Third Inning: SWING!

It was 10 year old Devon’s, first season of Little League Majors. Being the youngest, he was facing pitchers and players two years older and 20 pounds heavier. Being a smart, if not big, kid, he decided to play it safe. He knew that even with more experience than he had, many of the pitchers couldn’t throw consistent strikes. If he didn’t swing at any pitch, maybe he would get lucky and get walked.

His first time at bat, it worked. After three balls and two strikes, the pitcher threw a fourth ball for a walk. He was on base! Devon even managed to score a run when the batter after him his a home run.

His strategy was such a success the first at bat, he decided to try it again the next time he was up. This time, he made it to a full count again, but the sixth pitch was called a strike. He was out. Still, he was one for two for getting on base.

The next inning went the same – he stood there as three straight strikes flew right by him. He was out again. Still, scoring a run in his first Little League Majors game wasn’t too bad, was it?

After the game, the coach went over each player’s batting average. Devon was a little surprised when the Coach read his name out loud and said, “Zero.” Zero? How could it be zero? Hadn’t he scored a run? The Coach noticed his confusion and the hurt in his eyes so he pulled the boy aside. “Coach,” said Devon, “I don’t understand. How do I have zero?’

“Son,” the Coach said softly, “you have to swing to get a hit.”

You have to SWING to get a hit. You have to take risks to get to where you want to be. To really make things happen, you have to get a hit. To get a hit, you have to swing
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What does this say to those of us trying to get in shape, lower our cholesterol, eat healthier or lose weight? It tells us that it isn’t going to be easy. We can’t skate through without some effort.

Get up 30 minutes earlier so there is time to go for a walk. Eat a good breakfast. Take time to learn new ways of cooking and eating. Go to bed at a reasonable hour. Research ways to improve your health online and in books. Get regular check-ups. These are just a few of the things we can swing in order to meet our goals.

Not a single Major League Ball Player got there without pushing themselves to be a better player. It’s important that you keep putting in the effort to keep your edge. Try a new workout, take a cooking class, start a healthy reading book club in order to challenge yourself. Just continue to SWING!

Swing it out of the park!