. :-)
This is great insight you provide. Thanks!
Comment by Kyle Grucci on July 2, 2009 at 12:47pm
Somewhat related to your current post... When did you realize that you can get just as much satisfaction being/succeeding as a coach v.s. a player? I suppose it partly has to do with how much success you have. Look at Gabe Kapler... he retired to manage in the minors for a bit and then decided he still wanted to play. Just as Bill mentioned, this could be yet another blog post as I'm sure you have some interesting thoughts on it.

Thanks!
Comment by Andy Barkett on July 2, 2009 at 2:19pm
Thanks for all the comments. Yes, The Flying Tigers name is in honor of the WW II squadren. As a matter of fact, our Spring Training complex used to be an Army base during the War. The dorm at Tiger Town used to be the barracks and so on. Pretty cool stuff. To answer one of the questions below, this past winter, when a couple of my players got added to the 40 man roster and they called and or mentioned my name in interviews and such, I realized that we as instructors can really make a difference in their lives. Pretty cool stuff....
Comment by Tom Hagerty on September 24, 2009 at 2:30pm
Andy, speaking of having the power to impact lives, this season I saw you on several occasions before Flying Tigers games take time to talk to kids, especially those with handicaps or special needs. From their faces I could tell the few moments you spent with them went a long way toward making them feel special. I know it's not part of your job, and no one could fault you if you felt you were too busy preparing for a game, but that you do so shows a character and integrity that I greatly admire.

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