Last week, a reputable commentator said the “blood” on Curt Schilling’s sock in the 2004 World Series was actually paint. He later retracted his story, and admitted he assumed something he shouldn’t have assumed.
So, why the fuss?
Because of the commentator’s original story, many people were willing to believe that Schilling actually tried to deceive baseball fans by painting his sock. They were willing to believe he was trying to give the impression he was doing something far greater on the mound than he actually was doing.
It seemed so illogical to me when I first heard the “paint“ story. After all, how can a pitcher know how long he’ll actually be in the game, and how well he really will do? And, how can he get the “paint” to continually ooze through the sock giving the appearance of blood? And, even if he could, why would he do it?
Also, since the sock is in the Hall of Fame, wouldn’t that be risky knowing it could easily have been checked out? So, again, I ask, “Why the fuss?” Why were people willing to believe the worst in Schilling?
For whatever reason, people in the media believe Schilling is a self-promoter, and is not beyond distorting the facts in his favor. Whether that’s true, or not, I really don’t know. But, here’s my take on it.
Reputation is crucial in what people believe. For example, as soon as Schilling heard that one of his teammates “said” the blood was paint, he knew his teammate never said that. How could he be so certain when he wasn’t there? Because he knew his teammate. He knew he was a man of truth, and he believed in their friendship.
The reason so many people ran with the story about the sock last week is because Schilling apparently does not have that same reputation among the press. Consequently, he was found guilty at mere hearsay.
Building the right reputation is important. It might even help people believe the best in you when “facts“ might point otherwise.
That was My Turn.
Now, it’s Your Turn.
If you wish, leave a comment on how you see it.
- Wes -
So, why the fuss?
Because of the commentator’s original story, many people were willing to believe that Schilling actually tried to deceive baseball fans by painting his sock. They were willing to believe he was trying to give the impression he was doing something far greater on the mound than he actually was doing.
It seemed so illogical to me when I first heard the “paint“ story. After all, how can a pitcher know how long he’ll actually be in the game, and how well he really will do? And, how can he get the “paint” to continually ooze through the sock giving the appearance of blood? And, even if he could, why would he do it?
Also, since the sock is in the Hall of Fame, wouldn’t that be risky knowing it could easily have been checked out? So, again, I ask, “Why the fuss?” Why were people willing to believe the worst in Schilling?
For whatever reason, people in the media believe Schilling is a self-promoter, and is not beyond distorting the facts in his favor. Whether that’s true, or not, I really don’t know. But, here’s my take on it.
Reputation is crucial in what people believe. For example, as soon as Schilling heard that one of his teammates “said” the blood was paint, he knew his teammate never said that. How could he be so certain when he wasn’t there? Because he knew his teammate. He knew he was a man of truth, and he believed in their friendship.
The reason so many people ran with the story about the sock last week is because Schilling apparently does not have that same reputation among the press. Consequently, he was found guilty at mere hearsay.
Building the right reputation is important. It might even help people believe the best in you when “facts“ might point otherwise.
That was My Turn.
Now, it’s Your Turn.
If you wish, leave a comment on how you see it.
- Wes -
2 comments:
Wes,
I had the pleasure of interviewing Curt a couple of years ago. That article is on my website masterpitching.com. He admitted to being obnoxious and arrogant when he came up to the big leagues.
What I found was one of the most thoroughly prepared pitchers in the game. He is articulate and went out of his way to talk to me.
This quote from the article mentioned above gives some insight.
Schilling then gave me his key to greatness when he said, "It comes down to taking responsibility." He explained, "One of the things with preparation is, when guys prepare and people understand that they are putting time and effort into it, it sets them up for failure, and there are no excuses. If you put time and effort into a game and you go out and lose, now you can't blame anybody else. A lot of people like to have that cushion; well, I didn't know, or I didn't know he could do this, blah, blah, blah."
Curt is not afraid to take responsibility and to express his honest opinions.
This runs counter to our culture's tendency to make excuses and to shade the truth. This coupled with some reporter's thirst for sensationalism without thorough investigation would create the environment where catching Curt with the bloody sock story would be irresistable.
To me Curts reputation is one of taking responsibility for his actions with diligence and honesty. I am glad that the truth of this story quickly came out and that Curt's reputation is verified.
Geoff Zahn
Hey Geoff, great to hear your take on the Curt Schilling incident. How I remember our talks long ago when you were pitching in the big leagues. You were one of the ball players who used your head as much as your arm to great success.
I appreciate how you brought out that Schilling takes responsiblity for his actions.
Unfortunately, we the public have a tendency to jump on the sensationalism of a story, even if it doesn't really make a lot of sense. Perhaps it's all part of our thirst for entertainment, sometimes at the expense of someone else.
I agree, it's good the truth came out fast. Perhaps, in the long run, this will help the media who have an ax to grind against Schilling own up to their own shortcomings in reporting.
Oh well, I sure don't have to look beyond myself to know this is an imperfect world, and will continue to be so until the Lord returns to set up His kingdom.
Again, Geoff, thanks for your comment.
- Wes -
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