Top 8 life lessons learned from attending a Dodgers Game

After watching a great Dodgers game, here are 8 baseball strategies that I learned that can be applied to real life.

1. When there’s opportunity to steal a base, go for it.

   It is good to think about a step you will take in life. Caution and taking all angles of a decision is good. However, sometimes you have to take risks to get further in life. You can still be calculative and cautious, but that extra step/steal can get you to home plate.

2. Changing pitches is good.

   Having a set pattern is good, but it’s also good to throw in change. In baseball, if a pitcher kept throwing fast pitches or curve balls, the opponent would pick it up right away. A fast pitch, followed by a change up, followed by a fast pitch off of strike zone, can be the winning pitch combination.

3. There are multiple ways to get to home plate.

   There are many paths that lead to a successful life. It is important to find the right fit for you. Manny Ramirez might hit a home run, while Andre Ethier might go for a double. It might also depend on where you are in the game/life that can alter your path.

4. There’s occasional strikeouts, but comeback with a home run at the next bat.

   Even a professional baseball player strikes out. We all make mistakes. It’s not about trying not to make mistakes because they are an essential part of being human. Learn from it and come back spectacular.

5. Find the sweet spot.

   Former Dodgers pitcher Hideo Nomo was famous for fork ball pitches. He would find that spot like no other. Each pitcher, each hitter has their sweet spot. In life, everyone has to find what you are good at and you will excel.

6. Even when you are batting with two outs, two strikes and no balls, never give up.

   Persistence and hard work pays off.

7. Go for the double play.

   When opportunities arise where you can kill 2 birds with one stone go for it. Efficiency is key.

8. Even when your team loses, shake the opponents hands.

   Network and building positive relationships is key in getting forward in life. You never known when the opponents hand you are shaking will be your comrad.