Every player on a team has a role. Whether you are the everyday guy, the pinch runner, the bullpen arm, or the ace of staff, your role on the team can help define the team’s ability to win on the field. You may get frustrated at times when you aren’t seeing enough playing time or feel deep inside that you are better than those who are on the field. Don’t let the negative thoughts take over. Find ways to be impactful no matter what your role is.
Take Terrance Gore for example. Gore has played in the major leagues for eight years for a variety of teams… the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and now New York Mets. Over his eight year career, Gore has had only 79 plate appearances in 107 games. You may ask yourself “well why does he matter?”. In those 107 games Gore has stolen 47 bases. Terrance Gore has embraced his role as a pinch runner. He has utilized his plus speed to make a name for himself. So much so that he has won THREE World Series rings in his eight year career. Teams go to Gore when the playoffs are on the horizon and they need that speed threat on the bases. Gore has a chance to do it all again this year with the New York Mets.
Gore has found a way to make himself a difference maker even with limited playing time and so can you. How do you do that? As Gore states, take pride in what you do. It can be easy to focus on the negative aspects to your game or to constantly think you aren’t good enough. Taking the time to focus on what you are good at can be the difference maker in your career, no matter what level you take your game to. Owning what you are good at and being proud of it can not only help yourself stay in a positive mindset, but it can help your team find more success. Finding acceptance
There are many others out there like Gore in the major leagues, at the college level, and even guys in the minor leagues trying to figure out how to utilize their tools to the best of their ability. As much as it is on players to brace their role, coaches can play a significant role in helping players accept the roles they play:
- Defining Roles: A way to make sure that your player is willing to accept his or her role is to clearly define it. That means each player on the team knows what is expected of him or her each day. Gore knows what his defined role is on the team and he goes out there every single day trying to perfect his craft.
- Appreciating Roles: After you define a role for a player, make sure the player always knows how much you appreciate what they do for the team each and every day. Sometimes we can forget all the parts that help keep a team glued together. Make sure you are acknowledging each individual for what they contribute to the team.
Embracing your role can not only help you have pride in what you do, but can help you be the ultimate teammate. Having that pride helps you bring an attitude to the field that your teammates want to be around every single day. Perfect your craft, whatever it may be.
