We sometimes forget, and maybe for good reason, that spectator sports, like other forms of entertainment, have the potential to inspire, and even instruct, its audience, and thus serve a purpose that transcends the momentary thrill. This is not the norm, and especially not for New Yorkers. The Knicks and Yankees of the mid- and late-90s provided us with a steady diet of greatness, even if on the receiving end of Michael Jordan’s heroics. Last night, New Yorkers were treated to a throwback from that bygone time.
The moment was in the bottom of the 8th inning of the Yankees-Twins playoff game, inside a dome filled to capacity with cheering Minnesotans, the Yankees leading by just one run, no outs and the tying Twin runner on second. High bouncing ground ball down the middle where Derek Jeter, despite the pressure of the moment, the length of time that the ball takes to drop, despite the adverse crowd noise, has the presence of mind to throw home – counter to what would have been instinctive infield play – right on target as the running Twin was heading for the score.
And it does not end there. Jorge Posada, facing the same pressure, the same split-moment decision, and the same no-margin for error execution, rifles a perfect strike to A-Rod at third base, where the sliding Twin is tagged for a critical out and the clinching moment of the game and series. Done.
Perfect defense, perfect composure, perfect teamwork. Forget the home runs and sensational highlight reels, this was professionalism at its finest.
In this column more typically dedicated to matters entrepreneurial, financial, or market related, I feel it is important to pay homage to the Jeter/Posada/Rodriguez trio, because moments of such high professionalism, such presence of mind and competence, such unshakable focus, can always serve as an example to entrepreneurs and other risk takers. In a market that, almost this whole decade, seems to have lost composure at multiple times and in various ways – both in the upside and the downside – it is a welcome scene to witness cool perfection. And in an era marked by frantic pace, especially in the emerging media sectors, it is inspiring to see professionals rise to the occasion and above the pressure… and execute flawlessly.
Lawyers, doctors, teachers, engineers, athletes, are not the only professionals. Entrepreneurs, investors, and other risk takers, are professionals too. Let us take this moment, colleagues, to reflect upon the beauty of a job well done.
