Second Inning: Play all Nine

In the first inning we learned the importance of not letting one bad pitch, inning, or game ruin our season. This inning is an extension of that – not giving up too soon and not getting comfortable in what appears to be an easy win.

Nine innings includes 54 outs, hundreds of pitches, and dozens of plays. Thinking at the bottom of the first inning that you don’t have a chance to come from behind is a mistake. One Little League team overcame a 13 pint deficit at the bottom of the sixth inning (Little League plays 6 innings) to come back and win the game. In the Major’s, just a few years ago the Colorado Rockies scored nine runs in the bottom of the 9th to win 12-9 over the St. Louis Cardinals. You can read about it HERE.

Stories of comebacks in other sports are no less rare of impressive. Greg LeMond was the first American cyclist to win the Tour de France in 1986. In 1987, he was accidentally shot in the back while Turkey hunting. He had buckshot in his heart, lungs and other organs. In 1989, he returned to win the Tour de France even though he had a 50 second deficit on the last day. He won again in 1990.

Mohammad Ali was floored in the 15th round the first time he battled Joe Frazier. He came back to beat Frazier in 1974 by a unanimous vote and again in Manilla when Frazier could not continue when the 15th round bell sounded. Comebacks can happen, even in the 9th inning.

Of course, the reverse is also true. The St. Louis Cardinals lost, even with a 6 point lead at the bottom of the 9th inning. Certainly, the cyclists that were ahead of Greg LeMond, felt pretty good with a 50 second lead. And Joe Frazier, one of the greatest boxers of all time, certainly felt he could beat Ali again in the ring.

The lesson in this inning is obvious. It ain’t over till it’s over. Whether you are struggling to complete your workout of choice, keep your eating plan on track or simply keep your life on schedule, take head. Anything can happen, and that’s why the game has nine innings. If the outcome was certain, we could all pack it up and go home after the first inning.

Don’t become too discouraged by an apparent loss, and don’t get too comfortable with a certain win. A change of pitcher – work – family or stress can work in your favor or it can work against you. Life can change the whole game. You never know what the other team has up its sleeve.

Playing all nine is synonymous with doing your best, even when defeat – or victory – seems certain. It is the mindset of a winner, who knows that losing an inning, a game, or even a season doesn’t mean much when looking ahead to the next year.

Make a commitment to yourself to finish your game, whether it's a workout program, healthy eating plan or both. Stay with it the whole nine innings and see the result!